Beautiful in your space.
Meaningful in your life.

The Inspiration

“Baruch Hashem.” Bless the Name of Hashem. Such familiar words, yet how much we are saying with them!

The Baal Shem Tov would make opportunities to ask people, “How are you? How is your family? Your livelihood?” He wanted to hear them answer, “Baruch Hashem,” thanking Hashem. An ordinary conversation could become an expression of gratitude to the One giving us life.

A Declaration of G-d’s Presence

Our five senses show us a physical world, with its natural forces and movements. They do not, on their own, reveal the Creator giving everything life. When we say “Baruch Hashem,” we declare that this world has an Owner and a purpose. The teachings of Chassidus explain blessing as drawing G-dly revelation into the world. We give that awareness a voice, bringing it into our own minds and into the lives of those who hear us.

I picture a host who has opened a home for everyone to enjoy, while remaining out of sight. The guests can behave as though everything belongs to them, or acknowledge the One welcoming them. Saying “Baruch Hashem” is a way of remembering our Host.

This world is not a jungle without an owner. A selfish outlook says, “My strength, my success, my importance.” Remembering the Creator lifts us beyond that. There is an infinitely great Designer, with intention and care, Who gives us life and asks us to use it meaningfully. That recognition can bring gratitude, honesty and responsibility into our thoughts, speech and actions.

Creation, Every Moment

The circular movement in this painting reminds me of the heavenly spheres and all the elements of existence. Everything is sustained by the will and word of Hashem. The world is being given life right now.

In Tanya, Shaar Hayichud Vehaemunah, the Alter Rebbe explains the Baal Shem Tov’s teaching that the Divine words of creation continue to give existence to every created thing. If that creative power were withdrawn for even a moment, creation would cease to exist.

The Hebrew letters and their combinations express the particular life-force of each creation. Through countless combinations and successive levels of concealment, Divine vitality reaches even physical matter. The spiritual worlds, the angels and everything we encounter depend on their one Source. In our daily prayers, we praise Hashem for continually renewing creation in G-d’s goodness.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that our life has a Source and a purpose, here and now. The heavens, the things around us and the breath within us are being sustained by Hashem at this moment. When someone asks, “How are things?” a thoughtful “Baruch Hashem” gives that awareness a voice.

My hope is that these words help bring holiness into our consciousness and into everyday life, pushing back the darkness of selfishness with gratitude to our Creator. May G-d’s presence become more revealed within us, within our communities and throughout the world, until “Hashem will be One, and His name One.” Speedily in our days. Amen.

Sources: The Baal Shem Tov on praising Hashem; The inner meaning of a blessing; Tanya, Shaar Hayichud Vehaemunah, chapter 1; Chapter 12; Zechariah 14:9.

The Inspiration

“NaRaN ChaY” is an acronym for the five levels of the soul: Nefesh, Ruach, Neshamah, Chayah and Yechidah.

In prayer, our soul can reach different levels of love and awe of Hashem. Our awareness of G-d’s presence everywhere, our preparation and our ability to focus all make a difference. So does the moment itself: an ordinary weekday, Shabbos, or Neilah at the close of Yom Kippur.

The teachings of Chassidus help us understand these depths of the soul and give them expression in our service of Hashem.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that our connection with Hashem has depths beyond what we may feel at any one moment. Thoughtful preparation and attention in prayer can help awaken that love and awe.

The Inspiration

Inspired by the Chassidus Discourse,
Maamar: Ata Echad 5739
From The Rebbe

The Inspiration

The Torah describes Avraham and Sarah as “zakeinim ba’im bayamim,” aged and coming in their days. Later, it says, “And Avraham was old, ba bayamim.”

He came with all his days. The teachings of Chassidus explain that every day was valued and filled with purpose, from beginning to end. A filled-out day, positive and full of achievements.

That is the outlook that inspired this painting. Every morning, there is a new day ahead of us. Today can be greater than yesterday, brighter, fuller and more successful.

Chassidim of old, and Chassidim today, make a cheshbon hanefesh before sleep: an honest accounting of how the day went. We may see things we missed or did not fully accomplish. Yet whatever today held, and however good it was, we tell ourselves and our children: “דער מאָרגן וועט זײַן גאָר אַנדערש.” Der morgen vet zayn gar andersh. “Tomorrow will be entirely different.” Better, greater and fuller.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that yesterday does not limit tomorrow. Today may not have been as full as it could have been. Tomorrow, with Hashem’s help, I will move forward with renewed purpose, full steam ahead. A full, complete and wonderful day ahead.

Sources: Bereishis 18:11; 24:1. See Chassidic Insights, Chayei Sarah, chapter 24, on using every day for mitzvos.

The Inspiration

How can love be commanded? Isn’t it a feeling we either have or don’t have?

“ViOhavto” means “And you shall love.” The teachings of Chassidus also explain it as a promise: “And you will love.” Hashem gives us the beautiful power of love and asks us to direct it toward what is meaningful and true. We can choose what we give our attention to, what we appreciate and what we allow to fill our hearts.

The commandment calls us to contemplate what awakens love. We begin with the Shema, reflecting on Hashem’s oneness in this world and all the worlds above. Through that meditation, what we understand can become something we feel.

Love of Hashem

“And you shall love Hashem your G-d with all your heart.” Hashem loves us and wants us to discover what is worthy of our love, for our own benefit. G-d gives us life at every moment. The breath within us, the very possibility of being alive, comes from G-d.

