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Love Thy Neighbor
Solo Exhibition
at scarsdale library, 54 olmsted rd, scarsdale ny
October 5 - 30, 2025
proceeds to benefit
The focus of this exhibition is to foster goodwill among people of different faiths and to inspire appreciation of one another’s differences.
The paintings (see below) are available as my gift
to those who donate directly to one of the above organizations.
To donate/purchase a painting , please send a message here
letting me know which organization you will donate to and
These are organizations that protect freedom of speech and religion, fight hate and discrimination, and/or support interfaith understanding. As the sole organizer of this event, I chose these beneficiaries because of my belief in the worth of each of their causes.
Exhibition centerpiece:
the hamsa as a symbol of peace
Center painting :acrylic on 30x40-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep, 2024
The 6 alongside paintings: acrylic, each on 9x12-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep, 2024.
The Hamsa hand is instantly recognizable among several religions and cultures as a symbol that heralds good fortune, unity and peace. Historians say that it predates Islam and Judaism, the religions to which it is most closely associated. One theory suggests that it comes from ancient Egypt where the fingers represent the gods Osiris and Isis, and the thumb is associated with their child Horus. Another theory posits that the Hamsa originated thousands of years ago in Mesopotamia.
Whatever its origins, the Hamsa is universally seen as a talisman that repels evil, not a religious symbol like a crucifix or Star of David. It is a good luck charm worn as jewelry, displayed in homes or carried as an amulet.
IN JUDAISM, the Hamsa is referred to as the Hand of Miriam, Moses' sister who became an icon of protection and luck. Hamsa comes from the Hebrew word hamesh, meaning the number 5 which may represent the 5 books of Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
IN ISLAM, the Hamsa is known as the Hand of Fatima, the Prophet Muhammad's daughter, who inspired this symbol of protection and strength. Hamsa is from the Arabic word khamsah. For Shi’ite Muslims, it represents the five People of the Cloak; Sunni Muslims view the fingers as the pillars of Faith, Prayer, Pilgrimage, Fasting and Charity.
FOR LEVANTINE CHRISTIANS, the Hamsa symbolizes the Hand of Mary, connecting it with the Virgin Mary's protective qualities.
IN HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM, the Hamsa represents chakras and the 5 senses, and healing hand gestures. Hands are seen as tools to connect with one’s spirituality and fingers represent elements of nature: earth, fire, water, air, and the ethereal.
Always, the Hamsa is considered a protection against harm. I am hoping that this work helps to reinforce it as an element that inspires respect and fosters peace among us all.
Click on the paintings below for description
and suggested minimum donation
Hamsa: Symbol of Peace
7 individual paintings: center painting is acrylic on 30x40-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep, 2024; 6 alongside paintings are also acrylic, each on 9x12-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep, 2024.
All 7 pieces together available for $5,000 donation as noted above.
Poster prints are also available; please inquire for cost.
The Hamsa hand is instantly recognizable among several religions and cultures as a symbol that heralds good fortune, unity and peace. Historians say that it predates Islam and Judaism, the religions to which it is most closely associated.
One theory suggests that it comes from ancient Egypt where the fingers represent the gods Osiris and Isis, and the thumb is associated with their child Horus. Another theory posits that the Hamsa originated thousands of years ago in Mesopotamia.
Whatever its origins, the Hamsa is universally seen as a talisman that repels evil, not a religious symbol like a crucifix or Star of David. It is a good luck charm worn as jewelry, displayed in homes or carried as an amulet.
IN JUDAISM, the Hamsa is referred to as the Hand of Miriam, Moses' sister who became an icon of protection and luck. Hamsa comes from the Hebrew word hamesh, meaning the number 5 which may represent the 5 books of Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
IN ISLAM, the Hamsa is known as the Hand of Fatima, the Prophet Muhammad's daughter, who inspired this symbol of protection and strength. Hamsa is from the Arabic word khamsah. For Shi’ite Muslims, it represents the five People of the Cloak; Sunni Muslims view the fingers as the pillars of Faith, Prayer, Pilgrimage, Fasting and Charity.
FOR LEVANTINE CHRISTIANS, the Hamsa symbolizes the Hand of Mary, connecting it with the Virgin Mary's protective qualities.
IN HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM, the Hamsa represents chakras and the 5 senses, and healing hand gestures. Hands are seen as tools to connect with one’s spirituality and fingers represent elements of nature: earth, fire, water, air, and the ethereal.
Always, the Hamsa is considered a protection against harm. I am hoping that this work helps to reinforce it as an element that inspires respect and fosters peace among us all.
All 7 pieces together available for $5,000 donation as noted above.
Poster prints are also available; please inquire for cost.
The Hamsa hand is instantly recognizable among several religions and cultures as a symbol that heralds good fortune, unity and peace. Historians say that it predates Islam and Judaism, the religions to which it is most closely associated.
One theory suggests that it comes from ancient Egypt where the fingers represent the gods Osiris and Isis, and the thumb is associated with their child Horus. Another theory posits that the Hamsa originated thousands of years ago in Mesopotamia.
Whatever its origins, the Hamsa is universally seen as a talisman that repels evil, not a religious symbol like a crucifix or Star of David. It is a good luck charm worn as jewelry, displayed in homes or carried as an amulet.
IN JUDAISM, the Hamsa is referred to as the Hand of Miriam, Moses' sister who became an icon of protection and luck. Hamsa comes from the Hebrew word hamesh, meaning the number 5 which may represent the 5 books of Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
IN ISLAM, the Hamsa is known as the Hand of Fatima, the Prophet Muhammad's daughter, who inspired this symbol of protection and strength. Hamsa is from the Arabic word khamsah. For Shi’ite Muslims, it represents the five People of the Cloak; Sunni Muslims view the fingers as the pillars of Faith, Prayer, Pilgrimage, Fasting and Charity.
FOR LEVANTINE CHRISTIANS, the Hamsa symbolizes the Hand of Mary, connecting it with the Virgin Mary's protective qualities.
