Art Exhibit - The Hebrew Scribal Letters

version # 1

12Tribes

An assemblage of twelve original paintings
representing the names of the Tribes of Israel
as they were incised in the gemstones of
the golden Kho-shen חושן 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:

62" x 48" (158 x 122 cm)
Other sizes and versions on special order

as well as paintings of individual names in Hebrew.

For information in Hebrew עברית

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 image, 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.

Efrayim and Menashe

airbrush / acrylic on canvas

diptych 16” x 32” (40 x 80 cm)

Achad - the Primordial Light - version #1

אחד 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 in 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)

Bris Aish - 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 בראשית 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 - ברית אש -The Covenant of Fire -
is the source of inspiration for this work.

Airbrush/acrylic on canvas
30” x 40” (76 x 102 cm)

Barah Sheesh - Genesis - He Created Six

Here the permutation of the letters
of Braysheesh בראשית forms the words:
Barah Sheesh ברא שית
He created Six (or Foundation)

Airbrush/acrylic on canvas
17" x 20” (19 x 50 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. Each painting is 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