The Jewish Art Magazine Presented By The Jewish Art House Issue 2 Vol. 1 (Non-Explicit)

The Jewish Art Magazine

House

Presented by The Jewish Art

“Longing for the Beit Hamikdash” By Leah Lasry

Note From The Jewish Art House

Thank you for reading The Jewish Art Magazine presented by The Jewish Art House ! We were founded in order to create opportunities for Jewish artists and by looking through these pages you are doing just that.

If you like the work the artists featured in our magazine please follow their Instagram account, visit their website, or contact them about purchasing one of their pieces. If you are an artist who wants to have their work featured in our next issue connect with us @TheJewishArtHouse on Instagram or send us a email at TheJewishArtHouse@gmail.com .

A very special thank you to all the Jewish artists who shared their art with us. We could not have completed this project without you. This year we wanted to continue asking the question posed to in Volume 3 as to if and how the Jewish religion influences the artist’s approach to their art. It was interesting to read the extremely varied responses to the question. From the very religious to very secular the Jewish religion seemed to influence their approaches even in the seemingly smallest of ways. We would love to hear you the readers take on their answers either through our email or Instagram account.

Thank you again for reading our magazine and we hope you enjoy !

Please note all images are owned by the artist and may not be used or copied without the express written consent of the artist.

Name of artist: Aliza Marton

Location of artist: Los Angeles, California

Artist website: www.alizafineart.com

Instagram: @AlizaMarton

Aliza Marton is a Los Angeles based Judaica and nature artist who specializes in traditional oil on canvas as well as her own novel technique, Fluid Art – blending abstract acrylic pours with realism on wood panels with resin. Her art serves as a window into Aliza’s passionate and emotional connection to our Creator. Many of her works incorporate biblical passages into scenes of nature and of everyday life. Aside from teaching art to hundreds of students in the Jewish community, Aliza’s proudest moments are when her clients connect deeply with one of her pieces and decide to make it a part of their home. Aliza also serves as art editor of The Uplift Magazine and her works can often be found on the pages of this international publication. Aliza’s artwork is held in private collections around the world and can be purchased online and shipped anywhere at Aliza neart.com

Name of art piece: The Leopard

Medium: Oil on Canvas Size of art piece: 40” X 30” Piece available in various sizes as Giclée on canvas and as Giclée on archival watercolor paper

This painting is based on a photograph taken by my father in law in Botswana. This Leopard has just finished dragging a gazelle all the way up into this tree away from others so it can be eaten at his leisure. Satisfied with his meal, he now lays back and is relaxed. The biblical verse is,

Yehuda ben Teima said be bold as a leopard, lite as an eagle, swift as a deer and mighty as a lion to do the will of your father in heaven. Source: (Ethics of our fathers 5:20)

I love driving up the spectacular California coast.  Different spiritual phrases speak to me at different times. Here in Big Sur look up at these steps, I am reminded of Psalm 122. A psalm written by King David - the one who bought the land and laid the foundation for the Bais Hamikdash (The temple). I am still waiting for the day when his descendant, Moshiach, will rule again. We will rise up to Jerusalem once again and everyone will recognize the creator of the world:

שיר המעלות לדוד שמחתי ואומרים לי בית ה׳ נלך עמדת היו רגלינו בשעריך ירושלים ירושלים הבנויה כעיר שחברה לה יחדיו ששם עלו שבטים שבטי קה עדות לישראל להודות לשם ה׳ כי שמע ישבו כסאות למשפט כסאות לבית דוד שאלו שלום ירושלים יש ליו ואהביך יהי שלום בחילך שלוה בארמנותיך למען אחי ורעי אדברה נה שלום בך למען בית ה׳ אלקינו אבקשה טוב לך

A song of ascent by David. I rejoiced when they said to me to the house of Hashem, let us go. Our feet stood firm within your Gates of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the built up, is like a city that is united together. For there ascended the tribes, the tribes of God, a testimony for Israel to give thanks to the name of Hashem for there sat thrones for judgment thrones for the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Serene will be those who love you, may there be peace within your wall. Serenity within the palaces. For the sake of my brethren and my Conrads, I shall speak peace in your midst. For the sake of the house of Hashem, our God, I will request good for you.

Name of art piece: Ruby Beach

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Size of art piece: 36” X 72”

Piece available in various sizes as Giclée on canvas and as Giclée on archival watercolor paper

This painting is one of my all-time favorites! Sometimes as mothers we lose ourselves in the day to day life of taking care of others and forget ourselves in the process. After having children and being married for almost 20 years, my husband and I finally went away by ourselves. On that trip, I realized that, without the need to (joyfully) feed and care for the children, I needed only to feed that part of my soul that craves adventure. So there we were in Olympic National Park in Washington and we found ourselves at Ruby Beach. We had just come from a snowy mountain top and, to get to the spot depicted in the painting, I would have to cross the river with its sharp rocks and freezing, icy water. I started through the water, but my husband reminded me that I would ruin my new hiking boots. So I removed them and off I went. He thought I was a bit crazy but it was exhilarating!!! My husband waited for me as I crossed the river alone and climbed through the rocks and these beautiful giant bluffs. As I went, I saw many photographers wearing chest waders setting up tripods and cameras. I too took photos as I watched the sunset –remembering who I am – still fun and sometimes in need of a little adventure in my life! The next night my husband and I returned to the same spot. This time we came prepared, crossed the river in crocs, and enjoyed the sunset together.

May it be your will, Hashem, our G-d and the G-d of our forefathers, that you lead us toward peace, and place our footsteps towards peace, guide us towards peace and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace may you rescue us from the hands of every foe or ambush along the way and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth. May you send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May you hear the sound of our supplication, because you are the G-d who hears prayer and supplication. Blessed are you, Hashem, who hears prayer. (תפילת הדרך, The Prayer for Travelers)

As we continue to take care of others, don’t forget your own desires, hopes, and dreams. Live life to the fullest! You are worthy!

I started this painting soon after the holiday of Simchas Torah. I wanted to portray Jews from many different walks of life dancing together b’simcha (in happiness and joy). So often we get caught up in our differences. This painting is meant to remind us that in taking on the obligations of the Torah, even physically dancing with it at appropriate times, we should put our differences aside and celebrate what joins us together. The old man in the middle represents a holocaust survivor who, while holding tight to the Torah, realizes that he actually has much for which to be grateful. While clutching the Torah, his soul is really being restored.

The biblical verse in this painting is תורת ה׳ תמימה משיבת נפש The Torah of G-d is whole and pure and it restores the soul (psalm 19)

Here a soldier prays near his tank with the Judaean Hills in the background. While physically about to enter into battle, he prepares himself with prayer - knowing that he is really all in God’s hands. HaShem (God) is the true protector, watching over Israel. The biblical verse in this painting is

O guardian of Israel, protect the remnant of Israel, let not Israel be destroyed, hear o Israel.

O guardian of the unique nation, protect the remnant of the unique people, let not the unique nation be destroyed - those who proclaim the oneness of your name, HaShem is our God, Hashem – the one and only!

O guardian of the holy nation protect the remnant of the holy people, let not  the holy nation be destroyed – those who proclaim three-fold sanctifications to the Holy one.

You who are favorable through compassion and appeased through supplications. Become favorable and appeased to the poor generation for there is no helper. Our Father our king be gracious with us and answer us, though we have no worthy deeds, treat us with charity and kindness and save us.

Source Tachanun from morning prayers.

Name of art piece: Our Prayers

Medium: Acrylic on wood panel with resin

Size of art piece: 18” X 24”

Piece available in various sizes as a Giclée on ¼” acrylic substrate (appears as if on glass).

I teach a Navi (prophets) class every week and when we came to the end of Melachim (kings). I felt it was so sad speaking about the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash (the Temple). This was a place where korbanos (sacrifices) were offered. Since we no longer offer sacrifices to God. We offer up our prayers. The prayers here are represented by the Hebrew letters going up through the abstract Jerusalem walls, through the Bais Hamikdash and continue up to shamayim (the heavens). It looks like it’s floating in the sky representing the Bais hamikdosh we are waiting to return down to earth.

Name of art piece: Rebbe Nachman’s Story – The Exchanged Children Medium: Oil on Canvas

Size of art piece: 48” X 48” Piece available in various sizes as Giclée on canvas and as Giclée on archival watercolor paper

Every once in a while, you have an idea you want to convey and it takes a few years to do so. This is that piece! Reading Rabbi Nachman’s stories, סיפורי מאשיות can always get your imagination going! Each story is filled with hidden meaning! There are many books with different commentaries on his stories. I first read the story without the commentary, sketched and then read Aryeh Kaplan’s commentary. I felt it only supported my original sketch. Please jump into my visual interpretation of Rebbe Nachman’s mystical world. Sometimes in life things don’t look as we think they should. Just know, one day it’ll all come around!

Name of art piece: Menorah Lighting

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Size of art piece: 9” X 12”

Piece available in various sizes as Giclée on canvas and as Giclée on archival watercolor paper

As Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi said, ״מעט אור דוחה הרבה חושך״

“A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.” In a very dark room, if one strikes a match and creates fire, the fire is not consumed by darkness. Just the opposite happens. Just a little bit of light can really dispel the darkness. Let’s be that light! This Chanukah brighten someone’s life with joy.

Name of art piece: Raw Emotion

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Size of art piece: 16” X 20”

Piece available in various sizes as Giclée on canvas and as Giclée on archival watercolor paper

One night I found my self lying awake unable to sleep. Frustrated by different events going on in my life. I stayed up all night working it out on canvas. Sometimes there are no words to describe the emotions we go through but they still need to be released. This is what happened here.

Name of art piece: The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Medium: Acrylic on wood panel with resin

Size of art piece: 18” X 24”

Piece available in various sizes as a Giclée on ¼” acrylic substrate (appears as if on glass).

