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The "Kadimah" is the home to significant Artworks of a commemorative and expressionistic nature, classified by the National Trust (Victoria) as of State significance. The Vienesse born - Melbourne sculptor Karl Duldig's art work for the "Kadimah", was completed in 1972 and includes The Kadimah Emblem, a bronze relief whose pictorial image can be seen on the front web page. It encompasses the books, which symbolise the library and literary pursuits, whilst the lyre symbolises the musical and artistic cultural spheres of the institution.
The ceramic bas-relief sculpture 'The Great Awakening', on the front facade of the "Kadimah" building, is a particularly fine example of Duldig's unique technique in this medium. This sculpture symbolises both the physical and spiritual representation of man earthbound, but aspiring upwards towards the infinite.
The principal light, the eye, guides man and creates the dramatic tension towards which everything else focuses.
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In the bottom left window the 'Flowers and the Star of David' features the blossoming of a new life and the emergence of the luminous glow. The Jewish star high in the skies, ascends again to freedom and salvation. Above it, 'Youth and a New Dreamland' shows a messenger of new life stepping upwards in hope. And above these, 'The Menorah' restored, brings the glimmer of the candles of hope with mauves, purples, blues and yellows expressing a message of faith. |
Memorial to the 6 Million Jews Killed in the Holocaust On the upstairs landing a memorial wall contains six square stained glass windows by Karl Duldig. It is devoted to the memory of our people who were victims of Nazi persecution. They symbolise the six million Jews who lost their lives, but simultaneously also express hope for the future.
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On the bottom right 'Dark Clouds And The Sun's Rays' features stormy clouds of a period of horror and persecution, but brilliant trumpets of light begin to radiate hope. Above these, 'The Martyrs' window shows those who have passed through hellfire and destruction of war, symbolised by the shattered Menorah. And above them soars the 'Bird of Peace' in jubilant flight heralding the peace to come.
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The figure of the muse emerges from the background of contrasting colours and lines, surrounded by brilliant radiating light.
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The Muse' and 'The Poet' Upstairs, flanking the podium of the Leo Fink Hall at the "Kadimah", are two tall, narrow, stained glass windows by Karl Duldig, 'The Muse' and 'The Poet'. Created from beautiful antique glass set in lead, these windows symbolise the cultural and artistic activities which take place in this auditorium.
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The figure of the poet emerges from the background of contrasting colours and lines, surrounded by brilliant radiating light.
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At the entrance to the "Kadimah" National Library there are also some superb prints of posters from the productions of the Yiddish National Theatre in post-WWII Poland:
Along the walls of the stairwell leading up to the Leo Fink Hall at the "Kadimah", hang charcoal portraits of actors penned during dress rehearsals, by the great Polish Yiddish theatre director and artist Josef Rotboym, who was a visiting director in the mid 1970's. Other portraits hanging along the walls of the lift and stairwell of the building, are the wonderfully evocative pastel sketches of beloved characters from the Yiddish stage and literature, also by Josef Rotboym.
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