IN HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM, the Hamsa represents chakras and the 5 senses, and healing hand gestures. Hands are seen as tools to connect with one’s spirituality and fingers represent elements of nature: earth, fire, water, air, and the ethereal.
Always, the Hamsa is considered a protection against harm. I am hoping that this work helps to reinforce it as an element that inspires respect and fosters peace among us all.
The Dome at a Distance
Oil, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2023.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, a literal shining presence, is an iconic image of the Middle East.
A UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, it was built in the 7th century as a testament to the rise of the new Islamic religion. It is the world’s oldest surviving Islamic structure, and contains inscriptions that are considered the earliest proclamations of Islam and the prophet Muhammad.
Located on the highest point of old Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock stands in the center of the Al-Aqsa compound on the sacred Temple Mount – a holy Jewish site as well because this is where the First and Second Holy Temples existed before their destruction.
At the center of the Dome of the Rock sits a large limestone rock, from which Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. It is also believed to be where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son Ismail (Isaac in the Judeo/Christian tradition).
The building’s octagonal architecture and mosaics were patterned after Byzantine churches and palaces. It has gone through multiple design changes; most notable was the 1959 addition of the gold-plated roof which makes the structure all the more eye-catching from afar.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, a literal shining presence, is an iconic image of the Middle East.
A UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, it was built in the 7th century as a testament to the rise of the new Islamic religion. It is the world’s oldest surviving Islamic structure, and contains inscriptions that are considered the earliest proclamations of Islam and the prophet Muhammad.
Located on the highest point of old Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock stands in the center of the Al-Aqsa compound on the sacred Temple Mount – a holy Jewish site as well because this is where the First and Second Holy Temples existed before their destruction.
At the center of the Dome of the Rock sits a large limestone rock, from which Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. It is also believed to be where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son Ismail (Isaac in the Judeo/Christian tradition).
The building’s octagonal architecture and mosaics were patterned after Byzantine churches and palaces. It has gone through multiple design changes; most notable was the 1959 addition of the gold-plated roof which makes the structure all the more eye-catching from afar.
A Marketplace Chat SOLD
Acrylic, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2025.
Available for $750 donation as noted above.
Marketplaces are central to Middle Eastern culture. Called shuks (Hebrew) or souks (Arabic), they serve as social gathering places as well as hubs to negotiate for and buy goods.
Today such markets are familiar to visitors of Middle Eastern cities as tourist attractions filled with local goods and souvenirs but they began as commercial centers of trade in ancient times. Throughout all this time, vibrant outdoor markets have thrived, offering a huge range of goods from fresh produce, spices and prepared foods to pottery, household items, garments, and so much more.
These open-air bazaars are typically colorful and chaotic, reflecting the culture of the country or city in which they exist.
Available for $750 donation as noted above.
Marketplaces are central to Middle Eastern culture. Called shuks (Hebrew) or souks (Arabic), they serve as social gathering places as well as hubs to negotiate for and buy goods.
Today such markets are familiar to visitors of Middle Eastern cities as tourist attractions filled with local goods and souvenirs but they began as commercial centers of trade in ancient times. Throughout all this time, vibrant outdoor markets have thrived, offering a huge range of goods from fresh produce, spices and prepared foods to pottery, household items, garments, and so much more.
These open-air bazaars are typically colorful and chaotic, reflecting the culture of the country or city in which they exist.
Kufis and Kippahs
Acrylic, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $300 donation as noted above.
In many religions, it is a sign of respect and a tradition to wear a head covering, especially for men. For some, covering the head is a religious requirement particularly when in prayer or inside a religious sanctuary. Brimless hats like these, often of a soft or knitted material, are common.
This type of hat has strong associations with many Islamic cultures where it may be called a kufi. This cap is traditional for men in West Africa, worn by Muslims and Christians and often brightly decorated.
It is hard to distinguish between a Muslim or Christian kufi or a particular type of Jewish kippah: Bukharian kippot (plural for kippah) as they are similar in shape and style.
The primary distinction between a kufi and a kippah is the design woven upon it. In all cases, they are meant to show reverence and express one’s commitment to a belief.
Available for $300 donation as noted above.
In many religions, it is a sign of respect and a tradition to wear a head covering, especially for men. For some, covering the head is a religious requirement particularly when in prayer or inside a religious sanctuary. Brimless hats like these, often of a soft or knitted material, are common.
This type of hat has strong associations with many Islamic cultures where it may be called a kufi. This cap is traditional for men in West Africa, worn by Muslims and Christians and often brightly decorated.
It is hard to distinguish between a Muslim or Christian kufi or a particular type of Jewish kippah: Bukharian kippot (plural for kippah) as they are similar in shape and style.
The primary distinction between a kufi and a kippah is the design woven upon it. In all cases, they are meant to show reverence and express one’s commitment to a belief.
Conversing SOLD
Acrylic, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2023.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
Islam requires modesty both for men and women. Therefore clothes are loose so that the curves of the body are not discernible.
Muslim men’s clothing are to cover at least their head and body from the waist to the knees, while women's Islamic dress conceals the hair and the body, from the ankle to the neck.
The specific garments worn vary from one culture and community to another but the essential rules of dress are the same among Muslims. For example, the most common garment for women is the hijab head covering. This is worn by many as a way of practicing modesty, however the type of hijab varies depending on the sect of Islam practiced.
These women clearly follow strict Islamic guidelines for dress. Here they are enjoying a few moments together perhaps in the comfort of one of their homes.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
Islam requires modesty both for men and women. Therefore clothes are loose so that the curves of the body are not discernible.
Muslim men’s clothing are to cover at least their head and body from the waist to the knees, while women's Islamic dress conceals the hair and the body, from the ankle to the neck.
The specific garments worn vary from one culture and community to another but the essential rules of dress are the same among Muslims. For example, the most common garment for women is the hijab head covering. This is worn by many as a way of practicing modesty, however the type of hijab varies depending on the sect of Islam practiced.
These women clearly follow strict Islamic guidelines for dress. Here they are enjoying a few moments together perhaps in the comfort of one of their homes.
Array of Kippahs SOLD
Acrylic, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $600 donation as noted above.