Yud Shvat, is the day Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, passed away and the day Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn became the Rebbe. Chassidim customarily Study Basi L'gani each year in honor of the yahrzeit, and each year his successor, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M Schneerson of blessed memory explained another of its chapters in depth. This painting portrays the Rebbe in royal colors of blues and gold with the pasuk Basi L'gani floating between him and the higher worlds. The pasuk is originally from Shir Hashirim (5:1)

(HaShem says:)" I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with spice, I have eaten my sugar cane with sugar, I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, friends, drink and become intoxicated beloved ones."

The garden, symbolizing a wedding chamber, God is metaphorically inviting us to be close to him.

I first met the Rebbe in September of 1989. I was in school in Manhattan and, I had recently been attacked. My roommates family was going to have yichidis with the Rebbe and they suggested I come along and ask for a bracha. We stood in line to get dollars. He simply said, "bracha v'hatslacha" I was completely awestruck! Mezmorized! I had never seen a Tzaddik before. Two ladies grabbed me to continue on my way. And so I did. Although lived in New York only that one year, I went back to visit many more times.

Name of artist: Anshie Kagan

Location of artist: Chicago, Illinois

Artist website: www.anshie.com

Instagram: @Anshie_at

Anshie Kagan’s ironic and often warped artwork covers a variety of motifs and themes and is in uenced by the Pop Art movement of the 1950’s incorporating current cultural, technological and social themes. The juxtaposition of iconic ultra-Orthodox rabbinic leaders depicted on bright or psychedelic patterned backgrounds toys with the usual portrayal of a monotonal religious culture. With respect to the blend of technology and religion his “Modern Day Commandments” - two columns of ve QR codes representing the Biblical Decalogue. Anshie’s work in the same vein as the Pop art movement helps to decrease the gap between "high art" and "low art" and eliminated the distinction between ne art and commercial art methods.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

In every aspect. I see something and question how can I put a jewish twist on it? Then go and make it.

Name of art piece: In case of Moshiach break glass

Medium: Mixed media : Wood, Glass, rams horn

Size of art piece: 12" x 12" x 36" Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: The Kosel Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Size of art piece: 48" x 72"

Name of art piece: A soldier connected Medium: Digital Size of art piece: 18" x 24" Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: Get out of Gollus

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Size of art piece: 36" x 48" Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: 39 Melachos Periodic Table

Medium: Digital

Size of art piece: 24" x 36" Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: Waldo finds Himself

Medium: Watercolor on paper

Size of art piece: 14" x 11"

Name of art piece: Dr Seuss Happy Chanuka

Medium: Ink on paper

Size of art piece: 20" x 26"

Name of artist: Bracha Tenenbaum

Location of artist: Missoula, MT

Artist website: brachatenenbaum.com

Instagram: @brachatenenbaum_art

Bracha lives in Missoula, MT with her husband and two sons. Bracha continuously explores di erent mediums and subjects, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, textiles, portraits, Montana landscapes, and themes around her Jewish identity and motherhood.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

I grew up in Crown Heights in the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic community. I left the community slowly, in small ways at first, and then fully after graduating from college, however Judaism has always, and will always, be a big part of my life. After moving to Montana and having children of my own I am more aware of my Jewsih identity and now appreciate certain aspects of my upbringing. I approach my artwork in much the same way I approach my relationship to Judaism- ever evolving and continuously enlightening.

Name of artist: Carol Man

Location of artist: New York, Hong Kong

Artist website: www.carolxman.com

Instagram: @carolxman

Carol Man was born in colonial Hong Kong into a traditional Chinese family. She began a Jewish journey in the 1990’s. And while strange and unfamiliar to family and local community, lives as an observant jew. This allows her this, unique, cross-pollination of both experience and history. After obtaining a Masters Degree in Visual Arts in 2015 in Hong Kong, she embarked on her art career, and has created calligraphy, paintings and installations, all based on the distinct philosophies, and cultural practices, within Chinese and Jewish context. Carol has exhibited her works in Hong Kong, Singapore, and is included in the Luce Center of Art and Religion in Washington DC. She has conducted a calligraphy workshop at the Historical Synagogue in Mexico City. And most recently, this year, was chosen to participate in the Conney Project on Jewish Arts.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ? Yes!

Art is like Tzedakah

A journey about bi/tridirectional change, There is interplay between giver, receiver and spirit. Having lived my entire life in Hong Kong, An origin and axis of cultural churn, My daily familial Chinese origins have merged, For the past decades, into a living Jewish soul. The result is an emotional signature that is poles apart from expectation. One that translates from brush to canvas, and from pen to paper.

Ask your inner voice Remember as a child, pencil in hand, drawing your first letter, Synchronizing your hand and eye, forming the lines, strokes, connections.That feeling, so inscribed into self essence.Turning letters into words, and words into worlds.Such was the sensation, I, this time grown, and with adult consciousness Would interpret Leshon Hakodesh, the hallowed language of Hebrew passages. Rendering Hebrew into ancient Chinese strokes,Transforming distinct square form characters in Seal and Kaishu calligraphy script, and Songti typography, With a soft and resilient brush, The aleph bet is nested within glyphs and ideographs, Establish intimate dwellings for Jewish texts.From Shir Hashirim (King Solomon’s Song of Songs)To Psalms, Pirkei Avot, or names of Bar/Bat Mitzvah.Whether in Shanghai or Vienna, New York of Jerusalem, both audience and collectors delightfully inform me with ever more meaningful spiritual textures to explore and pursue.

A beautiful verse from “Song of Songs”, written by King Solomon, יִשָּׁקֵ נִי מִנְּשִׁיק וֹת פִּ יהוּ כִּֽי־טוֹבִ ים דֹּדֶ יךָ מִיָּֽיִן׃ (Oh, give me of the kisses of your mouth, For your love is more delightful than wine, 1:2), rendered in the archaic seal-script style on an intense palette of burnt sienna and malachite green, signals the navigating of feminine and masculine energy. The כי here is represented by a blue crescent which has witnessed thousands of years of human love.

Seal-script 篆書 is an ancient style of writing Chinese characters that was common throughout the latter half of the 1st millennium BCE.

Name of art piece: Pirkei Avot Chapter 1

Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Size of art piece: 40” x 24” (stretched canvas) Piece available for sale

The artist has created a dynamic art form by rendering Hebrew bible text in the style of Chinese regular script calligraphy (Kaishu). With the use of a soft and resilient writing brush, combined with ink on absorbent paper, Hebrew alphabets were put together to form distinct characters. Such media and metaphors of both cultures create a space to share the experience of individuals in diaspora. In this work, the text in Hebrew is אֱהוֹב אֶת הַמְּלָאכָה

(Love work, loath mastery over others, and avoid intimacy with the government.)

Name of art piece: Manischewitz

Medium: Giclee print on paper

Size of art piece: 16” x 16’ (unframed) Piece available for sale

This work renders the Hebrew name of the kosher food company מנישביץ in Songti, a writing style derived from the China’s Song Dynasty. It is one of the artist’s Hundred Hebrew Names project which depicts names that have been significant in her journey from a Hong Kong Cantonese girl, to a wholly Jewish mom, connected to the Jewish cultures and community. Manischewitz, matzo balls and gefilte fish, are the core of Jewish celebrations, they represent the times of joy and rest, which are essentials to our spirituality, especially during hard times

Name of artist: Chava Tziporah Nesher

Location

of artist: Missoula, MT - USA

Instagram: @chava.nesher

Having not always been a Chassidic Jew, in my decades of this life time I have always had a creative passion while experiencing the world in numerous ways. Mother of one musically creative grown son, my days now are spent in the quiet beauty of the northern Rocky Mountains of southwest Montana, sharing a life with my husband, and sharing Yiddishkeit with the numerous Jews here in bamidbar (in the wilderness), after living in the urban shtetl of Crown Heights in Brooklyn many a year. My creative outlets are manifold – watercolour painting, beadwork, whether on the loom or embroidered, textiles, and more including the culinary arts. Where I live now is an ongoing inspiration for my work through seeing Hashem’s own awe-inspiring creation of all that is Montana’s natural beauty, especially the blue sky. Does the Jewish religion

Being Jewish influences my art very much so as I make Judaica applying the concept of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying a mitzvah) or draw connexion between the natural landscapes profoundly attuned to ancient but always relevant words from our prayers and teachings.

One place I’m most fond of visiting here are the Mission Mountains on the Flathead Reservation north of Missoula. The views there are captivating, elevating. Being on Indigenous land I looked to the Mountains and Hashem’s creation is so evident a reminder that He is near for us. Part of the Reservation is farm land and too the National Bison Range preserving acreage for the local wildlife to live – bison, elk, deer, coyote, antelope and more. I include a bison as for the Indigenous, before colonialization, the bison provided a primary source of sustenance for the people, a gift from the Creator.

Name of art piece: Tehillim 118

Medium: Watercolor

Size of art piece: 11” x 15”

A view of the Mission Mountains at sunrise at the peak of summer when the fields are golden. This Tehillim strongly bonded in my mind with this view, Hashem is near and amazing, an ever-present source of hope.

Traditionally, a golem is a created creature for protection. This was originally started with intentions for a good outcome for a dear friend. This golem includes not just the Hebrew word “Emes” (truth) but also “Ahava” (love) because love unites and heals as the holy Baal Shem Tov teaches, Ahavas Yisroel (loving every Jew) is even greater than loving Hashem, because it includes this within.

Name of art piece: Gadi the Golem, a Golem of Love

Medium: Miyuki and Czech size 11 seed beads hand stitched on Pellon backed with deer hide

Size of art piece: 3.75” x 4.5”

Name of art piece: Mezuzah covers

Medium: Miyuki and Czech seed beads loomed and sewn upon deer hide on a plastic mezuzah case form Size of art piece: 6” x 2”

Having learned to bead in several methods with a Cree Elder long ago, I’ve created designs influenced by local natural flora, Lupine and Bear’s Grass respectively, and Eastern European embroidery to create these mezuzah covers. They are but the beginning of a series to be created in time upon the same motifs.

