The egg shape suggests birth as does the baby in the wimple. There is a loose shaped map of Israel and of course the seven species.

Art by Amy Gelfman

Inspired by the power of women and prayer, and the precious moment where light and blessings infuse our Shabbat with meaning and love.

This painting is based on the work of artist Michoel Muchnik. Its message is that the path to bringing Moshiach is building beautiful Jewish homes on the foundations of Torah and Mitzvot.

Painted in memory of a beloved woman from our shul. May her neshamah have an aliyah.

Ethereal Jerusalem, in pastels, seeks to express the spiritual and Divine aspect within the physical reality.

After last year, I think the eighth day of Chanukah will always be associated with the miraculous release of Rabbi Shalom Rubashkin that was felt in the hearts of Jews everywhere. I had made the painting of the menorah before Chanukah but felt something was missing. It became clear to me after Chanukah, and I thereby included the radiant face of a redeemed Shalom.

Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime ‘festival of lights,’ celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting. I have aimed to create a feeling of happy togetherness, of unity, as Jews light the candles or oil lamps for the festival. Individuals, family and friends are lighting their menorahs (chanukiot) in various ways.

I never painted a swastika in my life.

But I needed to paint this picture.

Many of you may have already seen the original photograph this painting is based on.

It was taken in Germany, 1932. Rachel Posner snapped a photograph of her family’s menorah set up on a windowsill. In the background, directly opposite the menorah, is a building draped with Nazi flags.

The photo is astonishing. The contrast takes your breath away.

But I needed more.

I needed to see what it looked like that fateful night, after it was lit.

I needed to see the light.

I needed to witness that first moment in time, when God disrupts darkness with two simple words that summarize the point of creation: "Be light."

I need to see the power of that light against ultimate darkness.

To see it so that I can know it. So my children can know it.

To know that no matter the darkness that surrounds us,

We will be light.
We will be love.
We will be life.

We will carry that flame.

Today, tomorrow, and the day after that.

Until the entire universe shines with a light that will never fade.

Happy Chanukah to all.