Gallery Judaica Blog

Featured Artist: Enya Keshet

2012-02-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

Gallery Judaica is not just the best place to visit for a wide selection of ketubot.

Gallery Judaica is THE place to visit if you want a

marriage-contract-turned-beautiful-piece-of-art to admire in your home forever and always. Enya Keshet's ketubot are just that: intricate, delicate, and stunning all at once, while maintaining the powerful message inscribed on each ketubah. Enya Keshet combines paper cutting with calligraphy and color illumination enhanced by gold leaf, all done by hand. She has also developed a series of laser-cut reproductions of her paper-cuts, done in paper and wood.

Unusual in its measurements and proportions and unique with its raised gold medallions this Elegance 3D Birds ketubah brings additional artistic value to the message that it conveys. Whether exclusively white or mounted on hand painted silk, it plays a rich game of light and shadow with the depth under the papercut.

The embracing birds of paradise embody love and passion in their poetic poise, encircled with the delicate lattice of Stars of David, nesting in the comforting tradition of Jewish family and community life.

The Jerusalem Ketubah is another example of a stunning ketubah that will be cherished and admired for generations and generations. The ketubah can be displayed with no backing ("see-through"), adding elegance to the art as the papercut stands alone between pieces of glass. It can also be mounted on hand-painted silk, which highlights and strengthens the beauty within the intricate details.

Gallery Judaica

Featured Artist: Gary Rosenthal

2012-02-21T20:48:00.001-08:00

Gary Rosenthal is an artist who has perfected the talent of combining metals with glass. His brilliant judaica is created from a craftsman using copper, brass, and steel, and fused glass, all at once.

Gary Rosenthal's unique work can be universally admired and enjoyed by people of all ages celebrating all different kinds of occasions. His gorgeous Seder plate is the perfect addition for the upcoming Passover holiday, and his menorahs are sure to brighten up any home for the next Hanukkah celebration. His candlesticks, Havdalah set, mezuzot, and tzedakah boxes make a perfect gift for people of all ages, whether it's for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, someone being awarded or presented with an honor,

or a new couple

starting a home together.

Gary Rosenthal's artwork will never disappoint and knowing that each piece is individually handmade and unique just makes it all the more special.

Gallery Judaica

New Artist: Annieglass

2012-02-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

Class:

high quality, status, or style

showing stylish excellence

impressive natural style, ability or skill that someone has

Talk about class: Annieglass, a new favorite at the home of Gallery Judaica, has been making the classiest glass table art for nearly 30 years. Each piece, made of clear textured glass and hand-painted in 24 karat gold or genuine platinum, is handcrafted by the artists at Annieglass. Each piece by Annieglass reflects sophistication, and brings a sleek yet delicate look to any home and any celebration.

Stop by Gallery Judaica to shop the new artist, Annieglass, or call us to order a one-of-a-kind classic piece of glass art.

Gallery Judaica

Sweet Celebrations: Mary Jurek

2012-02-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

What could be sweeter than spending peaceful time

celebrating Shabbat, or a wedding, with family and friends?

Shabbat celebrates our day of rest and our day of peace.

It allows us to break away from and reflect on the world we live in day-to-day.

It allows us to focus on the sweetness of celebrating life, family, and Jewish traditions. Just like we do at joyous, momentous occasions like weddings, Shabbat is a time to focus on the now, on the current moment, and on the family and friends that surround us and make our lives at peace.

Celebrate Shabbat, weddings, and many other Jewish holidays with Mary Jurek. Her great ability to work in stainless steel guides her burgeoning luxury tableware and home design company, and has allowed her to develop a unique line of products that reflect both her personal and professional preferences: organic and unadorned, yet beautiful in the most classic sense of the word. For Jurek, the paradox of her primitive, individually hand-welded products juxtaposed with modern-day luxury living is the ultimate expression of her artistic vision.

Her artistic talent has brought her to create hand-hammered stainless steel accessories that brilliantly reflect today’s style: organic, alluring, playful and classic. Polished to a high luster, these unique pieces provide elegance in home entertaining. From the Shabbat candlesticks used weekly, to the Seder plate for Passover in the Spring, to the Honey Bowl for Rosh Hashanah in the fall, bring Mary Jurek into your home for something sweet, classic, and always tasteful.