Name of artist: David Rosenberg and Marci Pratt

Location

of artist: Fairfield, CT

Artist website: https://www.another-bright-idea.com/

Another Bright Idea showcases technical art with a function. Every item is a one of a kind original. David started Another Bright Idea because of his innate curiosity and fascination with industrial artifacts which drive his creativity. Since then he has brought on his daughter Marci to help create their art. David is self-taught as a metal-smith and inventor d'art and he is training Marci to do the same. The two nd di erent objects originally designed purely for function and turn a dusty junk pile into a one-of-a-kind collector's item.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

While making lamps can be a secular art form our Jewish heritage always plays a role in our creations. One of our specialties is electric menorahs. Making one of a kind menorahs that will not only bring art into your holiday, but are safe for places where open flames are not allowed.

Name of artist: Esther shulimovich

Location of artist: Brooklyn, NY

Instagram: @e_shulimo

I always knew I wanted to be like my mom. I remember watching intently as she drew her sketches at the kitchen table. And I remember thinking I wanted to be just like her. She used to tell me her inspiration was also from early childhood when she sat on her grandfather's lap as he sketched the teapot on the kitchen table. Art is something that has been in my family for generations. As far back as 6 generations, we still have record of my great (x6) grandfather as an orphan who would sell his paintings for a living in Warsaw.

Creating is in my blood and I have a great drive and passion to develop and express it. I use any medium or platform that can help me be expressive. I paint whatever I am compelled to create at that moment. I gain inspiration through the little things and random moments in nature. I have sold a couple of pieces already and I'm de nitely interested in creating and catering to a speci c need of a client. Whether it be for a bedroom, study or workplace. I make portraits, landscapes and even a beautiful abstract design. For example, right now I am working on an anniversary present for a client. A beautiful portrait painting of the couple on their wedding day. (Hopefully to be posted on my Instagram in the near future)

I do paint religious art but Im not constricted to it. I have made paintings of rabbis before but it's not necessarily a huge part of my inspiration.

The first piece is the Lubavitcher Rebbe. It was made on canvas 2 by 2.5 feet and took me 2 days to finish.This painting was done with realism but also within a modern approach.

Name of art piece: Portrait of a child

Medium: paint on cavas

Size of art piece: 24” x 30”

This one was a gift, I made it with pastel colors to accentuate the delicate features and colors of a child. This painting also has an unfinished touch to it. I liked the idea of not completing the image to make it seem more like a memory.

Name of art piece: Idle peace

Medium: clay and cement

Size of art piece: undisclosed

This sculpture a lanky figure made of clay and cement. In this figure I wanted to express a certain amount of freedom and playfulness. I'd like to call this one - idle peace.

Name of artist: Jared Bernstein

Location of artist: Jerusalem, Israel

Artist website: https://www.courageouschicken.com

Instagram: @courageouschicken

Jared Bernstein was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and was raised in New Jersey.

At a very young age, he was shaped by both a fascination with words and a rm belief that there was something going on beyond what his eyes could see. These characteristics sparked Jared’s passion for writing stories, painting, and taking pictures, which he later cultivated into a successful career. He studied photography and business at Pace University in New York City and earned a BBA in marketing.

As an independent artist and freelance photographer, Jared continues striving to capture his unique reality in words and images. Each time he creates new work, he grapples with an insecurity, stemming from childhood, about his artistic abilities. Overcoming this self-doubt has been a lifelong challenge. Raised in a secular home, Jared has lived a Torah lifestyle since his early thirties. He and his wife, Liz, and children reside in Jerusalem.

Jared’s work is exhibited in galleries and is sold worldwide.

My work evolves from the unconscious. Whether painting or writing, I express my hidden world, my inner voice. Through imagery and words, I track my internal journey and concretize my emotional narratives. This empowers me to reframe deep-seated feelings and passions and reconcile my inner con icts.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

My work is centered around teshuva and tikkun. Let’s discuss further.

The creative process enables me to share the spectrum of my feelings and thoughts with the viewer. This process is a confrontation with my identity, an exploration of my fear, an act of courage, and an ultimate spiritual triumph – all central to the human experience.

The years 2018–2021 were a time of growth, exploration, and self-discovery for me. It was during this period that I painted extensively and understood that my self-revelations have a universal message. The viewer may enter my unique world, which in turn will hopefully become a self-enlightening experience. The goal is not to explore the artist’s emotions, rather to experience the painting and how it touches you, the viewer.

My inner voice asks

Is it fact

Or is it fiction

Forgive me for the Contradiction

I’m wishing

That I’d stop and listen Put myself in your position

Grapple with indecision

Trust my intuition

Breathe through this constriction

I’m still intact

Nothing’s missing

Sitting

At the heart of passion

Exists a question

Do I really need all this Recognition

I’m already a man of Distinction

Calm down

Said the master tactician

My casket’s full of hopes

My dreams on exhibition

My life’s mission

Give myself permission

Let go of restriction

Bypass limitation

Joyous jubilation

I have ample ambition

All these juicy fruits

I’m bringing to fruition

Name of art piece: Verklempt

Medium: acrylic, oilstick, paintstick and graphite pencil on canvas

Size of art piece: 59” x 83.4”

Piece available for sale

I’m cutting all my earthly ties

Soaring to new highs

Surprised

Believe me

All that belittles belies Saying my final goodbyes

Letting go

From deep inside

Where jealousy thrives Green with envy I’m in a feeding frenzy

Gutted

Turned myself into My own archenemy Begging for clemency Foolish pride

Heavenly disguise

Forget the hows and whys

Just listen to the battle cries

Heed the warning signs

The One who decides Who lives and who dies Now I’ve exposed

All my little white lies

My tribulations and trials When I’m mesmerized I can see both My godly and animal sides

Distinguished features Bright like the Big Dipper I’m dapper

With international stature I stand flawed, a statue

Appalled and enraptured

Name of art piece: Enlightenment

Medium: acrylic, oilstick and spray paint on canvas

Size of art piece: 67.7” x 83.4”

Piece available for sale

My memories are blurry

Like snow flurries

Topsy-turvy

When it’s scary I hang on dearly And act silly Like a little kiddy Getting all giddy My thoughts nilly-willy Straight lines turn squiggly When I get mad

My nose gets red like little miss piggy I start acting all wiggy Just a itty-bitty

Actually

I dilly-dally daily But really Ideally

No time to wallow in self pity Deep in the nitty-gritty Belted out my little ditty

To the point my forehead’s sweaty Oh sweetie Let’s make a transition Without imposition To reach a decision In a fury

I bum-rushed the jury And in theory Presented my query My voice impeccably cheery Speaking crystal clearly Just stated it merely Sorry I said I’m in a huge hurry To tarry When I worry I scurry

I’m weary when I’m harried I have a secret box Where all my fears are buried

Name of art piece: Regression

Medium: acrylic, oilstick and graphite pencil on canvas

Size of art piece: 72.4” x 82.2” Piece available for sale

So many chickens up my sleeve

I can’t breathe I’ve been deceived

By what I’ve achieved Who woulda believed This concept I’ve conceived Hit the big league I’m a new breed A hybrid Take heed

My pet peeve Living in a world Of make-believe Albeit perceived Caught in this tangled web I’ve weaved Up to my neck

Down on my knees Begging please

My heart bleeds

Every moment I seize Pleads

I’m freed

My creed is to concede Take the lead Turn it up a few degrees Then recede Enjoy the breeze One last good deed Before I leave Planting a seed Now I’m in my time of need Starving

This craving to feed My greed

To succeed Grows like a weed Indeed it’s Heavenly decreed Bereaved

I need privacy to Publicly grieve A reprieve Ready to receive The healing I need I proceed Godspeed

Name of art piece: Purple Chicken

Medium: acrylic and oilstick on canvas

Size of art piece: 64.9” x 84.4” Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: Nouveau Charedi

Medium: acrylic and oilstick on linen

Size of art piece: 49.2” x 80.7” Piece available for sale

I never fit in But always try to stay in line

Desperate to be seen as the unique creation that I am Play it safe. Too risky a lot to lose Fear is paralysingly

As I step out of the ranks to the brink I’m done perfecting my persona

My heart is on fire I’m a wild Jew

I put forth the real me I’m the Nouveau Charedi

Exactly With what am I dealing Fearing

That I’m the ultimate weakling Fledgling

Withering

And that’s just an inkling I’m tinkering Re-thinking

Rising and sinking Having difficulty speaking I prefer blinking Got sent reeling Congealing Concealing and revealing Misleading

Through my seeing and my hearing An illusion

Disappearing reappearing Time for spring cleaning Developmentally still weaning Whining

Undying and wearying Under my breath I’m swearing Both fists clenching Confessing that I’ve learned my Heavenly lesson Everything I need Is already in my possession I have a passion for progression It’s actually an obsession Daydreaming

Of a red herring Take it at face value Or is there a deeper meaning Oh dear that’s endearing Endeavoring

An actor in a private screening Admiring

A caged bird singing Finally getting back To feeling my feelings Seized the moment Like a thief caught stealing My ears are ringing Believing Like a pig That’s constantly squealing Pain that’s searing I’m seething

Like a baby teething

Only g-d knows Why I chose what I chose My friends and my foes When the final curtain will close As my love grows I’m in the throes Cleaving Adhering Hanging onto your ear like an earring Grieving Lost in the woods Looking for a compass To get my bearings Dizzy and careening Searching for a clearing To do something daring Darling Now I’m really sharing And I’m raring Repairing As it appears I’m finished comparing My destiny’s nearing My eyes are misty and tearing Your demands are demeaning Left me leaning I can’t stand it So I’m kneeling Free-wheeling Sky’s the limit But suffering has a ceiling I planted a seed All the crops I’m gathering And bringing Redeeming The blessings And all the trimmings Over brimming Slamming All the profits I’m skimming In this game of life I’m not losing but I’m not winning Engineering the odds Barely breaking even Repenting on my sinning This moment marks A new beginning

Name of art piece: Courageous Chicken

Medium: acrylic and oilstick on canvas

Size of art piece: 73.6” x 83.8”

Piece available for sale

Each time I face my fears and walk through I’m triumphant

I could have easily changed my course, given up, folded my hand My choice

Embrace the scared, vulnerable and obedient “chicken” in me

Courageously transforming into a powerful, fearless warrior that doesn’t allow thoughts Like rejection, abandonment or failure dissuade him

My weakness connects me to my greatest strength

Vulnerability

Name of artist: Jaynie Gillman Crimmins

Location of artist: NY, NY

Artist website: https://www.jayniecrimmins.com/ Instagram: @jgcrimmins

NYC-based artist, Jaynie Gillman Crimmins, illuminates the power of creative transformation, ingenuity and ecological responsibility in her practice through the physical acts of deconstructing and repurposing quotidian materials – repurposing paper materials that are di cult to recycle. “Essential to my work, is the use of repeating patterns which are either oral or architectural in nature. A pattern’s individual elements can reveal the presence of the in nite in the intimate. With a focus on intricate and detailed handiwork, the process of creation uses limited means for production – evoking the eternal and in nite through painstaking and repetitive work. The art is seeking to contain, yet becomes expansive.”

