For more than 25 years, I’ve poured my soul into creating Jewish ceremonial art—mezuzot, menorahs, works rooted in holiness and heritage. Not just to preserve memory, but to bring healing. To shine light. To share the sacred with the world.
I’ve believed—still believe—that the “House of Israel” isn’t just for Jews. It’s meant to uplift all of humanity. That our values, our stories, our sacred traditions can bring beauty and justice to a fractured world. I know that for some, even hearing the phrase “House of Israel” right now can bring up pain and conflict—especially given the ongoing suffering in Israel and Gaza and the devastating toll this war has taken on all sides. My heart aches for the loss of life, the grief of families, and the enormous human cost that is unfolding before our eyes.
But the vision I’m sharing here is not a political one. It’s a spiritual one.
Building the House of Israel, as I see it, means building a world rooted in holiness, dignity, and peace—for everyone. It’s about sharing the light of Jewish values: justice, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the sanctity of life. That’s a vision I believe can contribute to healing, not division.
But still… I find myself asking:
What do we do when the world keeps turning away from that light?
The Question That Won’t Leave Me
I’ve done the work. Not just the physical work of metal and fire—but the spiritual work of bridge-building, storytelling, and hope. I’ve participated in interfaith dialogue. I’ve taught. I’ve created. I’ve shown up.
And yet, I watch the world twist in pain—and hatred of Jews persists, even flourishes.
So I’ll be honest: I’ve grown tired. Not of the calling, but of the resistance.
But here’s what I know now, more than ever:
We cannot stop.
Because our light is still needed—maybe more than ever.
To My Fellow Jews: Keep Shining
If you’re an artist, a teacher, a student, a parent, a rabbi, a scientist, a quiet soul doing your best—you carry this light.
Judaism has always been about bringing divine values into the world: justice, compassion, rest, repair, humility, hope.
The world needs these values. But it needs to see them lived—not just defended.
Don’t dim yourself to be safe. Don’t stay silent to be accepted. Don’t carry the pain alone.
Instead, I invite you: shine. Build. Bless. Teach. Speak. Create. Love.
Because even when the world resists it, your light changes it.
To Our Friends, Allies, and Co-Travelers: Stand With Us
If you are not Jewish but care about peace, human dignity, and shared values—then I ask you:
• Support Jewish voices not just when we’re suffering—but when we’re creating.
• Speak out not only against hate, but for Jewish beauty, identity, and belonging.
• Help make space for Jewish dreams—not just Jewish trauma.
Because the House of Israel—its wisdom, ethics, creativity, faith—has always been a gift for the world.
Help us build it. Help protect it. Help elevate it.
I still believe in this:
That if the world embraced the Jewish people—our light, our purpose, our sacredness—the world itself would be better for it.
Safer. Kinder. Truer. More whole.
And maybe—just maybe—that future starts with a simple decision:
To stop turning away. To start turning toward.
Let us build the House of Israel—not just for ourselves,
but for the healing of all people.
Let the light shine. Anyway. Together.
With Love, Hope and Gratitude,
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