In the Jewish religion, the main type of hat worn primarily by males of all ages is the kippah, a brimless skull cap typically made of cloth. The direct translation of the Hebrew word “kippah” is “dome”. The cap is also commonly called a “yarmulke”, a Yiddish word.
Though yarmulkes have been worn by men traditionally, more Jewish women are choosing to wear yarmulkes also as an expression and reminder of their faith.
A yarmulke indicates reverence and humility, an acknowledgment of God’s presence. Some consider a kippah to be a reminder that we are not to stray into inappropriate thoughts and activities. In addition, it is a symbol of the wearer’s faith to others.
Though the wearing of yarmulkes is not mandated by the Torah or the Talmud, it was customary in ancient times for Jews in prayer to cover their heads as a sign of respect for God. Orthodox Jewish men keep their heads covered at all time, however Jews of other denominations may only wear kippot when in synagogue.
Available for $600 donation as noted above.
In the Jewish religion, the main type of hat worn primarily by males of all ages is the kippah, a brimless skull cap typically made of cloth. The direct translation of the Hebrew word “kippah” is “dome”. The cap is also commonly called a “yarmulke”, a Yiddish word.
Though yarmulkes have been worn by men traditionally, more Jewish women are choosing to wear yarmulkes also as an expression and reminder of their faith.
A yarmulke indicates reverence and humility, an acknowledgment of God’s presence. Some consider a kippah to be a reminder that we are not to stray into inappropriate thoughts and activities. In addition, it is a symbol of the wearer’s faith to others.
Though the wearing of yarmulkes is not mandated by the Torah or the Talmud, it was customary in ancient times for Jews in prayer to cover their heads as a sign of respect for God. Orthodox Jewish men keep their heads covered at all time, however Jews of other denominations may only wear kippot when in synagogue.
Armenian Doorway SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Armenian Quarter is one of four sectors of Jerusalem’s walled Old City of Jerusalem, located in its southwestern corner.
The Armenian presence in Jerusalem dates back to the 4th century AD when Armenia adopted Christianity as a national religion and monks settled in Jerusalem.
Over time, the quarter developed around the St. James Monastery; it houses the Armenian Apostolic Church's Jerusalem Patriarchate which was established as a diocese in the 7th century AD. The patriarchate acts as an administrator of the quarter and its 2,000 Armenian residents.
According to the Armenian National Committee of America, the Armenians of Jerusalem form one of the oldest Armenian communities outside of Armenia, and that the Quarter may be one of the most “Armenian” places in the world.
It is unique in that Armenians are the only people to have a Quarter in the Old City alongside three quarters designated for faiths: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
The orangey yellow doors are eye-catching for sure, against the pale Jerusalem stone of the building; perhaps they are the color of one of the stripes of the Armenia’s national flag?
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Armenian Quarter is one of four sectors of Jerusalem’s walled Old City of Jerusalem, located in its southwestern corner.
The Armenian presence in Jerusalem dates back to the 4th century AD when Armenia adopted Christianity as a national religion and monks settled in Jerusalem.
Over time, the quarter developed around the St. James Monastery; it houses the Armenian Apostolic Church's Jerusalem Patriarchate which was established as a diocese in the 7th century AD. The patriarchate acts as an administrator of the quarter and its 2,000 Armenian residents.
According to the Armenian National Committee of America, the Armenians of Jerusalem form one of the oldest Armenian communities outside of Armenia, and that the Quarter may be one of the most “Armenian” places in the world.
It is unique in that Armenians are the only people to have a Quarter in the Old City alongside three quarters designated for faiths: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
The orangey yellow doors are eye-catching for sure, against the pale Jerusalem stone of the building; perhaps they are the color of one of the stripes of the Armenia’s national flag?
Welcome Home SOLD
Oil, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2023.
Gifted to donor of $500 to UJA Federation.
Visitors to Jerusalem cannot help but note that, in the uneven and winding streets around the city, there are many hidden doorways at odd angles.
Who knows how old those entrances are or even where they lead? But they are often colorful and always beautiful.
Portals to people’s homes or courtyards sit amid Jerusalem stone walls and the cobble stone streets. As you turn around each corner, there is another scenic surprise.
Gifted to donor of $500 to UJA Federation.
Visitors to Jerusalem cannot help but note that, in the uneven and winding streets around the city, there are many hidden doorways at odd angles.
Who knows how old those entrances are or even where they lead? But they are often colorful and always beautiful.
Portals to people’s homes or courtyards sit amid Jerusalem stone walls and the cobble stone streets. As you turn around each corner, there is another scenic surprise.
Hidden Church Entrance SOLD
Oil, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $350 donation as noted above.
Jerusalem's Old City is a small, walled section within the modern city of Jerusalem. It measures is less than 1 square kilometer.
The Christian Quarter is one of the four quarters of the Old City; the other three are the Jewish, Muslim and Armenian. Located in the northwest corner of the Old City, the Christian Quarter contains about 40 holy places including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
It is home to about 5,000 Christians of various denominations including Greek Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics and Ethiopian Christians.
In addition to its churches and monasteries, the area contains a bustling market. Amid its maze-like streets are many hidden doorways and church entrances.
Available for $350 donation as noted above.
Jerusalem's Old City is a small, walled section within the modern city of Jerusalem. It measures is less than 1 square kilometer.
The Christian Quarter is one of the four quarters of the Old City; the other three are the Jewish, Muslim and Armenian. Located in the northwest corner of the Old City, the Christian Quarter contains about 40 holy places including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
It is home to about 5,000 Christians of various denominations including Greek Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics and Ethiopian Christians.
In addition to its churches and monasteries, the area contains a bustling market. Amid its maze-like streets are many hidden doorways and church entrances.
Inviting Entry SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Old City of Jerusalem is a 1-square-kilometer (0.35 sq mi) walled area in East Jerusalem. In a tradition that may have begun with an 1840s British map of the city, the Old City is divided into four uneven quarters: Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish.
The Jewish Quarter lies in the southeastern sector of the walled city. It has a rich history, with several long periods of Jewish presence since the eighth century BCE. In 1967, the Old City housed 17,000 Muslims, 6,000 Christians (including Armenians). There were no Jewish people as their population of about 2,000 had been expelled by Jordanians who captured it in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.
