Remembering the Temple

Zecher Lechurban

Remembering the Destruction of the Temple

Zecher Lechurban

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retz Yisrael, the Land of Israel is the holiest of all lands on Earth. Jerusalem is the holiest of all cities. The Temple Mount is the holiest part of Jerusalem and the site of the Beit HaMikdash, the holy temple is the holiest place on the Temple Mount, and thus, the holiest place in the universe.1 The Jewish people built two Batei Mikdash. The first was destroyed by the Babylonians, and the second was destroyed by the Romans.

What we lost to us in the destruction of the Batei Mikdash was not merely a beautiful, central place of worship. A large shul can easily be rebuilt and replaced. We lost a unique connection to G-d and can only be achieved in the holy Temple in Jerusalem.

We lost was a complete Jewish way of life—a life of tahara, kedusha and shechina.

Jews worldwide are aware that the annual commemoration of Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning and lamentation for the loss of the two Batei Mikdash and this special way of life. Many Jews are less aware that to facilitate a constant awareness of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the Sages of the Talmud issued a series of decrees to help us focus on what we are missing.2 For example, the breaking of the glass at a wedding reminds us that despite our great joy at the marriage of a young couple, there is still something missing in our celebration if we are without the Beit Hamikdash. Another example is a Rabbinic decree that our homes not be built in the manner of “royal palaces.3” How can we live in a beautiful, unblemished home, when the House of G-d is barren and desolate? Accordingly, the Sages ordained that a part of one’s home near the doorway should remain unplastered and unpainted. An area of one square cubit, i.e., between 18 and 24 square inches, of the house should remain unplastered and unpainted—even while the rest of the house is magnificently adorned. This square cubit, near the doorway, serves as a perpetual reminder that all is not perfect.

The Mishna Berurah notes that many Jews are not careful about keeping this halacha and finds this omission to be without real basis.4 While most totally ignore this mitzva, others modify the letter of the law to leave a square cubit unfinished. Some had the practice of painting a square cubit of the house in black while the rest of the house was painted white. In other communities, homeowners would write over the black paint “Zecher Lechurban.”5 Ideally, one should leave the square cubit totally unfinished, however, one would certainly satisfy the mitzva if the square cubit had a clear indication, such as black paint instead of white paint, that it is Zecher Lechurban. Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l also sanctions the use of black paint in lieu of non-plastering.6 Rav Moshe argues that the reason for the decree was not to make the home ugly, but rather to add a symbol that would remind the homeowner to remember the churban. Whether this symbol is in the form of lack of plaster or the color black, which is a sign of mourning, the goal of Zecher Lechurban is achieved.

What about using artwork that expresses mourning over the destruction of the Batei Mikdash?

While there are those who do not sanction the use of paintings of “animals, birds and flowers,7” the reason that these paintings are inadequate is because they in no way reflect the mourning for the Beit HaMikdash. However, paintings or illustrations depicting scenes of churban ought to satisfy this obligation. This point is made by the Aruch HaShulchan who rules that what really matters is that the square “cubit” serve as a reminder of the churban, and “what difference does it make if it looks like this or like that.”8 Thus, one certainly would satisfy the obligation by using illustrations that powerfully and emotionally depict the destruction of our Holy Temple. In addition, this is a mitzva that certainly is in need of strengthening. As the Mishna Berurah pointed out, even in his time some one hundred years ago, people were lax in the fulfillment of this obligation.

If that was the case then, how much more so today. It is incumbent upon us to focus our attention again on the tragic loss of the Beit HaMikdash. The art reproductions of this catalogue will not only allow us to fulfill a lost mitzva in a most beautiful was, but will serve as a constant reminder to improve our mitzva observance and properly mourn that which was lost—“for he who properly mourns the destruction of Jerusalem, will merit seeing her in her rejoicing.”9 1 Mishna, Keilim 1:8-9.

2 Talmud Bavli, Baba Batra 60b.

3 Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 560(1).

4 Mishna Berurah, Orach Chaim 560(2).

5 Mishna Berurah, Orach Chaim 560(3).

6 Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim 3:86.

7 Eliyahu Raba 560.

8 Aruch HaShulchan 560(5).

9 Talmud Bavli, Taanis 30b.

The Artwork

1.

Artist: Lou Brandsdorfer 18 x 18 $100.00 Brandsdorfer resides in Philadelphia and studied commercial art in New York and fine art in Philadelphia.

Lou’s paintings have been part of numerous Fine art shows in the Philadelphia region and have appeared in major newspapers and magazines around the world.

Lou currently works as the creative director for a major advertising agency handling a number of national and international accounts.

Lou Brandsdorfer can be reached at 610.825.1348.

2.

Artist: Noam Cohen 18 x 18 $100.00 Cohen, a resident of Bergenfield New Jersey, has created a portfolio of art based on Creation, Israel, celebration of the Jewish spirit and his inimitable perception of Hashem’s world.