Gallery Judaica

Simple + Detailed

2012-02-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes something, like a piece of art, may look really simple from afar. But when you get up close, you can see the details and realize that it is an intricate, beautiful piece of art. If you have simple style, don't settle for simple and boring. Get the simple yet stunning look from two of our artists,

Quest and Argaman.

Quest offers a great selection of simple yet finely detailed pieces for the home and holidays. Some of the artwork by Quest is constructed from pewter and painted with high-gloss enamel. They even embellish and decorate some of their art pieces with Swarovski crystals. The Simplicity Seder Plate shown here includes six removable dishes that are each hand-painted with enamel and decorated with crystals. The Fancy Swirl Unpainted Kiddush Cup is a bit more simple without the enamel, but still includes detailed work in the metal and crystals.

Looking for even more simple? Quest also creates simple yet stand-out artwork made out of just metal, like the Hammered Metal Hand Washing Cup and the Hammered Metal Hand Washing Bowl shown here.

Each tallit from Argaman Embroidery is hand-made in Israel and the collection of tallitot is filled with simple yet detailed beauty.

All of the men's tallitot shown here look simple from afar, but when you get up close, you notice the intricate embroidery that is stitched onto each tallit. The colors also work well for men with simple style: go for the simple yet stunning look in the beautiful greys, browns, reds, and blues.

Gallery Judaica

Spring is Blooming...Soon!

2012-02-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

Snow, rain, freezing temperatures, and cloudy skies are not things to look forward to.

Sunshine, flowers, and warm weather...now that's something we can get excited about!

Spring starts in less than two months and we want to get you excited about the good times ahead.

Seder plates from Mustardseed & Moonshine are the perfect way to celebrate in the season of Spring. The idea behind the artwork is to make beautiful ceramic flowers that are both usable and lasting, flowers that are meticulously crafted, and yet simultaneously robust and functional. Each piece is handmade and will bring the beauty of Spring into your home throughout Passover year after year.

Talk about Spring! Reeva Shaffer brings you the perfect accessory for Jewish life in springtime. Her Brightly Colored Burnout Silk Tallit will make you feel as powerful as the rays of the sun that will soon be shining down upon you.

Spring this year means color, but orange is THE color of Spring this year and mixed with this black and white polka dot design, these Candlesticks by Orna Lalo could not be more on trend. Celebrate Shabbat this Spring in style with these fabulous flower candlesticks.

Quest brings Spring into your home with beautiful color inspirations, including this Miriam Kiddush Cup. Let them light up your home literally and figuratively! They will make the sunny days appear to come even sooner.

Speaking of sunshine and flowers...what better way to celebrate Spring than to celebrate the leaves that bloom each Spring season! Each Leaves Seder Plate by Quest is hand-painted, making each one a unique piece of art. The six small leaf dishes are sure to brighten up any home.

This Seder Plate by Tesori Collection brings you the essence of Spring in its seven species motif. Colorful in its representation of grapes, olives, wheat, barley, figs, date, and pomegranates, the Seder plate symbolizes the abundance of the Land of Israel in biblical times. This cheerful yet meaningful Seder plate will make you feel like the abundance that Spring brings is just moments away.

The Tesori Collection's Passover Matzah Plate, like the matching Passover Seder Plate above, will make Winter go by in a blur. Bring Spring into your home and your Seder with this beautiful work of art.

Gallery Judaica

Pre-Passover-Prep: Tamara Baskin

2012-02-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

It may not feel quite like winter yet,

but spring is just around the corner and will be here before you know it.

Think ahead! Plan for Passover!

Tamara Baskin is a favorite at Gallery Judaica and we are so excited to share (and sell) her beautiful glass artwork for the upcoming Passover holiday. Tamara Baskin's work

brings new-age inspiration to traditional Judaica, as shown here with her Passover Seder plates and matzah trays. Fused-glass artwork has existed since Biblical times, yet Tamara Baskin's use of negative space to highlight simple geometric patterns and her unique ''copper'' glass make her work instantly recognizable.

