Art Exhibit - The Hebrew Scribal Letters

An assemblage of twelve original paintings representing the names
of the Tribes of Israel as they were incised in the gemstones
of the golden Khoshen or breastplate of the High Priest.
Each painting reveals a unique style and color palette,
inspired by teachings from the Midrash and Kabbalah.

Airbrush/acrylic on canvas on 12 mounted canvases:

55" x 61" (140 x 154 cm) including aluminum frame
Other sizes and versions on special order

as well as paintings of individual names in Hebrew.

Special Poster on the Twelve Tribes

Image size 18" x 12 1/2" (46 x 32 cm).

Signed by the artist.

DAN was inscribed on the Leshem, which some commentators believe
was a topaz. The stone (and the painting) have "inverted" faces, hinting
that from this tribe would come many judges, who had to show impartiality
in judging rich and poor and examine every side of the issue.
So you can see one set of judges on the left and if you stand on your head
you can perceive another set on the right. The banner of Dan also
contained a snake, hence the suggestion of reptilian scales.

JUDAH was inscribed on the Nofech, which some commentators believe
was a bluish-green carbuncle. The gem is said to have an efficacy
in achieving victory over one's enemies, internal and external,
which is a primary attribute of Kingdom, as well as the Baal Tsuvah,
the Repenter, both of which are associated with Judah.
The desert banner of Judah contained a picture
of a crouching lion and a gestalt of its profile
may be discerned in the painting.

Achad or One is the essence of both the Shma Yisroel prayer - "Hear Oh Israel" -
and the First Day of Creation, Yom Achad, the creation of the primordial light
which was afterwards concealed. In reciting this prayer it is the custom
to cover one's eyes in order to see and reveal within ourselves
this light and unite with the One.

The approaching sunrise over the walls of the Old City in Jerusalem -
its turrets, stairs and gates - is not just the anticipation of another day
and another beginning, but because it is in Jerusalem, the center of the
World's Soul, the dawn must express the ultimate faith that the night of
the Exile has ended and this new day will usher the coming of the Messiah.

The Entrance to the Garden of Eden

The entrance to the Garden of Eden is guarded by angels wielding
revolving swords and who allow passage only to those souls
who in their lives were connected to the Aleph,
the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and the Ten Commandments
and hints as well to the "Alupho shel Olam", The Master of the Universe.

Airbrush/acrylic on canvas

30” x 40” (76 x 102 cm)

Braysheesh - Genesis - The Convenant of Fire

According to Jewish philosophy the world was created ex nihilo
by the Hebrew letters and words of the Ten Divine Utterances
in the first chapter of Genesis and in particular the first word – Braysheesh –
which is the subject of the entire book of the Tikunei Zohar.
There the various permutations of its letters are examined and explicated
and one of them – Brees Aish – The Covenant of Fire -
is the source of inspiration for this work.

Airbrush/acrylic on canvas

30” x 40” (76 x 102 cm)

Poster on the Sacred Letters

Image size 18" x 12 1/2" (46 x 32 cm).

Signed by the artist.

All paintings are gallery wrapped on stretcher (no staples shown) and
can be hung without external frame), within a limited series or "family"
of similar (but never exactly the same) variations and can be considered an original. Other sizes and color combinations (within same proportions)
may be available on special order. Please call or email.

The Sacred Letters