His artwork, bold in color and design, seeks to inspire a love of Eretz Yisroel and appreciation for our heritage as its detail enraptures the viewer. His limited edition numbered and signed prints have been featured in several art galleries in New York and New Jersey.

To see more of Noam Cohen’s work, please visit, noamdesign.webs.com.

3.

Artist: Vladimir Ginzburg 18 x 18 $100.00 Ginzburg was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and immigrated to Israel in 1979.

While in Israel he began drawing and painting with pencils. In 1989 he moved to New York City where he studied painting at the Art Students League.

His first group show was in 1993 and his first solo show was in 1996.

Vladimir Ginzburg can be reached at 917.714.4165.

4.

Artist: Fanelle Goldstein 16 x 20 $100.00 Goldstein, who lives in Staten Island, has been an art teacher for the Board of Education and has a degree in industrial design from Pratt Institute. Her favorite classes to teach are her advanced art class which includes painting, portfolio, drawing and major art.

She is very proud that all of her students have been accepted to the colleges of their choice due to her training.

Fanelle Goldstein can be reached at 718.761.5873.

5.

Artist: Chedva Hershkowitz 18 x 18 $100.00 Hershkowitz resides in Lakewood, New Jersey and is a graduate of Pratt Institute. She is a freelance artist specializing in abstract impressionism, Judaica and murals.

Chedva Hershkowitz can be contacted at 732.942.8948.

6.

Artist: Chedva Hershkowitz 18 x 18 $100.00 Hershkowitz resides in Lakewood, New Jersey and is a graduate of Pratt Institute. She is a freelance artist specializing in abstract impressionism, Judaica and murals.

Chedva Hershkowitz can be contacted at 732.942.8948.

7.

Artist: Chedva Hershkowitz 18 x 18 $100.00 Hershkowitz resides in Lakewood, New Jersey and is a graduate of Pratt Institute. She is a freelance artist specializing in abstract impressionism, Judaica and murals.

Chedva Hershkowitz can be contacted at 732.942.8948.

8.

Artist: Mildred Josefson 16 x 20 $100.00 Josefson is primarily a portrait artist and is influenced by the style of the 17th century Dutch Masters, especially Rembrandt. She has studied at the Art Students League of New York and in junior high school was awarded first place in the NYC Scholastic Art Contest. She also studied under Issac Soyer at the Brooklyn Museum of Art and she accepted a full summer scholarship for painting at the Brooklyn Museum. She lives in Staten Island.

Mildred Josefson can be reached at 718.273.9237.

9.

Artist: Charles Kopelson 18 x 18 $100.00 Kopelson lives and works in New York City. He graduated from Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in London in 2003.

His works have been exhibited in the following galleries: Creative Art Works, New Haven, Connecticut; Lethaby Gallery, London; Palazzo Lazzaroni, Rome, Italy; Tjaden Gallery, Cornell University; Experimental Gallery, Cornell University; Hartell Gallery, Ithica, New York; Amity Center, Woodbridge Connecticut; Brooklyn Artists Gym, Brooklyn, New York; New Haven Arts Council, New Haven, Connecticut; Raw Gallery, New York and the Micro Museum, Brooklyn, New York.

Charles Kopelson can reached at 646.246.2406.

10.

Artist: Regina Lerman 18 x 18 $100.00 Lerman is the past president of Artists Federation of Staten Island, a member of South Shore Artists and The Catskill Art Society of Hurleyville, New York. She studied art at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, the Art Lab in Snug Harbor in Staten Island, the Artist Studio in Hurleyville New York, The Boca Museum School of Art and the Art Students League of New York. Her works have been exhibited at the places listed above in addition to Orange County Community College, Woodstock School of Art and the Jewish Foundation School. Her paintings are a reflection of her travels, family and experiences.

Regina Lerman can be reached at 718.761.3156.

11.

Artist: Barbara Mendes 16 x 20 $100.00 Barbara studied art in New York City and published both stories and covers in Underground Comix under the name “Willie Mendes.� She developed her style of brilliantly colored narrative paintings, epic in detail and scale, and has exhibited them in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Florida and Tel Aviv.

Her biblical murals are permanently displayed in Jerusalem and Florida. Her Los Angeles studio/gallery is open to the public.

Barbara Mendes can be contacted at 310.558.3215

12.

Artist: Sylvia Rotblatt 18 x 18 $100.00 Rotblatt, who lives in Teaneck New Jersey, graduated from Kean College for Graphic Design and the New School for Calligraphy.

She has worked as graphic designer with several firms. She has taught arts and crafts in numerous camps and senior citizen centers.

She designs Talis bags and teaches embroidery.

Sylvia Rotblatt can be contacted at 201.801.0230.

13.