Crimmins holds a BS from the State University College at Bu alo and MS from the College of New Rochelle, with a minor in Art Therapy. Her work has been shown at ART on PAPER NYC; and has exhibited at the Sharjah Museum of Art in the United Arab Emirates; SPRING/BREAK Art Show, NYC; Governor’s Island Art Fair, NYC; the National Museum of Romanian Literature in addition to museums throughout the United States including the Muscarelle Museum of Art at the College of William and Mary, VA among others.

Beginning in 2021 and still on-going, Equanimity is a series based upon my mediation practice. In the Equanimity works, shredded New Yorker magazines are used to represent the joys and sorrows that challenge my heart to remain at peace.

Inspired by my Eastern European grandparents who recycled before it was a "thing", nothing was wasted, everything possible was reused. Castoff items became novel and compelling in their metamorphosis. The power of transformation, frugality, ingenuity and handmade quality inform my practice.

Recently reconnecting with a distant cousin who is a Jewish Renewal Rabbi, led me to attend several online services. I found these services very moving. They made me feel connected to Judaism in a way I haven't felt before. This has allowed me to open up to new experiences and environments, influencing the palette and forms in my work.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

Name of artist: Jeanne Heifetz

Location of

artist: Brooklyn, NY

Artist website: https://www.jeanneheifetz.com/ Instagram: @jeanneheifetz

Jeanne Heifetz came to visual art by a circuitous route. She has two degrees in English (Harvard A.B., NYU M.A.), spent a year as the writer-inresidence at Exeter, wrote a book on organic food (HarperCollins) and one on the origin of color names (Henry Holt). Heifetz also had a parallel career as a weaver, exhibiting at venues like the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show and the Smithsonian Craft Show. In 2007, she started applying ber techniques to non-traditional materials like metal and glass; by 2011 her work had shifted entirely from ne craft to ne art. Since then, she’s shown in galleries and museums in 17 states, the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Australia, and Israel. Her work is in the Drawing Center’s curated registry and the at les of the Kentler International Drawing Space. She has curated shows at Schema Projects and the Workshop Gallery in Brooklyn and at the Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art.

A fellow at LABA – A Laboratory for Jewish Culture in 2018-19, Heifetz lives and works in Brooklyn.

In the Pre-Occupied series, I challenged myself to confront something that terrifies me. I have had death panics since I was eight years old. Ironically, the only real estate I am ever likely to own is a parcel of eight cemetery plots I inherited from my grandfather. The deed to the plots came with a map of the cemetery, which seemed like the logical place to begin to document my fear. Each drawing in this series is based on the map of a different Jewish cemetery, including the ones where my own relatives are buried. (I am not religious, but the historical and familial connection was important: these are all places I could be buried, even though I remain completely unreconciled to the idea of my own death.)

I can’t claim that drawing the maps allays my panic. Death remains entirely unknowable terrain: the map can never be the territory. And yet, stripped of identifying text, the cemeteries’ abstract forms are mysteriously compelling, grounding me in the universal human drive to create beauty, order, and ritual in the face of our own mortality.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

Name of art piece: Pre-Occupied 7

Medium: graphite, silver graphite, and magnetite on flax paper pigmented with iron oxide

Size of art piece: 17″x 22″

Name of art piece: Pre-Occupied 45

Medium: graphite on flax paper tinted with iron oxide

Size of art piece: 21″ x 29″

Name of art piece: Pre-Occupied 106

Medium: graphite on flax paper tinted with iron oxide

Size of art piece: 21″ x 29″

Name of art piece: Pre-Occupied 72

Medium: graphite on flax paper tinted with iron oxide

Size of art piece: 21″ x 29″

Name of art piece: Pre-Occupied 95

Medium: graphite on flax paper tinted with iron oxide

Size of art piece: 21″ x 29″

Name of art piece: Pre-Occupied 119

Medium: graphite on flax paper tinted with iron oxide

Size of art piece: 21″ x 29″

Name of art piece: Pre-Occupied 4

Medium: graphite, silver graphite, and magnetite on flax paper pigmented with iron oxide

Size of art piece: 17″ x 22″

Name of art piece: Pre-Occupied 51

Medium: graphite on flax paper tinted with iron oxide

Size of art piece: 29″ x 39″

Name of art piece: Pre-Occupied 65

Medium: graphite on flax paper tinted with iron oxide

Size of art piece: 22.5″ x 17.5″

Name of art piece: Pre-Occupied 121

Medium: graphite on flax paper tinted with iron oxide

Size of art piece: 22.5″ x 17.5″

Name of artist: Joel Silverstein

Location of artist: New York City area

Artist website: https://joelsilversteinart.com

Instagram: @joelsilversteinart

Joel Silverstein was born in Brooklyn New York in 1957. He holds a BFA from Pratt Institute,1979, an MPS in Professional Studies, also from Pratt, 1981, and an MFA from Brooklyn College, CUNY, 1992. He is an artist/curator who paints landscapes, portraits, and interiors using direct observation, Old Master and history painting, comics, movie stills and collage. His goal is to investigate traditional genres and imbue them with contemporary feeling, deriving from gurative expressionism, but often looking to images from the media for inspiration. Many of his works examine Sci-Fi, horror, and fantasy as new ways to express traditional metaphysical ideas. He often uses motifs such as heroes and monsters, undermining or satirizing these characters to make a point. The goal is not just to show aspects of good and evil, but to reference them as characteristics in us all. He has exhibited nationally and internationally. The artist/ curator is also a Founding and Executive Member of the Jewish Art Salon in New York and has curated or advised on 15 exhibitions including Genesis, The Beginning of Creativity at The Interchurch Center, Riverside Church, and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Through Compassionate Eyes: Artist’s Call for Animal Rights at the Charter Oak Center in Hartford Ct. Recent and exhibitions of his own work include a one-person show at the HUC Heller Museum, and groups shows at the JADA Paris Art Week, Greenkill Gallery, Art Basel, Miami, the Amstelkirk Gallery in Holland, and the Jerusalem Biennale, 2015, and 2017. His work and curated exhibitions are cited in Ori Z. Soltes’ Tradition and Transformation; Three Millennium of Jewish Art & Architecture and Matthew Baigell’s Jewish Identity in American Art, a Golden Age Since the 1970s and has also just won an art and achievement grant from the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

We are the sum of our experiences, but it’s not simple arithmetic of two plus two.

So imagine being, say, a Jewish boy, growing up in Gravesend — that’s pre-hipster, pre-cool, ethnic to the point of being tribal, very deep Brooklyn — in the ’60s. You’re an artist, a smart, sensitive kid, a spiritual seeker, open to experience, alert to ideas, eager to combine them.

Say that you are open to all sorts of imagery, and you try to weave the abstract ideas behind those images so they look good and they also mean something (although a viewer who doesn’t want to bother with the ideas because it’s too much fun just to look at the surface level is okay too).

In his take on Exodus, Pharoah’s daughter, Batyah, rescues young Moses dressed for a summer day in Brighton Beach.

And oh yes, fun. You like having fun, and also you’re funny. Sometimes grimly, sometimes giddily.

Say that the question of your identity — how you put all those influences and experiences together — often is top of mind for you.

So maybe you decide to paint at least one image from each book of the Tanach, each in the style and using the imagery that the story, your subconscious, your always-at-work conscious brain, and the materials on hand compel you to create.

You’d end up with his The Tanach series. To see more paintings from this series please vist Joels website.

-Taken from the Jewish Standard article “Brushes with the Bible: The Tanach art of Mahwah’s Joel Silverstein” by Joanne Palmer

Name of art piece: New Genesis

Medium: Acrylic on wood

Size of art piece: 36" x48"

The picture is constructed as a painting within a painting, literally two canvasses glued concentrically to show levels or dimensions of earthy and divine experience. Adam and Eve are depicted as early 1960s adults, drinking Coca-Cola instead of eating the fruit from the Tree of knowledge. The Western image of “the Apple” as the fruit is retained, even though no apple is mentioned until Milton’s Paradise Lost. As God (or the Angel) pushes the couple from Paradise, Adam and Eve’s children are forced to work the land. A English -style telephone booth is depicted to the right, evoking the popular Science Fiction character, Doctor Who.

