I am thrilled to share a special project recently completed for Congregation B’nai Israel in Rockville, MD, in honor of their 100th Anniversary. To celebrate this centennial milestone, the congregation commissioned a custom mezuzah to be presented as a gift to donors of a certain level. Working closely with committee members Gail and Randi, we developed a design that features…
In the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre—a day when the chilling call to ‘Globalize Intifada’ was tragically realized—there was no room for joy. We were burdened by a profound sense of heaviness and sickness. But amidst the sorrow, we conceived a plan: to create a magnificent menorah, a light to summon Jewish joy and pride back into a world…
Collaboration often opens doors to new techniques and ways of seeing. Working with Lisa on the Tree of Life sculpture reminded me that art is as much about relationships and process as it is about the final piece. It’s a joy to share the story behind this work. Over a year ago, I received a phone call from my friend…
As we all well know, peace is the only way forward. Violence and war only provide temporary quiet– but not what we universal human beings really want. I’d like to share with you a life-changing story from my youth. When was 15 years old in 1989 I visited Israel on an Ulpan Trip for two months with about 150 kids…
Or Shalom Jewish Community waited a long time before finally having their own worship space. Now that they are beginning to settle into their new home– I worked with them to create their very own custom mezuzah– one for their doorpost, and limited production mezuzahs and pins that were offered as part of the annual fundraiser. We used their new…
BRINGING ROSH HASHANAH TO THE UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER WITH SIGNS AND WONDERS Over the past ten years or so, I have been working in partnership with the Unity Spiritual Center San Francisco to bring Jewish teachings, creative art and Judaica into their space. Every few years I have been invited to speak about such topics as: the mezuzah, my art…
I’d like to introduce Anousha Mohsenidarabi, our metal arts studio assistant. Anousha is a soft-spoken, unique individual, and an award-winning artist. She grew up in a liberal, progressive Muslim family in Mashhad, Iran. Her family business is custom paint manufacture, where she worked for many years, surrounded by the technicalities of color. At the University of Azad in Mashhad, Iran,…
I am pleased to introduce a new series of mezuzot– called ‘Waves of Love.‘ The design was inspired by our dear Rabbi– Danny Gottlieb, who is becoming Rabbi Emeritus– at our temple, Beth Israel Judea. Rabbi Gottlieb has meant a lot to me personally. He was never too busy to speak with me about my Judaica, Jewish teachings or personal…
In 2020 I was hard at work on Art for Prayer and Peace: A Bridge to Oneness. I’ve attached three different ways I shared and performed my mission. There are more examples, if you sift through my blog– you’ll see. Bridging the Religious Divide Through Art Sharing the Torah at the San Francisco Waldorf High School All About Mezuzahs and…
The 10th grade at the San Francisco Waldorf High School has an amazing 3-4 week course on Tanakh during the year long “Explorations in Early Literature” track course. In the track course, they learn the Ramayana, Egyptian Book of the Dead, Gilgamesh, Mesopotamia, the New Testament and more. For Tanakh, students read passages, do pictorial representations of scenes, learn…
On March 9, 2019, I was taken by a vivid dream. A client wanted the Priestly Blessing inscribed and concealed inside a plain silver cuff for his daughter. When I awoke, “A Sabbath Prayer” from Fiddler on the Roof was ringing in my ears. I couldn’t fall back asleep. I am descended from the “Kohainim” and could administer the…
As 2019 moves along, I’ve got two new class offerings on the horizon. These workshops coincide with the Jewish Holiday of Shavuot, which celebrates the receiving of the Torah. Join me! June 9th 2019 1 – 4 pm – for Adults Co-Sponsored By Congregation Beth Israel Judea Shavuot Make Your Own Mezuzah Workshop General Information Register online June 10th,…