Gallery Judaica

Real Wedding: Sara + Yonah

2012-01-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite artists, Danny Azoulay, is admired near and far. One of his many beautiful ketubot, the Gardens Ketubah, was the chosen ketubah for a wonderful newlywed couple.

The happy couple, Sara and Yonah Veffer, were married on November 8, 2011 in Beit Shemesh, Israel.

The Gardens Ketubah displays two trees, strong and tall, which flank a tranquil garden. Their branches gracefully reach upwards towards the sky and each other. They are joined by the arc of a rainbow sheltering a golden menorah. Beneath, the words, "I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine – Ani l'dodi v'dodi li" form a bridge connecting these two trees.

A beautiful allegoric visualization of the marriage ceremony, the delicate paper cut ketubah is embellished with hand applied 24 karat gold leaf.

Danny Azoulay's papercut ketubot are intricate and exquisite pieces of art.

Azoulay creates each ketubah in Jerusalem, and each ketubah is dated, numbered and signed by the artist and is one of a limited edition. It not only imbues the marriage ceremony with beauty, but is an artwork to be lastingly treasured by future generations.

Each ketubah made by Danny Azoulay will serve as a new couple's first family heirloom.

Above ketubot clockwise: Birds of Paradise Ketubah, Pardes Ketubah, Olive Ketubah

Gallery Judaica

Chagall: One Day Sale

2012-01-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

For all of you Chagall lovers out there...hurry up and shop our ONE DAY SALE!

TODAY, January 9th, ONLY

Use our coupon code

CHAGALL

and receive 50% off of this beautiful Chagall Print.

This

CHAGALL PRINT

is certified an authentic and original print, produced by Mourlot of Paris by a special lithographic process, issued by Arta Gallery, Jerusalem, by agreement with the

Chagall Estate. This print is number 650 in a limited, numbered edition of 750 twenty color lithographic prints on 290 g. Velin paper manufactured by Papier d'Arches.

The print bears an identifying watermark, Chagall's embossed signature, the embossed seals of the Chagall Estate - ADAGP Paris, the embossed seal and hand signature of the printer Mourlot of Paris.

This lithographic print is from the original painting:
Le Bouquet de Renoncules
Wally Findlay Gallery - New York - (1968-1971)

Dimensions:
Image: 49 x 93 cm (19.29" x 36.60")

This ChagallPrint must be picked up at our Los Angeles location by January 16th. Shipping is NOT available. Item is NOT returnable.

Frame: 36.5" x 47" (approx)
Photo of framed piece is available on request.
Includes certificate of authenticity.
Only one available.

Above information provided by:
Itamar Barkai
President
Arta Gallery

Gallery Judaica

Happy New Year

2012-01-06T06:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Gallery Judaica!

L'Chaim to 2012!

We made our resolutions. We put everything in order. We celebrated the new year.

But we know the adjustment to a new year and moving forward is not always that easy.

Solution?

We are selling Michael Aram pieces at 2011 prices throughout the first month of the year!

Gallery Judaica

One More Day

2011-12-19T06:37:00.000-08:00

The first candle will be lit tomorrow night.

Are you prepared for Hanukkah?

Do you have all of your gifts?

Shop now and save!

Coupon Code: thankyou2011

2011-12-15T07:41:00.000-08:00

What's the next best thing to a sale?

A coupon code!

It's the most wonderful time of the year and after a wonderful year of wonderful Judaica and wonderful customers, we are thanking you for shopping at Gallery Judaica

The not-so-secret code:

thankyou2011

Shop now through Hanukkah and save!

The coupon will expire when the Hanukkah lights go out

Gallery Judaica

11...10...9...

2011-12-08T07:16:00.001-08:00

11 days until Hanukkah starts. 19 days until our 20% off sale ends.

SAVE ON GIFTS A.S.A.P.!!!

I have a little dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it's
dry and ready
Then dreidel
I shall play!

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it's dry and ready
Then dreidel I shall play!

