Inspiration

The work deals with the relationship of cover and essence. Does the cover makes the essence holy, or maybe the cover is holiness itself?

We regarded Jewish covering sacred objects such as Teffilin, Mesusa, Torah Mantle, Talith, Hallah napkin, etc.

From the physical cover we moved to the symbolic cover, the layers, the rituals, the emotions, time and place.

 

 

The art work draws its inspiration from the Hassidic soul and the Hassidic stories which deals mostly with the meaning of cover and essence.

The story tells of R.Elimelech and R.Zusia who were debating the question if the feeling of the Sabbath holiness which they experience may be a creature of their imagination and if so their worship of God too? They decided to prepare a Sabbath meal identical in every detail, including Sabbath clothes and sermons, but during a week day. If they will experience the same feeling of holiness they would know that their way was not the true one. They did so and instantly felt the same feeling of holiness. Confused they turned to their Rabbi, the Magid of miedzyrzec, and told him of their experiment.

 

He said: “If you put on your Sabbath clothes and the ‘Shtraymel’ (fur hat) no wonder you felt the Sabbath holiness, for the Sabbath clothes and the ‘Shtrymel’ have the power to convey on earth the light of the Sabbath holiness, therefore you don’t have to fear at all” (M.Buber)

Publications

2004 - The work was purchased by the Jewish museum of New York to it contemporary Judaica collection.

2005 - The Jewish Museum in NYC. Purchase Exhibition for the marking of 100 years from its foundation. 

2013 - The Jewish Museum in NYC. Collection Tableaux.