Mizrach Meditation
Size: 12" x 12" with 2" border
printed on archival watercolor paper
$100

In Jewish tradition, a plaque called a mizrach, "east," indicates the direction one turns to pray and show gratitude to God. This mizrach focuses on divinity and enlightenment, transcendence and contentment. The verses and images embody ascent and a search for meaning. And, because the sun rises in the east, these symbols express light rising from darkness and thankfulness for every new day.

(A written annotated explanation of details, texts and images included.)

Birkhat Ha-Gomel
Survivor: Blessed are You, Lord, our God, Ruler of the universe,
Who bestows goodness upon the accountable,
Who has bestowed every goodness upon me.
Congregation: Amen. He who has bestowed goodness upon you,
May He bestow every goodness upon you forever.

In Jewish tradition, someone who survived trauma, illness or danger recites this blessing in front of the congregation. The Talmud tells us that it replaced the korban todah, the thanksgiving sacrifice, offered in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem (Berachot 54a). 

The swirling pattern reflects perilous, disorienting and arbitrary events. One who has endured such circumstances knows, first hand, how fragile life is. So hang this blessing in your home in recognition of the preciousness of each day. And, just as the congregation answers "Amen" to the survivor, may our hearts open to those who have suffered and be forever thankful for the goodness bestowed upon us.

For eight nights, Chanukah candles bring light into the winter darkness. This piece includes visual, spiritual and scriptural symbols of enlightenment.

(A written annotated explanation of details, texts and images included.)

For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land…
A land of wheat and barley, and grapevines and figs and pomegranates;
A land of olive oil and date honey.
(Deuteronomy 8:7-8)

Ancient Israelite farmers showed gratitude for the bounty of the earth by offering bikurim, “first fruits.” They marched in joyful parades to Jerusalem, and brought their treasured, first harvest to the Holy Temple (Deut. 26:1-10.) The Talmud tells us (Mishna Bikurim 1:3) that these offerings came from the seven species of produce that represent the abundance and fertility of the land of Israel: Wheat, barley, grapevines, figs, pomegranates, olive oil and date honey.

Like the farmers of ancient Israel, may we never take our blessings for granted; May we treasure the fullness in our lives; And may we remember daily all we have to offer.

$60

A tradition in many Jewish homes is to hang plaque inscribed with the Shiviti, “I have set the Lord always before me” (Psalms 16:8.) The hamsa is a hand-shaped charm, meant to ward off the evil eye. This symbol is common in the middle-east, and is derived from the Hebrew and Arabic words for “five.” The hand represents God’s protection, and there is often an eye or blue stone in the center to symbolize God’s watchfulness.

$100

Sukkot is a time to reflect on impermanence and uncertainty. The holiday observance involves a foundationless structure, with a flimsy roof under a shifting sky. It occurs during the harvest, when rains are unpredictable. It harkens back to when the Israelites were unsettled, in temporary booths in the wilderness. And the existentially focused book of Ecclesiastes is read during services. Considering all this, it seems ironic to call this festival z’man simchatenu, the season of our rejoicing! But it is precisely life’s ephemeral nature that makes it joyful. Hevel, emptiness, discussed in Ecclesiastes leaves space for profound happiness.

This painting honors Passover, also called “The Spring Festival” and the “Season of Our Liberation.” It is divided into three triangular sections, reminiscent of to the pyramids. The central triangle symbolizes the miracle of splitting the Red Sea. The right side represents holiday customs, and the left is a celebration of spring.

$60

As they light the Sabbath candles, many Jews recite a prayer that asks God to guard their families, grant their loved ones health and peace and to bring out their children’s best qualities. The orange circle on the left evokes the sunset. A flowering myrtle branch is tied with the Sabbath aesthetically, ritually and poetically.

$60

“May you be blessed when you arrive. May you be blessed when you depart.” (Deuteronomy 28:6).

$50

The inscription of the ring above the waves is, “Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. (Song of Solomon, 8:7).