Name of art piece: Exodus I

Medium: Acrylic on wood Size of art piece: 36" x48"

Batyah (Bithiah, Thermutis), Pharaoh’s daughter and a princess of Egypt, rescues the infant Moses from the Nile. Miriam, Moses’ sister, aids the princess in seeking a wet nurse, the child’s biological Hebrew mother. The images of Miriam and the infant Moses are derived from photos of Brighton Beach bathers on a hot summer day. They are depicted as both heroic and casual. The male figure on the right is wearing a D.C. Comics’ Hawkman mask, a reference to the Egyptian god, Horus. Princess Batyah is dressed in a sleek modern gown, thrusting the narrative into a past-present world of archetypes and ahistorical time.

Name of art piece: Exodus II Burning Bush

Medium: Acrylic on wood Size of art piece: 36" x48"

Moses is depicted as a young man wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with an image of the statue of Michelangelo’s Moses (c. 1513), a vision of what he is to become. His pose breaks the fourth wall, reaching beyond the top of the painting, evoking the central figure of Paul Gauguin’s mammoth work, Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? (1897). The Burning Bush depicts the ark, or Aron HaKodesh, from the Dura Europos synagogue mural (245 CE), while its fire is reminiscent of the flames of the Shoah. The painting compares the hopefulness of the young Moses with the bleak, wild, and beautiful landscape.

Name of artist: Karen Krischer (Vayehi Chein)

Location of artist: Bronx, NY

Instagram: @vayehichein

My name is Karen Krischer. I am originally from Memphis, TN, and I did undergraduate and medical school at Tulane in New Orleans. I am a pediatrics resident at Jacobi hospital, and I started doing resin art during the pandemic as a way to deal with the stress of being a new doctor in this unusual time. I do a variety of resin art including judaica. I initially started doing resin art to make gifts for family and friends, but as time went on I began to enjoy the medium more and more, and I started creating bigger and bolder pieces. I especially love to take nds from thrift stores or garage sales and turn them into works of art, such as mirrors. In addition to my resin art, I dabble in other art media including melted crayon, mosaic, and digital art.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

Judaism is an integral part of my daily life, so all pieces are influenced by Jewish culture. Some of my work is more obviously Jewish, such as the functional judaica pieces like Chanukiyah, Shabbat candlestick trays, mezuzahs, and blessing cards. But my modern and abstract pieces are often inspired by Jewish art and ideas. I like to listen to shiurim while I work, and much of my art is a celebration of the world and Hashem's role in it.

Name of art piece: Modern Hanukkah

Medium: Resin

Size of art piece: 13" x 9" Piece available for sale

Menorah

A Chanukiyah and tray in one, this one-of-a-kind menorah is both artistic and functional.

Name of art piece: Icy Seas

Medium: Resin

Size of art piece: 20” Piece available for sale

This mirror resin was filled with thoughts of the world created by Hashem. It is reminiscent of an arctic ocean with the combination of ice and water.

Name of artist: Karin Brygger

Location of artist: Gothenburg, Sweden (EUROPE)

Instagram: @karin_brygger

Karin Brygger is a poet of 7 books and an assistant professor in Aesthetics, Media and Storytelling. She is currently translating Jan T. Gross Neighbours to Swedish and has during 2023 spent most of her time putting together an anthology in solidarity with the people of Ukraine (Dikter: en antologi för Ukraina, in English Poems: an anthology for Ukraine, Bokförlaget Korpen 2023). She is co-funder and a board member of the Judiska Salongen (Jewish Salon) in Gothenburg.

A professor I once met said to me, quoting some other artist, ”If you live in a sacred world, everything glistens with meaning”: I think that is my answer. I live embraced by Jewish culture and religion and even if my approach to it as an artist may be rebellious and progressive it is what constitutes me as a human being.

is an ongoing and evolving art project and performance working in the intersection of writing, walking and Jewish studies since May 2022. The project both explores and manifests Jewish life in the diaspora and is in its own way a hedge against erasure, the latter a real or symbolic treat that I would propose in some sense haunts all Jews in the Diaspora. The Scrolls project challenges the more traditional notion of the Jewish homeland and elaborates freely with the socialist organization Bund’s concept of , an expression that may be understood as a timeless and existential ground for the wish to belong where you already are situated. This concept rimes well with the notion of the Torah as a portable homeland and should in this case be interpreted as a resistance to antisemitism, not as anti-Zionist.

I want to underline that the project applies a flexible practice where I may sometimes walk/write alone and reflect but more often involve other people as to evoke and elevate signs, clues or obvious Jewish presence and to create a community of testimonies and stories. To lend the scrolls to others to write or play with is a necessary act to be able to discover our diversity and claim all Jewish experience and all Jewish lives equally important. I may or may not give specific instructions to writers I give a scroll to.

Each scroll revolves around a theme and/or a place or certain occasion, for example »Love-letter», »Jewish secrets», »Genesis in Stockholm», »Jewish Lives in Europe: A conference», sadness, pain, Jewish takes on ecology and many more.

The Scrolls Project is by no means anti-Zionist but should rather be interpreted as a celebration of Jewish life in the Diaspora and a project taking a stand for the notion that Jews should be allowed to live wherever they wish, without fear of expulsion. While Bund was a political organization this art-project merely elaborates and plays with the word.

The Scrolls Project is supported by Katz Judiska Kulturfond, Konstnärsnämndens internationella Resestipendium, Bokförlaget Korpen, St. Lagerhaus Heritage Foundation.

Name of art piece: Scroll # 6: Jews

Medium: Text & photo

write love-letters

All letters in scroll # 6 are sampled from Jewish writers, Jewish artists, and other Jew’s personal love correspondence. Letters are mixed up with each other, so that the writer’s different voices merge into one; just like we in love strive to merge with our beloved. Some letters are previously published in books but, in the scroll, anonymized. A literature list is available on request.

A scroll of statements on letters, with some a theoretical background, also belong to scroll # 6 and also a scroll with HaShirim (Song of Songs) is also a part of the project. The biblical love poem/letter is on the scroll copied in several languages.

The love-letters scrolls are a way of exploring the conversation between people in love, what love and longing is, and can be, and have been, and how it is expressed and told in personal documents. Exploring this I also want to address the question of time and love: to write love-letters is a vulnerable and time-consuming practice that seems to have disappeared today as we communicate short and effective through texts and phone-calls. What does this lost practice do to us as loving humans? How does it change the stories of love?

To copy other people’s love letters is a meditation on time and what it is to give love through a durational and repetitive practice. In the end all these letters form micro- histories on what it is to be in love. I have chosen loveletters written only by Jews not because they differ very much from other people’s love letters (except if they are written for example in Auschwitz) but because the entire Scrolls Project aims to explore and manifest Jewish existence.

When I perform with # Scroll 6 I simply read the letters from the scroll aloud to the audience and encourage them afterwards to write their own love letter. I provide envelopes, cards, and pens.

Name of artist: Ketzia Schoneberg

Location

of artist: Portland, OR (USA)

Artist website: www.ketzia.com

Instagram: @ketziaschoneberg

Ketzia Schoneberg is a contemporary American artist. Her mixed media autobiographical works center mammalian avatars and the nude, while exploring identity, culture, emotional candor, eroticism, sensuality, and the experience of the divine.

Schoneberg is a proli c artist, whose expressive style is primitive and engaging. Figurative and abstract elements, vivid color and loose mark making are hallmarks of her gurative expressionist style. The artist uses acrylic paint, graphite, pastel, charcoal and wax pencil on paper, board and canvas in her works. Ketzia’s process is intuitive and loose, often in uenced by the palette, materials and imagery that are close at hand in the moment.

Schoneberg’s work is exhibited in museums and galleries nationally, and her paintings are collected throughout the U.S., Israel and Canada. Born in Los Angeles, the artist grew up in San Francisco and is currently living and working in the Paci c Northwest

Being Jewish has a strong influence on my work. Several of my series of paintings involve Jewish/biblical themes, and I also have an extensive group of symbols of loosely rendered Jewish imagery (menorahs, Pesach goats, shofar horns, priestly blessing hands, tallit knots, geometric symbols taken from carpets created at the Betzalel School in the early 20th century, etc.), that point to my Jewish identity, and also to deeper, more mystical meanings behind the images.

I am a 4th generation Jewish artist on my paternal line, which makes being an artist for me much more than something I came up with myself - The visual arts have a long tradition in my Jewish family line, and I am always aware of that when I’m working.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

Name of art piece: Kvod (Honor)

Medium: mixed media on 130lb cold press archival paper

Size of art piece: 12” x 16”

Name of art piece: My Brother’s Underworld

Medium: mixed media on 130lb cold press archival paper

Size of art piece: 12” x 16”

Name of art piece: Nissam; Rites of Spring Medium: Mixed media on 130lb cold press archival paper

Size of art piece: 18” x 24” Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: Taming the Green Wolf Medium: Mixed media on 130lb cold press archival paper

Size of art piece: 18” x 24”

Name of art piece: The Morning and Evening Star Medium: Mixed media on 130lb cold press archival paper

Size of art piece: 18” x 24” Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: : The Noble Wish

Medium: Mixed media on 130lb cold press archival paper

Size of art piece: 16” x 20” Piece available for sale

Name of artist: Leah Lasry

Location of artist: Jerusalem, Israel

Instagram: @yetzirati_artworkshops

Leah Lasry is a mixed media artist originally from Montreal, Canada. She has been experimenting and creating for years using mediums such as acrylics, plaster, mirror, polymer clay, and glass paint.

Her more recent work focuses on uniting bright colored pieces of stained glass and mirror to create mosaics that re ect her love for Jerusalem and judaism.

She has been sharing her passion for art for the past 12 years by teaching art to children and women from her home studio. She now resides in Jerusalem with her husband and 6 children.

Does

Ever since I started creating art, I have always seeked to give my art a deeper meaning rooted in judaism. Most of my earlier pieces feature verses or symbolic words that can be found in our scriptures. Even though my more recent work does not make use of text, they continue to reflect jewish themes and symbols to which I feel a great connection to and are a great source of inspiration, my favorite ones being Jerusalem and pomegranates.

the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

Name of art piece: Aqua mirror challah board

Medium: stained glass and mirror on pine tree base

Size of art piece: 40.5*27cm

A challah board combining mirror outlines, and many different shades of blue, aqua, and white, as well as a few subtle accents of yellow. Each little piece of glass represents a moment during our week, some brighter than others, some shinier than others, but all part of a whole which eventually makes us who we are. With the right lighting, the mirror outline and text gets reflected on to the ceiling.