Artist: Diane Sidenberg 18 x 18 $100.00 Sidenberg is a watercolor artist and sculptor who has been creating Judaica since 1985. She created and designed a quilted and needlpointed Chupah for Beth David Synagogue as well as a watercolor painting for Adath Israel Congregation in Toronto.

She specializes in painting custom Ketubah’s. She is a member of the Toronto Water Color Society and has studied water color at the Toronto Koffler Gallery and the Ontario College of Art and Design. Diane Sidenberg can be contacted at 416.567.5754.

14.

Artist: Susan Sutton 18 x 18 $100.00 Sutton resides in Brooklyn.

For the most part she works landscapes in plein air. She feels that every person has their own unique talent, be it in the arts, music or intellectual endeavors. She runs a business from her home. Her artistic ability has expanded to needlecraft, designing original tapestries for Tallis, Tefillin, Challah Covers and all Judaic items, plus any picture or project a person can dream of. Susan Sutton can be reached at 718.339.8777.

Why You Should Participate In This Project?

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his unique fundraising event features a collection of artwork representing Jewish artists who reside all over the United States and Canada. The artists were asked to render their interpretation of the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. Each artist donated their masterpieces to Nachas Unlimited without any compensation in recognition of the chesed that the organization performs.

Your participation enables you to acquire reproductions of original art and offers the opportunity to provide beautiful gifts to your children, grandchildren and your friends. This “win-win� opportunity for charitable giving should not be missed.

What Is Nachas Unlimited And What Are We Doing With Your Funds?

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achas Unlimited is a non-profit organization, qualified under section 501(c)(3), devoted to helping Jewish children around the world suffering from physical and mental illnesses as well as medically challenged and disabled children in the United States and Israel. Formed in 1991, the organization has never had any salaried staff or occupied an office. Nachas conducts its work entirely through the use of volunteers. The only expenses incurred are those for postage, printing and stationery supplies. As such, more than 95 cents of every dollar collected goes to children in need.

Funds are raised via mailed solicitations, sponsorship of entertainment and vacation programs, sale of advertising in a community directory and merchandise donated to, or purchased by, Nachas for re-sale.

During the last 18 years Nachas has distributed more than $200,000 and has helped more than 110 individual unfortunate children in the United States, Europe and Israel in the areas of medical needs, clothing, special foods, bris milah, abandonment, abused children and much more due to the kind and generous donations of people like you. The organization receives requests directly from families in need as well from caregivers and organizations.

Its Volunteer Board of Directors evaluates each request and authorizes funding where deemed appropriate. In addition, to ensure appropriate application of funds, money is distributed to health care providers and non-profit organizations only. We invite our friends to become active participants in all our activities and pray that Hashem grant you the blessing of Nachas Unlimited.

Zecher Lechurban Artwork Order Form Name

Email

Address

Phone

City/State/Zip

Cell

Specify frame color

Image #

Artist

Size

1.

Lou Brandsdorfer

18 x 18

2.

Noam Cohen

18 x 18

3.

Vladimir Ginzburg

18 x 18

4.

Fanelle Goldstein

16 x 20

5.

Chedva Hershkowitz

18 x 18

6.

Chedva Hershkowitz

18 x 18

7.

Chedva Hershkowitz

18 x 18

8.

Mildred Josefson

16 x 20

9.

Charles Kopelson

18 x 18

10.

Regina Lerman

18 x 18

11.

Barbara Mendes

16 x 20

12.

Sylvia Rotblatt

18 x 18

13.

Diane Sidenberg

18 x 18

14.

Susan Sutton

18 x 18

Qty

Image Print Only $100

Image in glass frame w/cream matte $150

Natual tone Wood

Black Wood

Image Mounted on Canvas $150

Shipping and Handling*

Total

Total

*Shipping and Handling ($10 per piece for Print or Canvas/$15 per piece for Framed Image)

Please make checks payable to Nachas Unlimited. Please return this form with payment in the enclosed envelope to: Nachas Unlimited, 22 Niles Place, Staten Island, NY 10314. For more information call 718.761.8908.

No reproduction of any image appearing in this brochure is permitted without written consent of Nachas Unlimited. The photos in this brochure are provided to assist you in making a choice, actual color on original art may vary slightly.

“ My daughter deserves a chance to live! Can you help make this happen?”

“Please give us hope that their lives will improve….” “ As you might imagine, the challenges of day to day life are enormous…”

“We could not have done it, without your help.” “ Your generous support will be able to provide these children with the care they deserve…” “ You have given us lots of Nachas in the knowledge that someone out there cares…”

“Please pray for our little girl.” “ My four year old son was born completely paralyzed from the waist down.”

For more information and to order prints of artwork, call Nachas Unlimited at 718.761.8908.

Brochure Design: Julie Farkas Graphic Design • 201.280.9437

22 Niles Place Staten Island, NY 10314

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