This sculpture is on temporary loan from Temple B’nai Shalom, for whom it was commissioned by Enid Goldstein on behalf of her siblings and in memory of her mother and father, who was a former Temple President. Lions are well known as “king of the beasts” throughout the world and have special significance in ancient Jewish texts for their bravery, strength, and nobility. The Lion of Judah was originally associated with the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, but has come to be a meaningful symbol for all Jewish people. As intended, John Kearney’s modern twist on the noble lion made “Jude” a charming and welcoming presence in the entry of the temple for 50 years. KAC is delighted to care for the sculpture through 2025.