Name of art piece: Shalom

Medium: Acrylics and mirror on canvas

Size of art piece: 90*45cm

Name of art piece: Bright Jerusalem

Medium: Acrylics on canvas

Size of art piece: 100*70cm

Name of art piece: Sheva Brahot

Medium: Acrylics and mirror on canvas

Size of art piece: 50*40cm

This piece was inspired by Jasper John's famous lithograph "Cup 2 Picasso", where the viewers see either a goblet or pair of silhouetted faces. In my piece, the cup depicts the cup of wine on which a blessing is said during the wedding ceremony, and the silhouettes represent a man and wife facing each other. In the background, notice the sheva brachot blessing which is recited at weddings.

Name of art piece: Hanging pomegranates

Medium: plaster and acrylics on canvas

Size of art piece: 50*50cm

Size of art piece: 40*60cm Piece available for

Although we feel redemption is so close, we can only see the beit hamikdash in the distance. The pathway leading to the beit hamikdash was made using sand and gravel from eretz Israel. One morning, while I was praying with my husband on the grave of the Or Hahayim Hakadosh on Mount of Olives, I picked up a few rocks that I incorporated along the pathway of this piece. Mount of Olives overlooks the Temple Mount where the beit hamikdash once stood and will stand again soon, G-d willing.

Name of artist: Leah Luria

Location

of artist: Bet Shemesh, Israel

Artist website: www.noendlight.com

Instagram: @leahluriafineart

Leah Luria made aliyah to Ramat Bet Shemesh with her husband and 6 children (and their pet cockatiel, Checkers) in August, 2021. Leah was an art teacher in Hollywood, Florida prior to her move and treasured her time inspiring the next generation at Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes. Fun Fact: Leah had never been to Israel prior to making aliyah. She likes to tell people that she was "tired of painting Israel from someone else's photographs" and so she knew it was time to take the leap. Once she arrived and was able to experience the Land with completely fresh eyes, she was mezmerized by the beauty of the everchanging landscape. Her work has been heavily in uened by her new surroundings, The rolling hills, forests, vinyards and ravines all inspire her to explore the Holy Land in paint.

Does

Yes, my art is heavily influenced by Judaism and my connection to Hashem. I connect to Hashem through taking the time to notice the beauty of the nature of Eretz Yisrael. I used to mostly paint portraits before making aliyah. I feel a strong pull now to paint the majestic landscapes of Israel, our gift from Hashem. I especially want to share my inspiration of the beauty of the Land with Jews who cannot live here, so they can elevate their space and their connection with the Land of Israel.

Name of art piece: Afternoon Stroll in Israel

Size of art piece: 18” x 24”

Piece available on fine art paper or gallery wrapped canvas

"Afternoon Stroll in Israel" is painted in oils with bold cobalt blues and rich emerald greens. Using broad brushstrokes, the foliage almost has an abstracted "stained glass" appearance. This piece is of the gorgeous Katlav path at the end of my street, one of my favorite local spots. Own a piece of fresh Israel air bottled up in a painting.

This moment was from my summer trip to Tzvat. I wanted to capture my impression of this mystical city in fluid, dreamlike colors. I remember the sun was beginning its descent towards the horizon and I stopped to watch as the shadows completely transformed the mood, stretching out and rolling like plum waves across the cobblestone streets. It was like walking in a painting - so I had to paint it.

Size of art piece: 18” x 24”

Piece available on fine art paper or gallery wrapped canvas

Before moving to Israel, I thought my "artistic calling" was capturing the whimsy of childhood in paint. From my daughter swinging on the monkey bars, to my son running with a kite, to my toddler dipping her toes in the ocean sunset, this was a major theme of my art. Now that my focus has shifted to painting the beauty of the land of Israel, this painting is a bit of a marriage between my favorite things to paint.

This painting is of my son Akiva when he was 5 years old. He felt ready to ride a two-wheeler, and so, in true Israeli kid style, he removed his own training wheels and started pedaling with the help neighborhood friends. After that, he was off without a hitch! Children here are so independent; I hope their sweet and innocent self-determination comes across in this piece.

Name of art piece: Growing Up in Israel

Name of art piece: Kotel from Below

Size of art piece: 12” x 12”

Piece available on fine art paper, gallery wrapped canvas, or original

So many prayers have been poured out before this Wall, one of the holiest sites in the world. Painted with the unique perspective of standing direcrly before the Kotel, looking up towards the Heavens from below. It is my hope that this artwork holds space for you and your prayers.

This painting is my favorite piece of an experimental color study. As an artist, I find inspiration everywhere and the Katlav walking path by my home is no exception. At dusk, the colors tint to cools, everything is bluer and richer and moodier. I played with adding reds to the trees and love how the complimentary colors appear to be energized when placed beside each other.

Name of art piece: Tree at Dusk

Size of art piece: 18” x 24”

Piece available on fine art paper or gallery wrapped canvas

Name of art piece: Twin Caves Path I

Medium: Oil paint on canvas Piece available on fine art paper or gallery wrapped canvas

Name of art piece: Twin Caves Path II

Medium: Oil paint on canvas Piece available on fine art paper or gallery wrapped canvas

Legend has it, a woman who was trying for many years to have children was told to go to this cave and drink the water collected there. A year later, she was blessed with giving birth to twins, and so the cave at the end of this path became known as the Twins Cave. Located in Bet Shemesh, the landscape surrounding the Twins Cave is full of round, rollings hills that are almost reminiscent of pregnant bellies. I'm endlessly fascinated by how ancient this land is and the countless stories she has to tell.

This landscape painting is inspired by the rolling hills outside Jerusalem and abundant vineyards of Gush Etzion. I loved the way the atmospheric perspective tinted the mountains in the distance many shades of blue and grey. Depicted in the foreground are fruitful vines dripping with grapes, one of the seven species special to the Land of Israel. This piece will bring the beauty of the fruitful Land of Israel to your home.

Name of art piece: Vineyard in the Gush Medium: Oil paint on canvas Piece available on fine art paper or gallery wrapped canvas

Name of art piece: Wisdom of the Olive Tree Medium: Oil paint on canvas

Name of artist: Marci Pratt

Location of artist: Fairfield, CT USA

Artist website: https://www.marcigifts.com/

This growing company started many moons ago when Marci was making bar/bat mitzvah memory glasses. You remember, you took a glass, lled it will random mementos from the event and glitter; then sealed it with wax to keep it shut. Since then, Marci Gifts has grown into a small Judaica shop where you can nd budget friendly jewelry. Hebrew name necklaces as well as earrings to celebrate every holiday from Rosh Chodesh to Rosh Hashanah and everything in between. Marci Gifts also has many other Judaica themed items; such as Seder Plates, Mezuzah Cases, Menorahs and everyday Judaica Décor. We try to celebrate everyone's creative side with our line of DIY kits. Marci Gifts sells mainly online and at outdoor craft events throughout Connecticut and New York. But what this company lacks in size we make up for in chutzpah!

Growing up I was always going to craft fairs and holiday markets, there was always budget friendly jewelry options or craft kits for those who celebrated Christmas. But there was never something for me, a proud Jewish woman. Now that I have started my own business I only make Judaica jewelry and items.

Marci Gifts is small Judaica shop where you can find budget friendly earrings to celebrate small holidays like Rosh Chodesh to big holidays like Rosh Hashanah and every holiday in between.

Name of artist: Mayer Frank

Location

of artist: Pompano Beach, Florida

Instagram: @Havaton_Design

Mayer Frank is a mulit-media artist based out of South Florida. Most of his work comes from him reading books on Kabbalah and Chasidus and then translating these concepts into images.

Since Mayer is a visual learner this not only helps him understand these concepts but also allows him to express them to the viewer. As a Jewish artist he saw the need for a way to build a community of Jewish artists as well as a way to help create opportunities for them so he founded the The Jewish Art House in 2021.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

Yes. The biblical prohibition against creating graven images is a major influence as to how I approach any art piece I create. As I studied what actualy constitutes “graven images” I saw that images done to teach a concept or show someone what something looks like is ok. There was a great Rabbi in Israel who drew images of the moon during its different phases. He was questioned as to how this was ok to do. His response was that this was done solely to determine the new moon and was only shown to witnesses coming to him saying they saw the new moon. Imagine trying to determine what the moon looked like through words alone. I take this idea into the images I create and use my art to express what would be impossible or extremly difficult to express through words alone.

Name of art piece: Self portrait 2: Hope

Medium: Watercolor on watercolor paper

Size of art piece: 10” x 14”

Name of art piece: Good foud in Evil

Medium: Watercolor on watercolor paper

Size of art piece: 10” x 14”

Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: Waiting for the right eye (Moshiach)

Medium: Oil paint on canvas

Size of art piece: 12” x 12” Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: The shell precedes the fruit

Medium: Oil paint on canvas

Size of art piece: 12” x 12” Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: Portrait of Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber

Medium: Oil paint on Canvas

Size of art piece: 12” x 12”

Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: Portrait of Moses Maimonides

Medium: Oil paint on cavas

Size of art piece: 12” x 12”

Piece available for sale

Name of artist: Mx.Enigma

Location of artist: JewYorker

Artist website: Behance.net/Mxenigma Instagram: @Mx.Enigma

Mx.Enigma is a Querrahi mixed media artist in NYC. They graduated from Brooklyn College in 2017 with a B.A in Media/Gender Studies. Their work focuses on the intersections of queerness, American culture & public's perceptions. Their work is featured in over 40 galleries in NY including MOMA, Bronx Museum, Tribeca Film Festival, HBO & BRIC media. They are an artist alum of the Brandies Collegiate Institute at AJU in Simi Valley residency in July 2017, & Fall 2019 artist in residence at Judson Memorial Church. 2019-2020 they worked with NYPL on a play production of “L’Chaim 2 Dykes” on Queer ExHasidic Women who are struggling with their custody battles. 2021 they were a fellow at BAVC. Makerspace, and The Center & Still Here writing fellow with L.A Times!

