The Emigrants by Victor Hageman, 1910. oil on canvas.
Painted on a monumental scale, The Emigrants depicts three generations of one family gathered at the point of exile, their emotive expressions capturing the trauma of forced migration. In 1928 Hageman exhibited this work in Antwerp under the title ‘Jewish Family’, while an inscription on the reverse of the canvas reading ‘Descendants Israelites’ specifically references Jewish exile.
Happy Purim! I’m proud to debut the latest entry in my annual tradition of Purim package design, creating elaborate boxes to fulfill the ritual of mishloach manot, giving gifts of food to friends. (Find the last few years’ here, here,here,here,here,here, and here.) This year’s boxes were inspired by the mashrabiya and jaali, latticework traditions of the world “from India to Ethiopia” — regions ruled by Achashverosh (Esther 1:1). Each little box is filled with fun treats, as well as a little LED balloon light. Close the box and place the light in the peak, and the words “Happy Purim” shine on the tabletop.
Colloquially called “harem windows,” these screens provided privacy and shade to those inside. In the Purim story, Esther lived hidden in the king’s palace. But when the time was right, at the darkest time, she revealed herself and saved her people. She shined. “The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor,” (Esther 8:16), and so may we all.
I made two designs while prototyping this box, and being unable to pick which I liked better, I made both! Which do you prefer?
Purim is coming - and it’s International (Working) Women’s Day too! ✊ So I thought I would share some images of Esther as a working woman - a scribe! - in tribute to the many women who continue to mentor and inspire me. These images are from illustrated megillot from Italy, Germany, and Holland, ca. 1650-1750: the earliest images, to my knowledge, of female scribes in Hebrew manuscripts (although I’d be happy to be corrected!).
Happy Purim! Just because there’s a pandemic doesn’t mean we aren’t having a Purim house party–and you’re invited! Every year, I make a new, elaborate box for my mishloach manot. (Find the last few years’ here, here,here,here,here,here,here, and here.) This year, as we party from home, I made a replica of my house to allow you to party in spirit with me. Little flashing LEDs light up the night for the best party of the year. Come on over!
I am pretty stoked to be a contestant on Expedition Maker - The Great Jewish Craft Off, a Jewish art competition reality show from Camp Na Nai Nai. Week 1 task: “Make a mask or costume that taps into something that has been brought into the light during the pandemic,” and tie it into Purim and the priestly garments. So I made a breastplate that decodes the masks we put up in real life and via screens to help us see our friends’ true emotions underneath! Watch the episode and VOTE FOR ME at expeditionnai.com/maker-vote.
Happy Purim! I’m proud to debut the latest entry in my annual tradition of Purim package design, creating elaborate boxes to fulfill the ritual of mishloach manot, giving gifts of food to friends. (Find the last few years’ here, here,here,here,here,here, and here.) This year’s boxes were inspired by the mashrabiya and jaali, latticework traditions of the world “from India to Ethiopia” — regions ruled by Achashverosh (Esther 1:1). Each little box is filled with fun treats, as well as a little LED balloon light. Close the box and place the light in the peak, and the words “Happy Purim” shine on the tabletop.
Colloquially called “harem windows,” these screens provided privacy and shade to those inside. In the Purim story, Esther lived hidden in the king’s palace. But when the time was right, at the darkest time, she revealed herself and saved her people. She shined. “The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor,” (Esther 8:16), and so may we all.
I made two designs while prototyping this box, and being unable to pick which I liked better, I made both! Which do you prefer?
I’ve been having an amazing time in Jerusalem painting with artists from around the world at the FIRST EVER JEWISH STREET ART FESTIVAL!!It’s been an honor to work with these fabulous folks. Top two are my pieces, then Lenore Mizrachi-Cohen, Shlome J. Hayun, Ella Ponizovsky Bergelson, Yitzchok Moully, and Solomon Souza. Visit the First Station in Jerusalem to see them in person.
Check out the full line-up and more photos at jewishstreetart.com. And please support this project so we can do it again next year at a city TBA in the USA! More posts coming soon!
A few of the illustrations I made for the HIAS Haggadah. This Haggadah provides stories and prompts to help us connect to the contemporary refugee experience on the night where we remember our own journey from suffering to freedom. You can download it at hias.org/passover or buy a paperback copy at amazon.com/dp/1091939942.
Mail’s here! The latest entry in my annual tradition of Purim package design once again involves creating elaborate boxes to fulfill the ritual of mishloach manot, giving gifts of food to friends. (Find the last few years’ here,here,here,here,here, and here.) This year involves literally sending food in envelope-boxes. The Happy Purim message and stamp are cut out of the paper and backed with Fruit by the Foot — the best tasting stamp you’ll ever lick. The cancellation is marked 14 Adar (today’s Hebrew date) and ringed with the words describing this tradition from the Megillah: מִשְׁלֹחַ מָנוֹת, אִישׁ לְרֵעֵהוּ (“sending items to their fellows,” Esther 9:19). It’s marked in the corner “Peace + Truth” from me, echoing the letters of peace and truth Mordechai wrote to Jews across the kingdom (Esther 9:30). And who couldn’t use a little peace and truth these days? Enjoy, and Happy Purim!
New project alert! I’m fascinated by monumental architecture, asserting identity through design, adaptive reuse, and history as told through material culture. All of that comes together in the exploration of former Jewish spaces. To that end, I started a new site highlighting former synagogues from around the US. Who built them? What happened to their communities? What did they leave behind? Come discover with me. Check out jewishtraces.tumblr.com.
I made a haggadah! I had the privilege of working with author Shawn Becker to make his Passover haggadah a reality. He wanted a haggadah that was bright, engaging, thought-provoking, and accessible to all, regardless of Jewish knowledge or previous seder experience. It’s non-traditional in many ways but remains rooted in the historic structure and rituals of the night. He provided the text and inspiration and I designed and illustrated the book in a style that was a bit of a departure for me. Pick up your own copy at sharingtheseder.com.
Happy Purim! What would you do if you had the opportunity to address the king? It’s become a tradition of mine to celebrate Purim with package design, creating elaborate boxes to fulfill the ritual of mishloach manot, giving gifts of food to friends. (Find the last few years’ here,here, here,here, and here.) This year, the boxes depict King Achashverosh’s palace, the architecture inspired by Taq Kasra, an ancient Persian palace near modern Baghdad. (Yes, it’s a little anachronistic, but it’s an incredible building.) Open the doors and find yourself face to face with the king on his throne. Imagine yourself in Esther’s shoes, petitioning for the safety of her people. Tucked behind a false wall is a hidden treasure of chocolate bars and pistachios. The back has a Purim message from me. Enjoy!
