Illustration by Cindy Kornet Lutz

Many souls watch on as G‑d reveals Himself to give the 10 Commandments to the Jewish people.

I created this piece in honor of my good friend’s 80th birthday. She is from St. Petersburg, Russia, and arrived in America in 1997. Though she has been through so many trials and tribulations, she continues to find purpose in life through helping others. Our bond was immediate and we enjoy preparing Shabbat together every Friday morning. She makes some of her famous Russian delicacies, and my family gets to partake in the food that she so lovingly prepares. While we prepare, we dance, sing, share stories, and laugh a lot! I love her dearly and was happy to present her with this painting which represents our precious friendship.

Rabbi Akiva and his wife, Rachel. Art by Chanie Chanin.

Akiva, a simple shepherd, passed a brook while caring for his father-in-law’s sheep. He noticed a hole forming in the stone where the water persistently dripped. He thought to himself, if soft water can penetrate hard stone, perhaps it is not too late for Torah to penetrate my heart, even at 40 years old… With his wife Rachel’s encouragement, he went to yeshiva and became the greatest scholar of his time.

We all stand with Chabad of Poway.

Prayer is one of the main expressions of faith in G‑d.

Chassidus teaches us that each of us is a precious only child to G‑d, our Creator. As we travel along the journey of life, His light and love is always shining upon and embracing us.

A painting of the community Torah dedication at Chabad of Arlington-Alexandria in Virginia, after a photo by Max Taylor, with permission.