Some poskim like to believe "Once a Jew, always a Yid" which might not hold true for many Jews of all hues. Judaism is a foundation to the values, makeup, ancestral lineage of both Yemenite and Belarussian Jewish leaders that brought me to life, as well as a major guiding factor in my efforts of tikkun olam, through the usage of art as a political weapon for social change, learning from my Mizrahi mama to speak loudly in times of injustice, and my Asheknazi father's perpective of quoting masterminds before him like Einstein who stated "imagination is more powerful than knowledge", since artists have the ability to forge new envisioned worlds. There is an argument among Jewish creatives, as to what symbolizes Judaic Art, and whom are Jewish in their artistic practice? I'm the believer, one doesn't need to have every piece of their portfolio with scripture of Gemarah, to be labelled a Jewish artist, or a creative who is inspired by the Jewish faith. Whether clearly displayed or subliminally, my yiddishkeit plays a major element to my portfolio, and is a core of who I proudly am, being an extension of generations of great Jewish visual talent!

+All the images are able to be resized for any buyer. The images are for sale with 20% of the raised funds from the digital prints to be donated to a major Mizrahi Archival foundation, to preserve both the past, and the future of Yemeni Jewry.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

Medium: Photography

Size of art piece: n/a The difference between many religions, and the Jewish faith is history v.s memory. Judaism claims it is a living testament to the history of our ancestors through contemporary rituals. #Neverforget or #WeRemember, are two viral hashtags in honor of Yom Hashoah, for international holocaust remembrance day that nearly every user is aware of its origins meaning. Yet, so much of our tribe is caught up on the past memories, than applying its lessons today. With Tisha B'Av passing, we remember the Beit Hamikdash, being decimated by senseless hate, yet even in the Jewish world, we are divided by denomination, ethnicity, class, race and region. What is the point of mourning our precious temple, or reclamation of mount sinai, if we can't even value the pikuach nefesh of our distraught family members? As I revist Israel, over pesach, and find myself on a rooftop overlooking The Western Wall plaza, I noticed like a Harova cat, places and people I used to find solace, to trying to forget how painful it is, unable to access their centers safely, as I have changed my hashkafa, mesorah, and direction in life, opposing their orthodox worldview. Will I be remembered when I pass on, just like I was forgotten by my former neighbors after excommunication?

Name of art piece: Yizkor, the lessons of the dead! 2021

Name of art piece: Havdalah Distored

Medium: graphic design

Size of art piece: n/a

The deadliest virus during Coivd19, was the spread of misinformation, bias and hateful conspiracy theories. A multitude of my identities were targeted by other New Yorkers, and with hate crimes incidents rising across America, against Queer/Trans, Jewish, Crip, Asian, and bipoc demographics. Observing from friends, allies, and myself, fearing how much of our heritage, identities or gender expression do we minimize and conform into what our abusers expect of us, to avoid targetization of our identities, or resilience in overcoming our fears of displaying pride of our regalia or expressive presence, in hopes for our haters to back down? Every saturday night, Jews around the world, perform the ritual of “Havdallah” a separation of the end of the week/shabbat with hovering over a lit candle to bring light where their was once darkness. After snapshotting this image, at a Temani home in Bnai Brak it envoked the sentiments of fear and pride of Jews among other oppressed people’s in which I am a part of, unifying through their rituals and social activities, despite the state of hate that wishes to divide them. A distorted reality, can always find hope, knowing good people are caring for their neighbor.

Name of art piece: A Familial connection to The Ma'Abarot

Medium: photography

Size of art piece: n/a My maternal grandparents came to Rosh Haayin as teenage refugees from Yemen. The Mizrahi Jews, were promised by their Israeli Absorption agencies a plethora of social services that would help them adapt into a modern israeli society, with the dream of the land of milk and honey be at their families taste buds. The Ma'Abarot, the Mizrahi version of the tenements era, in the late 1950 well into the 70s led decades of strife, poverty, and deprived basic goods for millions of Jews of color to find sustainable living. My Sabah and Savta, Rabbi Yaakov & Chana Hoffe, moved into a prefabricated home in Rosh Haayin, where they raised 15 children, and 100s of grandkids, Generations of Israelis, and Jews of the diaspora from the Hoffe family would lock to their modest home, to celebrate life, holidays and Temani culture. My last grandparent passed in 2016, and I didn't realize in my past pesach trip of spring 2021, would be the last time my family celebrated passover at my grandparents home, before it was demolished, to make room for new developers, housing and a non-mizrahi family who wouldn't even notice the rich history that lay ground on Eretz Yisrael Hashlema 12 street. The layering of the old home, with a residential tower, and a clothing line of multiple generations in between, is the legacy I hope to cherish, that is often white washed in Jewish/Israeli history, by Jews of the Edot Hamizrach.

From

Light:

I am from reconstructed antiques, contemporary judaica and historic trauma.

I am from the holy land and diaspora, contradictory, inhumane, with a sniff of death all around.

I am from sunflowers and pomegranates, delicate, bountiful, a multitude of seeds/blessings, unique among my other plant family.

I’m from Mizrahi / Ashkenazi culture, and rebellious natures; from The Yoselevsky and Hoffe Mishpachot.

I’m from the scholars and artisans of the people of the book. From marginal survivors and chosen warriors divided among their own tribe, yet considers themselves a hebrew nation.

I’m from the orthodoxy and apostasy of travelers who preach kvetching!

I'm from NYC and Jerusalem, both post-colonial empires! Who have lived off eating Temani Faqha soup, and Matzah Brei, a claustrophobic mix of produce and aromas of food for the soul, yet prepared by an oppressed people.

My life is more than my own 1st world challenges, I carry from the 2000 yemenite baby tragedy and the holocaust. I’m the grandchild of anti-nazi partisans, and disappointment by their grandparents for turning away from their Yiddishkeit into the joys of assimilation.

All of me is forged by the pale of settlement, the deserts of Taiz, all encapsulated into a 21st century, Genizah, I call my art portfolio: Documenting the holiness of my radical, queer, crip, JEWcy nonbinary, 1st generation American, migrant journey of displacement, but glued by cultural patchings.

I am from all my chosen & blood ancestral memories, tragedies and legacies, & yet I am Here to slay antisemitism, queerphobia and my own inner demons!

I awaken in a time of disillusion, a studio loft, with decorative arts, adjacent to a blowing wind of softness, with a rotating scene of cars passing by, as the sun sets, and moon sets the window’s frame, it often feels my life is a repetition of boredom and exile. Sitting all by myself on mycouch, and in my head’s chamber of imprisoned by my OCD, tortured by my existentialism, nihilistic and chronic depression.

I awaken everyday to watch the news, witnessing the world in chaos. Another mass shooting, human rights abuses, the oppressor grows larger, and the underdog crawls into their grave. My allies tell me to conjure hope, my security senses tell me to wreak havoc, panic, and isolate from other 2 legged clothed creatures.

You might awake, with your casual routine, yoga, exercise, prayer, a stir of cocoa and quinoa and mantras in the mirror before reaching the stresses that calls your attention, outside your apartment door. How can I delight in the same rhythmic dance that you call a typical workday, or the Zen Buddhist outlook, when I only know disgruntled emotions that seek composure?

I feel awake to the world’s plight, when many global citizens around me seem asleep in their political souls, while wide awake to their capitalist goals. I often wish to give up my attachment to repairing the world, when I wish to be as apathetic as those who enjoy their lives.

Name of artist: Ronit Friedman

Location

of artist: Maale Adumim, Israel

Artist website: www.ronitfriedman.com

Instagram: @ronitfriedman_art

Ronit Friedman is an Israeli artist who brings the landscape to life with rich colors and loose brushstrokes. Her acrylic paintings of Jerusalem and the Judean Hills express a love of the land and a deep connection to her surroundings. She infuses the mundane with imagined color as an expression of spiritual energy and signi cance.

Ronit’s Jerusalem alleyway series brings magic and splendor to the old cobblestone streets. They celebrate the triumph of the Jewish nation in rebuilding a homeland despite years of dispersion. The arches crown the journey, an expression of a G-d’s love and intervention.

Does

Yes. Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people.

The landscape series is inspired by the view from Ronit’s home, set in the Judean Hills. The mountains surrounding Jerusalem are a source of strength and protection. Their beauty is captivating, each one unique at every moment in time.

Ronit was born and raised in New York. She studied art since her youth and was captivated by Impressionist art which in uenced and enabled her style to take form. She holds a masters in Art therapy from Lesley University. Ronit moved to Israel in her twenties and currently resides in the city of Ma’ale Adumim with her husband and four children.

the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

Name of art piece: Jerusalem Splendor

Medium: acrylic painting

Giclée print on stretched canvas available for sale

Name of art piece: Jerusalem Lights

Medium: acrylic painting

Giclée print on stretched canvas available for sale

Feel the light seeping through the stones of the Old City of Jerusalem with this unique acrylic painting.

Name of art piece: Jerusalem Map

Medium: acrylic painting on stretched canvas

Size of art piece: 19.7”x27.5”

Piece available for sale

Both beautiful and informative, this unique aerial map of Jerusalem will keep your gaze on the holy city. Various Jerusalem neighborhoods, streets, and highlights are labeled across the map in Hebrew.

These gentle brushstrokes catch the morning light as it glows upon the old city of Jerusalem.