It has a lovely body
With legs so short and thin
And when my dreidel's tired
It drops and then I win!

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it's dry and ready
Then dreidel I shall play!

My dreidel's
always playful
It loves to dance and spin
A happy game of dreidel
Come play now, let's begin!

Sivivon,

sov, sov, sov
Hanukkah,

hu chag tov
Hanukkah,

hu chag tov
Sivivon,

sov, sov, sov!

Chag simcha
hu la-am
Nes gadol
haya sham
Nes gadol
haya sham
Chag simcha
hu la-am.

Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah,
come light the Menorah

Let's have a party,
we'll all dance the hora
Gather round the table,
we'll all have a treat
Sivivon to play with,
and latkes to eat.

And while we are playing
The candles are burning bright

One for each night,
they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago.
One for each night,
they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days
long ago.

Gallery Judaica

Featured Artist: Steve Resnick

2011-12-08T06:06:00.001-08:00

Steve Resnick does not just create Judaica items. He creates magnificent works of hand-crafted, etched glass Judaic art to be displayed and used in the home or office. Each piece is individually crafted by the artist himself, using no stencils or templates at any time, and no two pieces are alike. If you are looking for a unique piece of Judaica for your home, or a gift for someone who appreciates the beauty and inspiration that comes through handmade, one-of-a-kind art,

Steve Resnick's work is the perfect choice.

All of Steve Resnick's remarkable work is

20% off for the next

20 days.

Buy one for yourself or as a gift before Hanukkah ends!

Gallery Judaica

Shabbat Shalom

2011-12-02T06:28:00.001-08:00

Shabbat Shalom
from Gallery Judaica.

It's Friday, so come by the store to pick up your free Got Kosher? pretzel challah.

Celebrating Shabbat and don't have a challah board to put the delicious mound of doughy bread on?

We have so many to choose from! And most of them are 20% off through the last day of Hanukkah!

Baruch atah Adonai Elohaynu melech ha-olam

By Alessi

Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe

ha-motzi lechem min ha-aretz. (Amein)
who brings forth bread from the earth. (Amen)

By Nambe

By Michael Aram

By Mary Jurek

By K4 Glass Art

Gallery Judaica

Featured Artist: Amy Fagin

2011-12-01T14:30:00.000-08:00

Amy Fagin's ketubot are on sale now through December 31st.

Amy Fagin's finely crafted, illuminated ketubot reflect a broad spectrum of inspired designs. Her compositions incorporate an intellectual curiosity with a sinuous arrangement of space, pattern, symbolism and representational imagery. Her signature line of "Contemporary Ketubot" are exuberant, multi-layered and thematically inspired compositions. Her "Heritage Ketubah" series reflects a new vein of inspiration for Amy which draws on the enormous diversity of cultural expression of Jewish heritage in communities worldwide. Her "Miniature Ketubot" series are inspirations which are designed for couples whose taste in ketubah illumination reflects a more personal expression. These delicate miniature compositions are especially well suited for anniversary occasions. Amy Fagin's work stands out for its sophisticated yet inviting compositions designed for a lifetime of appreciation.

First Kiss Ketubah:

The chemistry of Love has been the subject of creative expression throughout time and in every corner of the globe. "First Kiss" explores the surge and thrill of emotions that arise within as we draw close to one another and exchange the tenderness and trust that a first kiss expresses. Accompanied by ketubah vows, first kiss embodies the youthful energy of this unforgettable moment thought our lives.

Embrace Ketubah: The moment of embrace between lovers is perhaps the most intoxicating and mysterious force within the realm of human experience. Two individuals encircle and envelop one another, dissolving their apparent separateness. In the physical embrace of love, our consciousness expands and we glimpse the enormity of the cosmic and earthly forces that we are made and shaped by. With the “Embrace” ketubah, this moment is described in word, symbol, shape, pattern and color. Two join together in honoring the traditions of marriage and Jewish heritage. They widen their embrace, transcend individual experience. They unite with all humanity in the spirit of love and understanding. This completion is reflected in the blessing from Bereshit 2:1 “Thus heaven and earth were finished, and all their array.”