The city later came under Israeli control during the 1967 Six-Day War. The Old City, along with its walls, was added to the World Heritage Site list of UNESCO in 1981.
The total population of the Old City now is about 36,000. Of these, 22,000 live in the Muslim quarter, 6,000 in the Jewish quarter, 6,000 in the Christian quarter, and about 2,000 in the Armenian quarter.
It is a maze of winding, ancient streets with shops and homes of all kinds, some almost hidden down narrow alleyways. Every private home’s entry way is different; this one looks particularly welcoming suggesting a beautiful garden just on the other side of the double doors.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Old City of Jerusalem is a 1-square-kilometer (0.35 sq mi) walled area in East Jerusalem. In a tradition that may have begun with an 1840s British map of the city, the Old City is divided into four uneven quarters: Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish.
The Jewish Quarter lies in the southeastern sector of the walled city. It has a rich history, with several long periods of Jewish presence since the eighth century BCE. In 1967, the Old City housed 17,000 Muslims, 6,000 Christians (including Armenians). There were no Jewish people as their population of about 2,000 had been expelled by Jordanians who captured it in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.
The city later came under Israeli control during the 1967 Six-Day War. The Old City, along with its walls, was added to the World Heritage Site list of UNESCO in 1981.
The total population of the Old City now is about 36,000. Of these, 22,000 live in the Muslim quarter, 6,000 in the Jewish quarter, 6,000 in the Christian quarter, and about 2,000 in the Armenian quarter.
It is a maze of winding, ancient streets with shops and homes of all kinds, some almost hidden down narrow alleyways. Every private home’s entry way is different; this one looks particularly welcoming suggesting a beautiful garden just on the other side of the double doors.
Visitors Welcome SOLD
Oil, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Gifted to donor of $500 to ADL.
The Old City of Jerusalem is a 0.9-square-kilometer (0.35 sq mi) walled area in East Jerusalem that is divided into four quarters: the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, and the Jewish Quarter. Along with its walls, the Old City was added to the World Heritage Site list of UNESCO in 1981.
It total population is about 36,000. Of these, about 6,000 reside in the Jewish quarter among a maze of winding, ancient streets and alleys.
Every synagogue or private home’s entry way is unique in its design and often are colorful, as is this aqua blue set of doors nestled under an archway.
Gifted to donor of $500 to ADL.
The Old City of Jerusalem is a 0.9-square-kilometer (0.35 sq mi) walled area in East Jerusalem that is divided into four quarters: the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, and the Jewish Quarter. Along with its walls, the Old City was added to the World Heritage Site list of UNESCO in 1981.
It total population is about 36,000. Of these, about 6,000 reside in the Jewish quarter among a maze of winding, ancient streets and alleys.
Every synagogue or private home’s entry way is unique in its design and often are colorful, as is this aqua blue set of doors nestled under an archway.
Weathered Way In SOLD
Oil, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $400 donation as noted above.
Every day, people from all over the world visit Jerusalem and walk its narrow streets, visiting historical, cultural and religious sites.
It is inevitable that most will get lost in the winding streets, passing hidden doorways some of which are refurbished, modern entryways. Or they may be – like this one – old entrances of chipped paint and weathered wood that still, despite their age and wear, are surprisingly colorful and arresting sights.
How could one not wonder what lies up the steps and inside the doors?
Available for $400 donation as noted above.
Every day, people from all over the world visit Jerusalem and walk its narrow streets, visiting historical, cultural and religious sites.
It is inevitable that most will get lost in the winding streets, passing hidden doorways some of which are refurbished, modern entryways. Or they may be – like this one – old entrances of chipped paint and weathered wood that still, despite their age and wear, are surprisingly colorful and arresting sights.
How could one not wonder what lies up the steps and inside the doors?
Meir: Original Iron Lady
Acrylic, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2025.
Available for $600 donation as noted above. or $1,500 for all 3 Meir paintings.
Prime Minister Golda Meir, dubbed the Iron Lady of Israel long before the British PM Margaret Thatcher was given that nickname, played a fundamental role in establishing Israel as a country.
Born Golda Mabovitch in 1898 in Ukraine (then part of the Russian Empire), Meir's family escaped the pogroms (violent mob persecutions of Jewish people) and moved to Wisconsin when she was 8 years old.
Her interest in activism began at a very young age. Raised by conservative parents who wanted her to work and marry instead of going to school, she rebelled by moving to Denver to live with her sister. There Meir met her husband, Morris Meyerson, with whom she moved to Israel.
Meir held several key posts in the World Zionist Organization and in the Jewish Agency, then the highest Jewish authority in Palestine. When Israel declared independence in 1948, she was one of only two women who signed the declaration.
Soon after, for Meir's fundraising trip to the U.S., she received what was effectively the first passport that Israel ever printed.
Later, when the Knesset (Israeli parliament) first convened in 1949, Meir served as Minister of Labor and Social Security. In1956, she became Foreign Minister. David Ben-Gurion described Meir as “the only man” in his cabinet. She commented: “What amused me is that he (or whoever invented the story) thought that this was the greatest compliment that could be paid to a woman.”
Meir always promoted her vision for Middle East peace. Some revered her and some reviled her. As she said, “It’s no accident that many accuse me of conducting public affairs with my heart instead of my head. Well, what if I do? Those who don’t know how to weep with their whole heart don’t know how to laugh either.”
Available for $600 donation as noted above. or $1,500 for all 3 Meir paintings.
Prime Minister Golda Meir, dubbed the Iron Lady of Israel long before the British PM Margaret Thatcher was given that nickname, played a fundamental role in establishing Israel as a country.
Born Golda Mabovitch in 1898 in Ukraine (then part of the Russian Empire), Meir's family escaped the pogroms (violent mob persecutions of Jewish people) and moved to Wisconsin when she was 8 years old.
Her interest in activism began at a very young age. Raised by conservative parents who wanted her to work and marry instead of going to school, she rebelled by moving to Denver to live with her sister. There Meir met her husband, Morris Meyerson, with whom she moved to Israel.
