BRiefs

A huge tent filled with sounds and images of Islamic, Jewish and Christian themes is touring the United States, Canada, Israel and several other countries. Called “The Tent of Meeting,” the unique indoor canvas exhibit will be on display through at least 1987.

Cultural and artistic traditions of the three monotheistic religions are represented individually on each of three 40- by 13-foot walls of the enclosure. Music composed by David Hykes is played continuously as part of the presentation. The music as well as the art reflects motifs from the three religions. “My purpose,” says Michele Zackheim, initiator of the project, “was to celebrate people’s diversity, not to deny it.”

A climb up Mt. Sinai inspired the work of art, says Zackheim, a Jewish artist from Santa Fe, New Mexico. “It was an exhilarating experience,” she recalls, “to stand on the summit, a small area sacred to Jews, Moslems and Christians.”

Created as an environment where people and religions can meet, Zackheim’s tent embodies several Middle East traditions. In the biblical “tent of meeting,” set up by Moses outside the Israelite camp, the prophet met with God (Exodus 33:7). The Islamic faith spread among desert communities, most of whose inhabitants lived in tents. The tent also recalls the desert shelters of Christian ascetics.