Double, Double
2024
14” x 15”
This series was conceived on approaching the first anniversary of October 7. It driven by my growing need for healing imagery and positive messages that reinforce Jewish resilience. As the horrors of the last year have sparked an outpouring of hatred upon us, I sought messages of comfort and healing in our liturgy. Interestingly, some texts use the double verb in Hebrew to emphasize an action. I found six passages of text that beautifully represent acts of hope or charity featuring this verb usage. To amplify the positive message, I added native Israeli flowers. The action takes place in the black and white print while the reaction occurs in the color print.
I have embellished the narrative with native flowers of Israel to increase the joy of this series.
"Greatly Rejoice in God, like a Bridegroom, like a bride"
Sos Asis, Isaiah 61
Scrub Peony and Scalloped Broomrape in color print, the edge of Scalloped Broomrape and Strigose bugloss in Black and white print. All are coastal flowers of Israel.
"It shall blossom abundantly, It shall also exult and shout"
Paroach tifrach, Isaiah 35
Desert Pancratium (white flower) Semitic poppy (red flower field), Puff -fruit dock and Blooming cherry trees in color print, Desert Pancratium in the winter (curply leaves), Omega Bee Orchid, Hispid Viper's Bugloss and Hiding Sorrel in Black and white print. Desert flowers of Israel.
The first time Tsiporah lays eyes on Moses, she comes home with this narrative, “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds, He drew water for us and watered the flock”
Daloh dalah, Exodus 2:19
Miller’s Alkanet (White flower) and Knotweed Sorrel (red flower)in color print. Cat thyme in foreground and Heron’s Bill in the background. Also Acacia trees in the background of both prints. Desert flowers of Israel.
”You shall set aside every year a tenth part of all your yield of your sowing that is brought from the field” The commandment that requests that a tithe of the crops be brought up to the Great Temple in Jerusalem in gratitude and celebration of God.
Assar ta’asser, Deuteronomy 14:22
Pomegranates, grapes, olives, dates, figs and wheat are seen in both panels.
“You must pull some stalks out of the heaps and leave them for her to glean and not scold her.”
Shol tashlu Ruth 2:16
By leaving gleanings of the wheat crop for the indigent to pick for themselves, Boaz dignifies the poor by allowing them to work for their sustenance. The double verb is about not rebuking Ruth, emphasizing that this is an important deed.
Yellow Succory, Arabian Pea and wheat field in the Black and white print. Barbary nut or Dwarf iris, blooming saltbush and wheat field with acacia tree in the color print.
“You will surely wither yourself as a desert plant and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you. You cannot do it alone.” Navol tibol, Exodus 18:18
Maltese cross Rocotia in black and white print, desert pancratium (white flower) and Persian cyclamen (pink flower) in color print.