Meir held several key posts in the World Zionist Organization and in the Jewish Agency, then the highest Jewish authority in Palestine. When Israel declared independence in 1948, she was one of only two women who signed the declaration.
Soon after, for Meir's fundraising trip to the U.S., she received what was effectively the first passport that Israel ever printed.
Later, when the Knesset (Israeli parliament) first convened in 1949, Meir served as Minister of Labor and Social Security. In1956, she became Foreign Minister. David Ben-Gurion described Meir as “the only man” in his cabinet. She commented: “What amused me is that he (or whoever invented the story) thought that this was the greatest compliment that could be paid to a woman.”
Meir always promoted her vision for Middle East peace. Some revered her and some reviled her. As she said, “It’s no accident that many accuse me of conducting public affairs with my heart instead of my head. Well, what if I do? Those who don’t know how to weep with their whole heart don’t know how to laugh either.”
Meir = One Who Illuminates
Acrylic, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2025.
Available for $600 donation as noted above. or $1,500 for all 3 Meir paintings.
In 1956, all foreign ministers in Israel were asked to Hebracize their names. At the time, Golda Meyerson was Foreign Minister, and she officially changed her last name to Meir – which means “one who illuminates”. How appropriate!
Prime Minister Meir played a fundamental role in establishing Israel as a country and guiding it through its formative years.
She held several key posts in the World Zionist Organization and in the Jewish Agency, then the highest Jewish authority in Palestine. When Israel declared independence in 1948, she was one of only two women who signed the declaration.
Her next position was as Israel’s Minister Plenipotentiary to the Soviet Union. Later, when the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) formed in 1949, Meir served as Minister of Labor and Social Security. In 1956, she became Foreign Minister.
Diagnosed with lymphoma in 1965, Meir reduced her role to that of her party’s secretary general. However a few years later, Prime Minister Levi Eshkol died suddenly and she was called to the post. Meir’s time as PM was meant to be short but she ran for office in 1969 and served as PM until 1974.
Perhaps fitting with the name Meir chose for herself is this quote: “Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”
Available for $600 donation as noted above. or $1,500 for all 3 Meir paintings.
In 1956, all foreign ministers in Israel were asked to Hebracize their names. At the time, Golda Meyerson was Foreign Minister, and she officially changed her last name to Meir – which means “one who illuminates”. How appropriate!
Prime Minister Meir played a fundamental role in establishing Israel as a country and guiding it through its formative years.
She held several key posts in the World Zionist Organization and in the Jewish Agency, then the highest Jewish authority in Palestine. When Israel declared independence in 1948, she was one of only two women who signed the declaration.
Her next position was as Israel’s Minister Plenipotentiary to the Soviet Union. Later, when the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) formed in 1949, Meir served as Minister of Labor and Social Security. In 1956, she became Foreign Minister.
Diagnosed with lymphoma in 1965, Meir reduced her role to that of her party’s secretary general. However a few years later, Prime Minister Levi Eshkol died suddenly and she was called to the post. Meir’s time as PM was meant to be short but she ran for office in 1969 and served as PM until 1974.
Perhaps fitting with the name Meir chose for herself is this quote: “Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”
Meir & Her Kitchen Cabinet
Acrylic, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2025.
Available for $600 donation as noted above. or $1,500 for all 3 Meir paintings.
During her tenure as Prime Minister of Israel, Meir invited her most trusted advisors to her apartment weekly to eat, drink and discuss high level issues in private. These sessions were referred to as Hamitbachon shel Golda, or Golda’s Little Kitchen.
The meetings were held at her kitchen table, where she personally served her homemade cake, strudel, chicken soup, and gefilte fish. Photos of these get togethers show Meir wearing a floral apron as she served and talked.
The meetings were held on Shabbat (Sabbath) evenings to prepare for the next day's full Cabinet meetings. It was a highly effective (and controversial) consensus building practice.
Meir did not indulge in discussions about leadership styles of men versus women. For example, when there was an outbreak in assaults against women at night, a minister in the cabinet suggested a curfew to keep women in after dark. Meir responded that it is the men who are attacking the women and so, if there is to be a curfew, let the men stay at home, not the women.
Available for $600 donation as noted above. or $1,500 for all 3 Meir paintings.
During her tenure as Prime Minister of Israel, Meir invited her most trusted advisors to her apartment weekly to eat, drink and discuss high level issues in private. These sessions were referred to as Hamitbachon shel Golda, or Golda’s Little Kitchen.
The meetings were held at her kitchen table, where she personally served her homemade cake, strudel, chicken soup, and gefilte fish. Photos of these get togethers show Meir wearing a floral apron as she served and talked.
The meetings were held on Shabbat (Sabbath) evenings to prepare for the next day's full Cabinet meetings. It was a highly effective (and controversial) consensus building practice.
Meir did not indulge in discussions about leadership styles of men versus women. For example, when there was an outbreak in assaults against women at night, a minister in the cabinet suggested a curfew to keep women in after dark. Meir responded that it is the men who are attacking the women and so, if there is to be a curfew, let the men stay at home, not the women.
Ark of Torahs SOLD
Acrylic, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $600 donation as noted above.
Judaism is grounded in the religious, ethical, and social laws articulated in the Torah. Torah is a Hebrew word meaning ''law'' or ''teachings.” It is the compilation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Five Books of Moses - what Christians call the Old Testament.
It contains the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Readings from the Torah are divided into 54 weekly portions which form the centerpiece of the Shabbat (Sabbath) service. The scroll is handwritten on specially prepared parchment by a trained scribe, stored inside a cover that is often ornately embroidered, and kept in an ark for safe-keeping.
The Torah is taken out of its ark when the weekly portion is chanted. A congregant reading from the Torah is known to be “receiving an “aliyah”, an honor.
Available for $600 donation as noted above.
Judaism is grounded in the religious, ethical, and social laws articulated in the Torah. Torah is a Hebrew word meaning ''law'' or ''teachings.” It is the compilation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Five Books of Moses - what Christians call the Old Testament.
