Menuchah (The Sabbath Rest)
This painting depicts what we all need more of: sanctified rest. This is the essence of the Sabbath, forged at the root level of Creation. For after darkness and light, day and night, land and sea and all the creatures of the earth are created, the Six Days of Creation are crowned by the seventh day: Shabbat, set apart from the rest of the week as a time to rest and renew. And at the heart of this holy day is the afternoon nap known as menuchah.
I have to admit, I painted this picture more from imagination than experience. My over-the-top busy life doesn’t allow me to take every Saturday off (what is called shomer Shabbos – “keeper of Shabbat”) – far from it. And when I do have free time, I often choose to paint rather than kick back and relax. But I do understand how important it is to rest, to lie fallow, to be receptive. Like silence in a symphony or the calm after a storm, we need to stop and rejuvenate in order to be healthy. Setting aside just a little time each week to be a human being instead of a “human doing” is a good thing.
This painting is also a reminder that life is good. In a world of never-ending upheaval, of overstimulation and overwhelming choices, of never-ending cycles of violence, rising antisemitism, persistent racism, corporate greed, and the effects of climate change – those ordinary moments of pleasure and peace are worth noting. In this image, a couple shares a hammock that is strung like an arc in time between the two candles on the left that are lit to begin the Sabbath, and the braided havdalah candle on the right that marks its end. The woman holds their baby, while the man snoozes with a book open over his heart – for family time and learning (especially Torah study) are integral parts of Shabbat, as much as refraining from ordinary activities and work.
This tranquil scene is also emblematic of Judaism itself – a peaceful tradition that imagines our Creator as a loving parent who offers nurturance, guidance, and support. Connection to nature is encouraged during the Sabbath, along with nourishing food, lovemaking, and replenishment of the soul. This is the spirit of menuchah.
And after this sacred time of rest, the sun sets, the stars appear in the sky, and the new week of productivity begins. But for now, this couple rests in a cycle of time, surrounded by the changing colors of day and night.
Menuchah is for sale. Please inquire if you’re interested. This is the image for next August in my calendar, The Jewish Eye 5786/2026 Calendar of Art – now available in my webstore, on Etsy, and on Amazon. You can view all the images here.
Please tell your friends about the calendar! You don’t have to be Jewish in order to enjoy it. You just need to love art.
A good week to all!
D. Yael Bernhard
https://dyaelbernhard.com
Have you seen my other Substack, The Art of Health? In addition to being a visual artist, I’m also a certified integrative health & nutrition coach with a lifelong passion for natural food cooking and herbal medicine. Now in its second year, this illustrated newsletter explores cutting-edge concepts of nutrition. I strive to make relevant information clear and accessible, and to anchor essential health concepts in unique images. Check it out, and if you like it, please subscribe and help spread the word. Your support keeps my work going!