Name of art piece: Jerusalem Morning

Medium: acrylic painting on stretched canvas

Size of art piece: 15.7”x19.7”x.6”

Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: Three Arches

Medium: acrylic painting on stretched canvas

Size of art piece: 15.7”x19.7”x.6”

Piece available for sale

This magical painting of Jerusalem's old city is bursting with color and charm.

Gazing up from inside an ancient Jerusalem Mikveh at the walls of the Temple Mount, this painting beckons you to enter a space filled with purity and emotion.

Name of art piece: Ascent

Medium: acrylic painting on stretched canvas

Size of art piece: 19.7”x27.5”

Piece available for sale

Name of artist: Roy "Robin" Bass

Location of artist: New Jersey

Instagram: @RobinSpokenWord

Roy "Robin" Bass is an Israeli born, New York City/New Jersey raised poet and performer.

Does the Jewish religion influence the approach you take to your art ? If so how ?

Yes, it certainly does. A lot of my poetry focuses on subjects such as ancestral bonds, traditions, generational trauma and healing all through the lens of Judaism and family stories. Moreover, aspects of Jewish lessons and morality also influence the lessons and desired impact I seek to have with my poems.

I wonder if my mother knows I hear G-d in her voice.

I wonder who gave birth to G-d if not a mother.

I wonder if G-d made space or is imprisoned by it.

I wonder if G-d ever sponsored a highway.

I wonder if G-d has a favorite holy book to swear by. I wonder if G-d ripens my avocados too quickly on purpose.

I wonder if G-d looks at me the way I look at my overly ripened avocados.

My G-d you are amazing. You are the reason angels have a singing voice. You are the silhouette of victory and power earned.

My G-d if you can hear this, it’s not a prayer. It’s a calling card from a bodega.

G-d I am tired of suffering. G-d aren’t you tired of suffering? My G-d I don’t know what this is, but I hope you’re listening.

Because my mother is tired, I know this because her mother is tired. I’ve never seen working hands complain, especially when they are always busy. Especially when they are always busy forgetting.

Every family is a product of war, it just depends on which grandfather clock sets the timeline. Lately I haven’t been praying, I’ve been asking. And asking one question in all its violence.

Why do we suffer?

There’s a saying that G-d died in Auschwitz, but is it because they did not ask

For whom do we suffer?

War Theater

The man shouts at the television: The politician holds the map in his teeth.

The words a corridor for his hatred. Can you feel them? Government issued hands? Are they calloused with fright? Or purpose? Towering in their power, are they a sign of delivery?

Know the boys they once belonged to. Understand the men they now belong to. Watch open mouths. Listen. The sound of war is their emptiness. If you don’t hear what’s coming, it already came for you.

See a woman a man a child remnants of a family.

Staying a mother a father a daughter under a sheet on Sunday morning.

1

They fall next to the war memorial, become war memorial, they lie in the bombed street next to an untouched suitcase, grey and upright as if an exclamation to the question marks made of their bodies.

1 The man turns off the television. He sees only his reflection.

An Accent Enters a Room and Says Good Morning

Before I am named, before I open the day to my story, I pull a parchment across the promised land. Held in places only I can remember, withered away in places I haven’t yet been born. An accent can be a war cry in one territory, and a shared prayer in the next, but morning is always when light greets you in everybody’s language. Some days I need a reminder that your language was invented after the wind, the spirit that pushes the waves forth, the waves that pull, as I hold onto something that will disappear, as I try to keep my cup empty while drowning. No one drowns in an accent, but it can spit-shine you if you’re not careful. If someone questions when it says good morning. The quiet welcomes me like only an immigrant knows. It does not laugh when I pronounce hammock as ham-mock, salmon as sal-a-mon, or the ear as crucifixion.

Every day I pray the omnipotent speaks a 21st century language. Still, I say hello I am however I can, the way everyone is a poet if you read their body language. The way poetry is the body language of language. My name enters a room with subtitles for when the drowning tongues grow weary. They wash me clean, so clean I become in fact I am an outline. Until I am a smooth pebble to be placed upon America’s shores.

Name of artist: Ruth Simon McRae

Location of artist: Taylorsville, GA

Artist website: ruthsimonmcrae.com

Instagram: @threads_of_ritual

I have a passion for the warmth and feel of textiles and am drawn to handcrafts and the textile arts. Textiles have layers of meaning, and I like to use talitot and challah covers as canvases for expressing stories, histories, and rituals. I also want to create emotion with surprising and evocative color relationships enhanced by shape and texture.

My interest in textiles stems from a childhood surrounded by fabrics, from the fabrics in my father’s interior design studio to the fabulous clothes of the 1960s. I studied painting at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and the Philadelphia College of Art.

In 1970, I purchased a 100-year-old loom and taught myself to weave, focusing on pictorial tapestries. After reading the writing of Anni Albers, I was inspired to learn more about how to produce fabrics with textile machinery and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in textile design at Philadelphia University. In 1978, I moved to Georgia, and earned a Master of Science degree in textiles at Georgia Tech. These degrees provided my entrée into the eld of industrial textile design, for which I have enjoyed a long career in the oor covering industry.

This body of work combines my love of the practical and material with my spiritual life. I started with autobiographical themes; the landscape in our backyard, the garden, studies in white to express a feeling of holiness, watercolor painting. From there I moved on to creating tallit and challah covers that were inspired by various materials and color combinations. Each piece was produced over a fairly long period of time, each was iterative, with one material or section added in response to the last, like a painting.

My experiments in materiality – merging complex color combinations, pattern design, and the rich, textures of fabrics –drive my work in the textile arts, painting, printmaking, mixed media, and ceramics. These Judaic textiles represent a complex layering of handcraft and artistry along with a deep appreciation for the objects of daily life that are a part of our tradition.

Name of art piece: Trees Tallit

Medium: stencil & screenprint on cotton & linen fabrics with white & techelet wool tzitzit

Size of art piece: 15” x 78”

I live in the country in a very small town in Georgia, surrounded by hills and farmland. The Trees tallit was inspired by the experience of sitting in my backyard at dawn looking up at the sky through the trees. Leaning back in my chair, I took a series of photographs of the branches against the sky. The fabrics used include a silkscreen I made by cutting and pasting the images, in combination with a stencil design of abstracted tree shapes.

Name of art piece: Watercolor Tallit

Medium: multi-hue dyeing on cotton and linen fabric with linen tzitzit Size of art piece: 17” x 70” Piece available for sale

The fabric for the Watercolor tallit is made with a shibori technique and multi-hue dyeing. Shibori is a method of resist dyeing using folding and tying fabric to resist against penetration of the dye. The shibori fabric here is matched up with an end-on-end tweed linen that looks almost iridescent and a periwinkle china silk for the lining.

Note: All of the tzitzit on these talitot are hand-tied. My rabbi and I researched issues around shatnes and determined which type of tzitzit would be appropriate for the various combinations of fiber. This tallit, for example, has linen tzitzit.

Name of art piece: Birds and Branches Tallit Medium: wax resist design on herringbone linen and shantung silk; metallic fabric atarah, linen tzitzit)

Size of art piece: 15” x 78” Piece available for sale

I chose the bird and branches motif as a tribute to my father, who loved birds. Working with wax resist on the herringbone material enhanced the design by created dimension and shading to the drawing. This atarah is lettered with the phrase “Olam chesed yivaneh” which translates to “We will build this world with love”.

Name of art piece: Burnished Tallit

Medium: blockprint on textured silk & linen fabric with wool tzitz

Size of art piece: 18” x 72” Piece available for sale

The Burnished tallit is block printed using an antique woodblock from India on a gold textured silk. It is paired with a blue green silk that was printed with tiny magen david stars in copper, pewter and gold colors. The tallit is also reversible to a print cotton that is trimmed with more of the star-patterned fabric.

Name of art piece: Vintage Linen Tallit

Medium: Vintage fabric, multi-hue dyeing, embroidery & ikat on cotton & silk with wool tzitzit

Size of art piece: 17” x 70” Piece available for sale

This Vintage Linen tallit is made from my grandmother’s pillowcase, which was one of the first fabrics that I hand dyed. It has a multi-hue shibori-dyed atarah and is lined with an ikat dyed silk from India. The corners are made from vintage handkerchiefs, dyed to a complementary soft grey green color. This tallit is reversible.

Name of art piece: Lace Tallit

Medium: patchwork and embroidery on dupioni silk fabric and antique linen with wool tzitzit Size of art piece: 17” x 66”

Piece available for sale

This is my personal tallit. It is made with vintage lace, embroidery and a patchwork of different fabrics. What I like about wearing a tallit is that it gives me a private space to pray or meditate, like a cocoon. I don’t always wear one in shul; I actually like wearing it at home. I like how my tallit can be iterative, how it can evolve over time. Every time I wear this I think about the ways I would like to change it and things I would like to add.

Name of art piece: Circles Challah Cover

Medium: wax resist and hand-painted dye on silk, cotton lining

Size of art piece: 17” x 17” Piece available for sale

Name of art piece: Collage Challah Cover

Medium: block print, textile fragments and embroidery on repurposed cotton shirting with cotton lining

Size of art piece: 20” x 20”

Pomegranates and Leaves Challah Cover

Medium: wax resist and hand dyeing with hand painting and stencil on cotton fabric

Size of art piece: 18” x 19” Piece available for sale

Name of artist: Sima Weinreb

Location of artist: Toronto

Artist website: https://sophisticatedpalette.com

Instagram: @simaweinreb

Sima (Sharon) Weinreb studied and majored in art from a young age, and graduated from NYC's prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology. As a recipient of several scholarships, and a life member of Art Student League, she studied portraiture under William Draper, Everett Raymond Kintsler, and Julian Levy. Currently living in Toronto for the past 49 years, Sima works as a professional artist, designer and decorator. Her works appear in collections in the U.S., Canada, and Israel.

Being an Orthdoox Jew, Judaism has always been part of my life, and I'm inspired by the beauty in scenes of daily life. Chasidim are a big part of my artistic imagination as well.