It contains the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Readings from the Torah are divided into 54 weekly portions which form the centerpiece of the Shabbat (Sabbath) service. The scroll is handwritten on specially prepared parchment by a trained scribe, stored inside a cover that is often ornately embroidered, and kept in an ark for safe-keeping.
The Torah is taken out of its ark when the weekly portion is chanted. A congregant reading from the Torah is known to be “receiving an “aliyah”, an honor.
Making Aliyah
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2025.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Hebrew word “aliyah” literally means ascent or rise, but for generations it has been used to mean “immigration to Israel.”
“Aliyah” became an official term in 1950 when the State of Israel opened her doors to the Jews of the world under the Law of Return. This accords Jewish and eligible non-Jewish people (a Jewish person’s spouse, child/grandchild and their spouses) the legal right to live in Israel and become a citizen.
The mix of cultural and national backgrounds of Israelis today is surprising to many: Nearly half of all Israeli Jews are descended from the European Jewish diaspora and the remainder are from Arab countries, Iran, Turkey and Central Asia. Over 200,000 are of Ethiopian and Indian descent.
The first wave of Aliyah from Russia and Yemen occurred in the late 1800s. The second wave prior to World War I included mostly Russian Jews escaping pogrom.
A third surge of immigration occurred up til 1923, again from Russia.
The fourth wave, from 1924-1929, comprised Jews from Poland and Hungary. The next (250,000 people) resulted from the rise of Nazism in Germany and extreme nationalism across eastern Europe. In 1936, the British began restricting Jewish immigration.
From the 1970s-1991, the Beta Israel tribe needed to flee Ethiopia. In the 1990s, nearly one million from the Soviet Union arrived.
The opportunity to "make Aliyah" is a source of comfort - or joy - to Jews in the diaspora who know there is safe haven in Israel at any time.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Hebrew word “aliyah” literally means ascent or rise, but for generations it has been used to mean “immigration to Israel.”
“Aliyah” became an official term in 1950 when the State of Israel opened her doors to the Jews of the world under the Law of Return. This accords Jewish and eligible non-Jewish people (a Jewish person’s spouse, child/grandchild and their spouses) the legal right to live in Israel and become a citizen.
The mix of cultural and national backgrounds of Israelis today is surprising to many: Nearly half of all Israeli Jews are descended from the European Jewish diaspora and the remainder are from Arab countries, Iran, Turkey and Central Asia. Over 200,000 are of Ethiopian and Indian descent.
The first wave of Aliyah from Russia and Yemen occurred in the late 1800s. The second wave prior to World War I included mostly Russian Jews escaping pogrom.
A third surge of immigration occurred up til 1923, again from Russia.
The fourth wave, from 1924-1929, comprised Jews from Poland and Hungary. The next (250,000 people) resulted from the rise of Nazism in Germany and extreme nationalism across eastern Europe. In 1936, the British began restricting Jewish immigration.
From the 1970s-1991, the Beta Israel tribe needed to flee Ethiopia. In the 1990s, nearly one million from the Soviet Union arrived.
The opportunity to "make Aliyah" is a source of comfort - or joy - to Jews in the diaspora who know there is safe haven in Israel at any time.
Galilee View
Oil, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Sea of Galilee (aka Lake Tiberias or Kinneret) in northern Israel is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world after the saltwater Dead Sea. It is fed partly by underground springs, but its main source is the Jordan River.
Its name originates from the Hebrew word kinnor (harp/lyre) which resembles its shape.
The Sea of Galilee is especially important to Christians because it was the scene of many episodes in the life of Jesus Christ, including his Sermon on the Mount, at which he first gave the blessings of the Beatitudes and first taught the Lord’s Prayer. The area also appears in some Islamic prophesies.
Today, the Sea of Galilee is a popular tourism site. Visitors can even see a boat, discovered in 1986, that dates back to Jesus’s time.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Sea of Galilee (aka Lake Tiberias or Kinneret) in northern Israel is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world after the saltwater Dead Sea. It is fed partly by underground springs, but its main source is the Jordan River.
Its name originates from the Hebrew word kinnor (harp/lyre) which resembles its shape.
The Sea of Galilee is especially important to Christians because it was the scene of many episodes in the life of Jesus Christ, including his Sermon on the Mount, at which he first gave the blessings of the Beatitudes and first taught the Lord’s Prayer. The area also appears in some Islamic prophesies.
Today, the Sea of Galilee is a popular tourism site. Visitors can even see a boat, discovered in 1986, that dates back to Jesus’s time.
Salt Flats SOLD
Oil, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2023.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Dead Sea borders Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It is Earth's lowest elevation on land.
Its extreme salt concentration prevents any kind of fish or plants to survive in it; thus its name. If you have ever visited the sea or seen photos of tourists floating atop the surface of the Sea, you know that the water of the lake is so dense that it is impossible to sink in it.
In recent decades, the Dead Sea has been rapidly shrinking. Already the evaporation rate exceeds the inflow rate and it is said that eventually the whole area will become mud flats.
The Dead Sea is noted as one of the earth’s best places for natural healing. The water is rich in minerals that are said to be good for skin ailments and the combination of its salt and minerals are thought to relieve joint problems such as arthritis as well.
Whatever its benefits – health or otherwise – the Dead Sea is a sight to behold with its vast expanse and salt formations.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Dead Sea borders Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It is Earth's lowest elevation on land.
Its extreme salt concentration prevents any kind of fish or plants to survive in it; thus its name. If you have ever visited the sea or seen photos of tourists floating atop the surface of the Sea, you know that the water of the lake is so dense that it is impossible to sink in it.
In recent decades, the Dead Sea has been rapidly shrinking. Already the evaporation rate exceeds the inflow rate and it is said that eventually the whole area will become mud flats.
The Dead Sea is noted as one of the earth’s best places for natural healing. The water is rich in minerals that are said to be good for skin ailments and the combination of its salt and minerals are thought to relieve joint problems such as arthritis as well.
Whatever its benefits – health or otherwise – the Dead Sea is a sight to behold with its vast expanse and salt formations.