Double Ring Ketubah:

The "Double Ring" design is an ageless and universally cherished symbol of two lives joined into one in love and marriage. Illuminated in the completely unique signature style of 20th Century Illuminations, this contemporary rendering of the double ring design shines in its timeless accounting of the nature of a union bound in love. Celebrating 2500 years of ketubah illumination, Amy Fagin's contemporary line of fine art ketubot delights couples around the world with finely crafted illuminations that speak to the heart and soul of love and marriage.

Wind Song Ketubah:

"Wind Song" is a spirited, "young at heart" composition celebrating the diversity and abundance of life around us. From the artist herself: "The health and diversity of our planet depends on the stewardship of our natural resources by all people. The promises of a marriage are cradled within the intricate and delicate web of life upon which we depend for our very existence. Our exhilarating 'Wind Song' ketubah expresses a chorus of celebration from the wealth of our ocean's mysteries to the blessings of sun, rain and the plant kingdom. Your promise is also our promise and with the purchase of our 'Wind Song' illuminated ketubah we will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Ocean Conservancy to help preserve the health of our oceans. Our contribution campaigns are our way of thanking you for your patronage and working on behalf of the health of our planet, which we all share."

Each of Amy Fagin's ketubot offers a variety of texts to choose from. Depending on the ketubah, you can request one of the following texts: Traditional Aramaic with English, Conservative with Lieberman and English, Egalitarian/Reform, Commitment Vows, Anniversary, and English or Spanish only. Each ketubah can also be personalized, which means that the pre-printed ketubah text will be filled in with your personal information.

Gallery Judaica

Wish List

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

The countdown continues:

20 days until Hanukkah begins, 28 days until the 20% off sale ends.

Do you have

a wish list

you want to share?

Our gift registry makes that easy.

Simply go to the "Gift Registry" tab on our homepage and create a registry.

Once you have filled out all of the requested information, you can begin adding the items you want from our online shop to your personal registry.

You can then send your registry to friends and family so that they know exactly what to buy you for the holiday, or for any other occasion! They are also able to find your registry by going to the same "Gift Registry" tab on our homepage and clicking on "Find a Registry". All they need is your first and last name!

You can update your registry at any time by adding additional items you find when you shop later, or removing items you no longer wish to receive.

The menorah featured above was created by Blackthorne Forge Judaica.

Blackthorne Forge is owned and operated by Vermont blacksmith, Steven Bronstein. He and his helpers have been creating functional and sculptural artwork for over 25 years. Seder plates, matza plates, Hanukkah menorahs, tzedakah boxes, and Shabbat candlesticks are just a few of the objects for which Steven has sought to blend functional with sculptural.

The home blessing featured above was created by Mira Ballard. Her artwork is composed of pewter or bronze with an antique style that recalls thousands of years of Jewish history.

The necklace featured above was created by Alef Bet by Paula, which has been a sparkling light in the world of Judaic and modern jewelry for 14 years. Alef Bet is not about traditional classics. They design and produce truly original and of-the-moment jewelry. Alef Bet is about fashion, faith, and forward-looking designs.

The tallit set featured above was created by Argaman Embroidery.

Each tallit set is handmade in Israel and comes with a tallit, kippah, and tallit bag.

Add these and more to your wish list with our gift registry.

Getting what you want and giving what they want couldn't be easier.

Gallery Judaica

Quest Gifts

2011-11-30T07:20:00.001-08:00

Quest Gifts creates beautiful, functional, and timeless works of art for the home. The intricate imagery of Quest Gifts' work makes their pieces appear every bit as delicate and fragile as the natural objects they represent. Quest Gifts' artwork is constructed from pewter and hand-painted with high-gloss enamel. They use only the highest quality materials: Swarovski crystal, 24 karat gold, and sterling silver plate. Hand-mixing the paints that they use on each piece results in slight variations in color tone, an organic quality that enhances the floral themes that appear throughout the collection.

The collection from Quest Gifts offers a wide variety of Judaica, including mezuzahs, menorahs, seder plates, shabbat candlesticks, torah yads, tzedakah boxes, hand-washing cups, kiddush cups, and honey dishes. All of the judaic art gift pieces by Quest Gifts are hand crafted in the United States.

