Woven Menorah, acrylic & ink on watercolor paper © 2023 D. Yael Bernhard
This image from The Jewish Eye 5784/2024 Calendar of Art depicts an impossible menorah – that is, a two-dimensional image that could never be used for burning candles. Originally described in the Torah as a candelabra of pure gold made in the likeness of almond branches, the menorah has morphed over the centuries into a mind-boggling myriad of designs. The Jewish Museum in NYC and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem both have a dizzying array of examples from antiquity until now, with everything from intricate Algerian metalwork that resembles the arched doors of a temple to candleholders fashioned as the Statue of Liberty holding aloft nine torches. I’ve sculpted one three-dimensional menorah myself from paper maché, which wasn’t particularly fireproof – but my true desire is to reinvent this classic structure in paint as conceptual designs of my own.
Liberated from practical considerations, a painted menorah has unlimited possibilities. Plus, it may include a background, which need not be separate. The relationship of figure to ground is paramount here, as the historical context of Hanukkah, like a stage set, shapes the meaning of the holiday. The background is a naive depiction of Jerusalem, where the story of the Maccabees culminated when they triumphed against impossible odds over the conquest of the Greek ruler Antiochus in the 2nd century BCE. Reclaiming the Temple in their holy city, the Maccabees rekindled the sacred menorah with a scant one-day supply of olive oil. The oil miraculously burned for 8 nights, enough time to press more olive oil (Hanukkah takes place at the end of the olive harvest). Centuries later, this story reemerged in the holiday we know today.
As chance would have it, an entirely unexpected influence shaped the development of this image. The week I worked on this painting, I also taught a children’s art class for homeschoolers, and spent some time with the kids exploring the art of Paul Klee. Klee himself was influenced by children’s art, as he spent a period of his life taking care of his toddler son while his wife taught piano lessons. His naively childish style is renowned for its raw innovation and unusual techniques. I’ve always felt an affinity for Klee’s work. Like him, I am also limited to working small, and I enjoy using tightly-woven patterns, restricted color, and elements of primitive art. As I perused books of Klee’s artwork, my idea for this painting crystallized.
The meaning of Jerusalem to the Jewish people cannot be overstated, and as a subject for art, it’s inexhaustible. The meaning of the word itself roughly translates to “City of Peace,” “Rain of Peace,” or “Seeing of Peace.” In the Book of Ezekiel, New Jerusalem manifests as the meeting place of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, a holy city centered on the rebuilt Third Temple. In Jewish mysticism, there are two Promised Lands, including a heavenly Jerusalem and Garden of Eden. In the Christian Book of Revelation, the city is known as Heavenly Jerusalem – an intriguing concept that I plan to paint for next year’s calendar.
Jerusalem is the symbolic ground upon which the menorah is kindled – the former in earthy colors, the latter in shades of heavenly blue. Everything is tightly fit together, like the tiles in a mosaic. I’m also fond of painted mosaics, and can imagine another menorah design of tiny squares. The sky’s the limit when it comes to making a menorah – you can do anything you want, as long as you don’t try to light it.
Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights. It’s a beautiful time of year to bring the inner light into the darkness of winter. And it’s not too late to order The Jewish Eye Calendar of Art – available in my webstore and on Amazon – as a holiday gift. Many Christians buy the calendar at this time of year, as fully half the images derive from the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible). The calendar covers September 2023 through September 2024. You can view the entire calendar here.
A good week to all, and Chag Chanukah Sameach (Happy Hanukkah!) to all my Jewish readers.
D Yael Bernhard
http://dyaelbernhard.com
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