Prickly Sabras SOLD
Oil, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The sabra is a tenacious, thorny desert plant that is thick skinned but reveals a softer, sweet fruit inside. It is known in English as prickly pear. Sabra is also the Hebrew word for any Jewish person born in the State of Israel.
Thus the cactus plants and Israeli Jews are characterized similarly: tough on the outside yet sensitive and sweet on the inside. It is no wonder that the prickly pear was named the national fruit of Israel.
The Hebrew word sabra actually comes from the Arabic term "sabr "which translates to "patience" or "tenacity".
There are multiple species of prickly pears, each in different and often dazzling shades of red, orange and pink, all with thorns that protect the plants from insects.
Native to the desert areas of Mexico and southern U.S., this shrubby cactus can grow 16 feet high and 10 feet wide, and thrives in diverse environments. It is found today in many areas of the world and has become the most widespread cactus in the Mediterranean, often grown in clusters to be used as a natural fence.
The melon-flavored sabra, which can be eaten fresh or cooked, is low in fat and calories and high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. In addition, products derived from the fruit and plant have been used to treat various illnesses including urinary ailments, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity. Also notable is the fact that its sap can be used to soothe wounds and burns, similar to the way aloe vera plants are used.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The sabra is a tenacious, thorny desert plant that is thick skinned but reveals a softer, sweet fruit inside. It is known in English as prickly pear. Sabra is also the Hebrew word for any Jewish person born in the State of Israel.
Thus the cactus plants and Israeli Jews are characterized similarly: tough on the outside yet sensitive and sweet on the inside. It is no wonder that the prickly pear was named the national fruit of Israel.
The Hebrew word sabra actually comes from the Arabic term "sabr "which translates to "patience" or "tenacity".
There are multiple species of prickly pears, each in different and often dazzling shades of red, orange and pink, all with thorns that protect the plants from insects.
Native to the desert areas of Mexico and southern U.S., this shrubby cactus can grow 16 feet high and 10 feet wide, and thrives in diverse environments. It is found today in many areas of the world and has become the most widespread cactus in the Mediterranean, often grown in clusters to be used as a natural fence.
The melon-flavored sabra, which can be eaten fresh or cooked, is low in fat and calories and high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. In addition, products derived from the fruit and plant have been used to treat various illnesses including urinary ailments, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity. Also notable is the fact that its sap can be used to soothe wounds and burns, similar to the way aloe vera plants are used.
Orange Harvest SOLD
Acrylic, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep.
2025.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
Symbolic of the State of Israel, the Jaffa orange was developed by Palestinian Arab farmers in mid-19th century Ottoman Palestine, and takes its name from the city of Jaffa where it was first produced.
During the initial Jewish immigration to the area, the business of maintaining orchards and exporting oranges was an integrated venture of Jews and Arabs in the Port of Jaffa. Today, the Jaffa orange is one of three main varieties of the fruit grown in the Mediterranean.
Also known as shamouti, Jaffa oranges have characteristics that make it easier to export, notably the fact that the oranges have few seeds and a tough skin.
They are harvested between November and March, and more than half the annual crop is exported.
2025.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
Symbolic of the State of Israel, the Jaffa orange was developed by Palestinian Arab farmers in mid-19th century Ottoman Palestine, and takes its name from the city of Jaffa where it was first produced.
During the initial Jewish immigration to the area, the business of maintaining orchards and exporting oranges was an integrated venture of Jews and Arabs in the Port of Jaffa. Today, the Jaffa orange is one of three main varieties of the fruit grown in the Mediterranean.
Also known as shamouti, Jaffa oranges have characteristics that make it easier to export, notably the fact that the oranges have few seeds and a tough skin.
They are harvested between November and March, and more than half the annual crop is exported.
Silent Prayer SOLD
Acrylic, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
Millions of people visit the Western Wall (or “Kotel” in Hebrew) in Israel – one of Judaism’s holiest sites - every year. It is the remains of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount, the site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, held to be uniquely holy by the ancient Jews.
Today it is a place of fervent prayer for the many who visit every day. Women and men worship separately on opposite sides of a dividing fence. Facing the wall, many touch their foreheads to the stones and silently speak their prayers.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
Millions of people visit the Western Wall (or “Kotel” in Hebrew) in Israel – one of Judaism’s holiest sites - every year. It is the remains of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount, the site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, held to be uniquely holy by the ancient Jews.
Today it is a place of fervent prayer for the many who visit every day. Women and men worship separately on opposite sides of a dividing fence. Facing the wall, many touch their foreheads to the stones and silently speak their prayers.
Celebrating Sigd! SOLD
Oil, 12x24-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Ethiopian Jewish community, known as Beta Israel, is ancient and has experienced a long history of famine, religious oppression, and civil war. They lived in complete isolation from other Jewish communities of the world for centuries. For this reason, the Beta Israel developed many holidays and celebrations that do not exist in other Jewish communities.
One such unique custom is Sigd, a holiday now observed 50 days after Yom Kippur that celebrates a commitment to Torah and Jewish life. The exact origins and purpose of the holiday are unclear.
One tradition explains that Sigd celebrates the end of a 6th-century war between the local Christian and Jewish communities. In the first written mention of the holiday dating to the 15th century, the explanation offered is that the holiday celebrates the end of the persecution of Beta Israel Jews by Christian emperors.
Whatever the origin, the holiday affirms belief in the Torah and the practice of Judaism.
In Ethiopia, it was a pilgrimage holiday; the community would gather and recreate the acceptance of the Torah at Sinai by climbing a mountain, fasting, and reciting liturgy. The fast was broken with a feast and celebrations.
In the 20th century, the community went through major changes. In 1974, Ethiopia came under the dictatorship of Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam. Under this regime, anti-Semitism rose, and physical conditions worsened for the Beta Israel.
Fleeing war and famine in Ethiopia and Sudan, most of the Beta Israel community was airlifted to Israel between 1977 and 1984. The Beta Israel community now lives in Israel, making up nearly 2% of the total Israeli population.
