Love Thy Neighbor
october 2025 Exhibition
- at scarsdale library, scarsdale ny -
- opening reception sunday october 5 from 2-4 pm -
proceeds to benefit
and other organizations (TBD) that fight hate and/or support interfaith understanding;
additional beneficiary organizations will be listed here shortly.
Since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, my focus has been on
fostering good will among people of different faiths.
The intention of my art is to inspire appreciation of one another's differences.
The paintings are available as my gift
to those who donate directly to organizations that battle bigotry.
To donate/purchase a painting , please go to Contact
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.
The 7 paintings you see above collectively form the “centerpiece” of this exhibition, which celebrates beauty across diverse groups.
Historians say that the Hamsa 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. It is not a religious symbol, like a crucifix or Star of David. It is a good luck charm that is worn as jewelry, displayed in homes or carried as an amulet.
IN JUDAISM, the Hamsa is referred to as the Hand of Miriam. Miriam was Moses' sister, who became an icon of protection and luck. Hamsa comes from the Hebrew word hamesh, meaning the number 5; thus 5 fingers can represent 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 Islam: 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