A gift from Quest is an elegant piece of art that will be used forever. Whether you are buying a mezuzah for a new born baby, a yad for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah to use for the torah reading, or a menorah for the new couple to use during their first Hanukkah together, a gift from Quest is one that will make a lasting impression and will not be forgotten.

Gallery Judaica

Gift Registry: Get What You Want

2011-11-29T12:17:00.001-08:00

A gift registry is the best way to let guests know exactly what you want for your happy occasion.

Found that perfect tallit for the groom to wear during your wedding ceremony?

Or the color of the breaking glass that matches the colors in your wedding?

Or the stunning set of Shabbat candlesticks that you will light in your home on Friday nights?

Or that special piece of Jewish art that will bring even more joy to your home?

We have paired up with MyRegistry to offer a gift registry for your happy occasion.

It's so easy. Just go to the Gift Registry tab on our site, select "Create a Registry", fill out the necessary information requested, and start shopping! Once you have completed the list of things you want and need, your family and friends can go onto the site, search for your registry (by first and last name) and start purchasing.

Not only does this make the gift-giving process easy and enjoyable, but it avoids getting gifts you don't want and it avoids the issue of receiving duplicate gifts.

21 days until Hanukkah begins. 29 days until the sale ends.

Don't forget to register A.S.A.P.

so that your guests can receive 20% off on most of the items that you will be registering for.

And even better: free shipping on all orders over $75.

There's no better time to start your registry. START NOW!

Gallery Judaica

Hanukkah is Here

2011-11-18T06:14:00.001-08:00

It's official. It's holiday season a.k.a Hanukkah season!

Get one for you, or give one as a gift.

With 20% off most of our items, there's no better time to buy pieces you'll use and pieces you'll give.

The countdown begins:

32 days until the start (December 20th), 40 days until the end (December 28th).

Celebrate this year with a new menorah!

There's one for every personality.

Gallery Judaica

Real Wedding: Emily + Seth

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

Emily and Seth were married at the Rockport Art Association in Rockport, MA. Their beautiful Jewish wedding took place Memorial Day weekend and included many of our favorite traditions: the ketubah signing ceremony before the wedding with their Rabbi and witnesses, drinking from the kiddush cup during the ceremony, and the breaking glass which was broken by Seth to conclude the ceremony. We are delighted to have been included in Emily and Seth's joyous occasion with the exquisite Danny Azoulay Pardes papercut ketubah that they chose to serve as their wedding contract!

Mazel Tov to Emily and Seth!

Thank you to Kate McElwee for the beautiful photos! Visit Kate's blog to see more of Emily and Seth's wedding and other beautiful wedding photography.

Gallery Judaica

New from Nambé

2011-11-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Shabbat with Nambé.

Nambé possesses a certain mystique. Partly it's their very nameand our connections to the landscape, culture and history of our origins. Nambé(pronounced nom-BAY) was christened for a tiny village near Santa Fe inNorthern New Mexico where the company was founded in 1951. But there's more to thismystique, which makes Nambé the ''lifestyle'' brand valued by people who love simple,elegant designs and love to share them with others. The most distinguishingcharacteristic of Nambé is that their company is devoted as passionately to formas it is to function. This dedication to design defines Nambé. Timelessart you can use every day.

Notes from Nambé:

Lisa Smith has been inspired by her many trips to the canyons of the southwest. Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon and others. These canyons are carved from water and wind. The coppery sand and desert flora are referenced by the copper and verdigris on the ripples and ridges of Nambé’s new Copper Canyon Collection. Due to subtly varying verdigris (green patina), each piece is unique, a sculpture of contrasting color and texture. The romantic glow from this pair of lovely Copper Canyon Candlesticks will add warmth to any setting. Designer Lisa Smith scallops the edges in a symmetrical pattern, with wave-like verdigris. Copper Canyon pieces are made of our signature Nambé alloy coated with copper for heirloom-quality durability. A clear protective coating makes upkeep as simple as wiping with a damp or soapy cloth and eliminates the need for polishing.