In 2008, Sigd was adopted as a national holiday in Israel. Ethiopian Jews in Israel travel to the Western Wall in Jerusalem for a ceremony. The Kessim, the Ethiopian Jewish religious leaders, come dressed in traditional robes and hold colorful umbrellas and Torah scrolls before reading biblical passages and prayers before the crowd.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
The Ethiopian Jewish community, known as Beta Israel, is ancient and has experienced a long history of famine, religious oppression, and civil war. They lived in complete isolation from other Jewish communities of the world for centuries. For this reason, the Beta Israel developed many holidays and celebrations that do not exist in other Jewish communities.
One such unique custom is Sigd, a holiday now observed 50 days after Yom Kippur that celebrates a commitment to Torah and Jewish life. The exact origins and purpose of the holiday are unclear.
One tradition explains that Sigd celebrates the end of a 6th-century war between the local Christian and Jewish communities. In the first written mention of the holiday dating to the 15th century, the explanation offered is that the holiday celebrates the end of the persecution of Beta Israel Jews by Christian emperors.
Whatever the origin, the holiday affirms belief in the Torah and the practice of Judaism.
In Ethiopia, it was a pilgrimage holiday; the community would gather and recreate the acceptance of the Torah at Sinai by climbing a mountain, fasting, and reciting liturgy. The fast was broken with a feast and celebrations.
In the 20th century, the community went through major changes. In 1974, Ethiopia came under the dictatorship of Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam. Under this regime, anti-Semitism rose, and physical conditions worsened for the Beta Israel.
Fleeing war and famine in Ethiopia and Sudan, most of the Beta Israel community was airlifted to Israel between 1977 and 1984. The Beta Israel community now lives in Israel, making up nearly 2% of the total Israeli population.
In 2008, Sigd was adopted as a national holiday in Israel. Ethiopian Jews in Israel travel to the Western Wall in Jerusalem for a ceremony. The Kessim, the Ethiopian Jewish religious leaders, come dressed in traditional robes and hold colorful umbrellas and Torah scrolls before reading biblical passages and prayers before the crowd.
Three of the Seven Species SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2024.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
When Moses describes the Promised Land to the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 8:7-8, he says: “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land…a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and (date) honey.” Known in Jewish tradition as the Seven Species of Israel, these two grains and five fruits hold historical and spiritual value for the Jewish people.
This painting shows three of the seven in their natural state: a pomegranate, figs and dates. (Many Americans have never seen fresh dates so it was particularly appealing to show them here!)
While the agricultural roots of Judaism may have been somewhat forgotten during 2,000 years of exile, many of the religious rituals of Jewish holidays are related to seasons and to native products of the land of Israel.
For example, the holiday of Tu B'Shvat marks the emergence of spring. In the exile that followed the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E., Tu B'Shvat became a way to maintain a connection to Israel’s seasons as was the incorporation of the Seven Species into the observance of the holiday.
Shavuot also began as an agricultural festival, marking the end of the Spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest. Barley and wheat were brought to the Temple as offerings. After the destruction of the Temple, it became customary to decorate homes and synagogues with greenery and flowers on this holiday.
Wheat and barley fields, vineyards, olive groves, and fig, pomegranate, and date palm trees remain key features of Israel’s landscape today. The Seven Species are common ingredients in Israeli cuisine and they play key roles in Israel’s culture and economy.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
When Moses describes the Promised Land to the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 8:7-8, he says: “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land…a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and (date) honey.” Known in Jewish tradition as the Seven Species of Israel, these two grains and five fruits hold historical and spiritual value for the Jewish people.
This painting shows three of the seven in their natural state: a pomegranate, figs and dates. (Many Americans have never seen fresh dates so it was particularly appealing to show them here!)
While the agricultural roots of Judaism may have been somewhat forgotten during 2,000 years of exile, many of the religious rituals of Jewish holidays are related to seasons and to native products of the land of Israel.
For example, the holiday of Tu B'Shvat marks the emergence of spring. In the exile that followed the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E., Tu B'Shvat became a way to maintain a connection to Israel’s seasons as was the incorporation of the Seven Species into the observance of the holiday.
Shavuot also began as an agricultural festival, marking the end of the Spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest. Barley and wheat were brought to the Temple as offerings. After the destruction of the Temple, it became customary to decorate homes and synagogues with greenery and flowers on this holiday.
Wheat and barley fields, vineyards, olive groves, and fig, pomegranate, and date palm trees remain key features of Israel’s landscape today. The Seven Species are common ingredients in Israeli cuisine and they play key roles in Israel’s culture and economy.
Rainbow Eucalyptus SOLD
Oil, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2023.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
I first saw a red eucalyptus tree in Israel and was mesmerized by it. (These trees were originally brought to Israel from Australia to help dry out swamps, which were breeding grounds for malaria-spreading mosquitoes.)
Researching this tree, I discovered rainbow eucalyptus trees which are yet another level of stunning!
Rainbow eucalyptus trees grow in tropical regions such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. They can grow to over 200 ft tall in their native environments. They can now also be found in some parts of California, Hawaii and Florida where they reach up to about 100 ft.
The trees are evergreens with spear-shaped, silvery-green leaves and tiny white flowers. Clearly their most unique feature is the trunk, which grows bark in shades of green, blue, orange, red, and purple. As it grows, the bark peels off in strips to reveal new colors and patterns, its beauty constantly evolving.
Available for $500 donation as noted above.
I first saw a red eucalyptus tree in Israel and was mesmerized by it. (These trees were originally brought to Israel from Australia to help dry out swamps, which were breeding grounds for malaria-spreading mosquitoes.)
Researching this tree, I discovered rainbow eucalyptus trees which are yet another level of stunning!
Rainbow eucalyptus trees grow in tropical regions such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. They can grow to over 200 ft tall in their native environments. They can now also be found in some parts of California, Hawaii and Florida where they reach up to about 100 ft.
The trees are evergreens with spear-shaped, silvery-green leaves and tiny white flowers. Clearly their most unique feature is the trunk, which grows bark in shades of green, blue, orange, red, and purple. As it grows, the bark peels off in strips to reveal new colors and patterns, its beauty constantly evolving.
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