Gallery Judaica

Judaica Art: Reeva Shaffer

2011-11-15T06:32:00.001-08:00

What is Judaica Art?

by Reeva Shaffer

What is Jewish Art? I have attendedmany a lecture and course on this exact topic and still don’t know the answer.Is it art done by a Jewish person? Is it art on a Jewish theme? Is it artisticmovement — since dance is also art — based on a Jewish topic? My favoriteexample of this dilemma was given by Ori Soltes — the former director of theB’nai Brith Klutznick Museum in Washington. He showed us a painting done byMark Rothko. It was a totally black canvas with a vertical white line about twoinches wide vertically placed down the middle. He asked, “Is this Jewish art?It is painted by a Jewish artist…” My first impression was no — it is color andallows us emotion in interpretation but I wouldn’t call it Jewish art. Ori thencontinued to tell us that it is a painting about the first day of creation. Thewhite line is the creation of light out of darkness. We then saw somethingdifferent in the white line and the black — the image had not changed, but ourperception of it was entirely new. This was definitely Jewish art.

Just as the physical elements ofJewish art tend not to stray from the materials of any artist’s trade, so theprocess of creating Judaic art tends toward established techniques. We take abrush, or a sewing needle, words on a computer, some paint or some fabric, oreven our bodies. These are all physical, touchable items, really just objectsuntil we emote something into them that allows others to have a reaction tothem. A blue blob on a piece of paper reminds the artist of the sky, the sea —and further, a wonderful time we had at the ocean with our family, when ouryoungest daughter… and so we go on into something which makes us feel good. Theperson who put that blue blob on the paper is in awe — at least when it is me —that something the artist does causes such a wonderful reaction in others. Butthat is what all artistic endeavor does — it allows us to feel something aboutourselves because of what others feel about it.

But here is where my experience asan artist becomes more specifically Jewish. I cannot count the number of timesthat someone will enter my exhibit booth at a Judaic convention and begin totalk about “my tallit” — whether she made it herself, it was made by a specialrelative or friend, it was given to her by someone in her family — thatperson’s eyes seem to glaze over and they are lost in reverie, reliving thatwonderful time. Just by being there I have allowed people to remember touchingtimes in their lives and to feel great for a brief moment as they explore theirpersonal Jewish histories.

And to further remind myself what istruly Jewish about my art, I need only think of an experience I had tying thetzitzit with one particular family. The grandfather was a holocaust survivor.He cried as he was trying to tie the tzitzit, and remarked that he neverthought he would experience tying the tzitzit on his grandson’s tallit. Hishands were arthritic and he and “grandma” tied one side together. She held eachknot and the strands tightly so he could maneuver the strings more easily.There was not a dry eye in the shop.

Or of a time when a 9-year-oldsibling of an almost-Bat-Mitzvah girl was watching as the family was tying. Themother told the son that he couldn’t help, since he didn’t want to have aBar-Mitzvah and refused to go to Hebrew school. I don’t know what heexperienced sitting there watching, but it transformed him. He announced whenwe were finished — after having said not a word the entire two hours — that hewould like to do that for his tallit. His mother reminded him that he was nothaving a Bar-Mitzvah and therefore would not get a tallit. He told her thereand then that he wanted one and would start Hebrew school. She called two yearslater to tell me that he was continuing with his studies, that they had set thedate for his Bar-Mitzvah, and they would be coming to my shop to design histallit next year. In moments like that, my questions melt away and I know whatJewish art is.

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Reeva Shaffer is a designer of finetallits, huppas, torah mantles and wall hangings. She is owner of the designcompany Reeva’s ‘Ritings With Ruach.

Her work is displayed in the permanentcollections of the Spertus Museum in Chicago, the Baltimore Jewish Council,Wilshire Blvd. Temple in Los Angeles, the Hebrew Union College Gallery in NewYork, and Liberaal Josdse Gemeente in Amsterdam, among many others.

Click tosee Reeva Shaffer’s Men's Tallit and Women's Tallit collections.

Gallery Judaica