When I appreciate how much I love my life, I can begin to love the One Who gives it to me. Tanya teaches us to contemplate Hashem as our true source of life. Chabad Chassidus opens many paths into this love, with depth far beyond what can be expressed here.

Love of Our Fellow

The Torah also commands us to love our fellow as ourselves. Tanya asks us to look beyond the body and recognize the soul. At their source in the One G-d, Jewish souls are truly united, like siblings with one Father. I picture candles kindled from one flame: each with its own light, sharing one source.

This recognition awakens compassion, kinship and love for a fellow Jew on the same spiritual journey. It also reminds me to approach every human being with respect and care. Every person is created in G-d’s image. Hashem placed me here with a purpose, and G-d placed the person before me here with a purpose too, whether I understand that purpose or not.

Just as I need to appreciate that my own life matters, I need to appreciate the life before me. Hashem has hopes for us both. We share the experience of life and the responsibility to help one another. Remembering this makes room in my heart for compassion and love.

Love of Torah

Hashem has not placed us in this world without guidance. Torah is G-d’s wisdom, care and love given to us through Moshe Rabbeinu, with the teachings of the prophets and our sages. It shows us how to live with truth, purpose and connection to G-d.

When we reflect on the wisdom and care within these teachings, we can come to love the Torah itself. We thank Hashem each morning for giving us the Torah, and again when called to the Torah in the synagogue. Its teachings bring meaning into our lives. The Jewish people are entrusted with 613 mitzvos, and humanity with the seven laws of Noah: Divine guidance for a world of goodness and blessing.

These three loves are bound together. Hashem, Torah and the Jewish soul are connected. Each love deepens the others, moving us to learn, to live what we learn and to share it.

Why These Colors?

I filled this painting with passionate colors because passion is a powerful gift. It can be directed toward passing pleasures, or lifted toward its highest purpose: love of life and its Giver, love of the Torah that guides life, and love of the person living alongside us.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that we have much that is worthy of our love. The life within us can awaken gratitude to its Giver. The person before us can awaken compassion and kinship. A Torah teaching can awaken appreciation for the wisdom and care Hashem has given us. These are the three meditations behind the painting.

Taking time for this is an ancient practice. The Mishnah describes the early chassidim preparing for an hour before prayer to direct their hearts toward Hashem. Rambam teaches us to settle our thoughts and recognize before Whom we stand. Chabad Chassidus continues this thoughtful preparation. We are all invited to learn how.

There are many levels of love, and much more to explore. May Hashem help us grow in both the simpler and higher forms of love, serving G-d with joy, good health and long, meaningful years. May this bring beauty into our space, meaning into our consciousness and love into our hearts. May we merit the redemption, with everlasting joy, speedily in our days. Amen.

Sources: Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Tanya, Kuntres Acharon 8, with explanation of the Maggid’s teaching; Tanya, chapter 44; Tanya, chapter 32; Pirkei Avos 3:14; The Rebbe on the three loves; The Rebbe Rashab on the three bonds; Mishnah, Berachos 5:1; Rambam, Hilchos Tefilah 4:16.

The Inspiration

How could the Rebbe carry so much of the world’s pain and still radiate such joy?

People brought The Rebbe their troubles, illnesses and heartbreak. Enormous amounts of mail arrived with requests for help. The Rebbe was personally pained by wars, hunger, injustice and suffering throughout the world, including the suffering of people who never wrote. The Rebbe responded with compassion while carrying personal losses, including family lost in the Holocaust. The Rebbe and the Rebbetzin had no biological children, although they considered the Chassidim as their own children. Yet The Rebbe remained joyful, optimistic and full of light.

I merited to see the Rebbe on many occasions throughout my life. My father שליט״א frequently brought my siblings and me to see The Rebbe at farbrengens, the Chassidic gatherings, where I could sit for hours in front of The Rebbe and see The Rebbe with my own eyes. Looking back, I feel: how fortunate are the eyes that saw the holy face of this great tzaddik, this righteous man of our generation.

What I remember so strongly is the energy, positivity and brightness The Rebbe brought. That is why I painted The Rebbe in these bright colors. The Rebbe’s leadership continues through The Rebbe’s Torah, guidance and teachings.

Joy in Serving Hashem

The teachings of Chassidus explain the joy we can find in serving Hashem. When we recognize G-d’s presence and fulfill G-d’s will in this world, we bring G-d joy. Knowing that we are taking part in fulfilling G-d’s desire gives us a profound reason to rejoice. We can share in that joy, even while carrying real burdens of our own.

The Rebbe frequently taught the words of the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Lubavitcher Rebbe: “Tracht gut, vet zain gut.” Think good, and it will be good. This is a teaching of trust in Hashem, and to me it also has real physical ramifications. A positive outlook helps us find answers and strength. During my own experience with cancer, I saw tangible physical differences connected with my mindset. Positivity helped me heal.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that we can look at the bright side through life’s ups and downs, and bring that brightness into what we do. I wanted this portrait to be a wordless reminder of joy and optimism in the places where we live and gather. May we serve Hashem with joy, knowing the joy we bring G-d, until we merit to see everything as revealed good. Amen.

Source: The Rebbe's teaching on the Tzemach Tzedek's words, “Think good, and it will be good.”

Further sources: Tanya, chapter 33: sharing in Hashem’s joy; The Rebbe’s losses and rebuilding after the Holocaust.

The Inspiration

“Hallelu-Ka” means “Praise G-d.” I was inspired by Pesukei D’Zimrah and Hallel, especially Tehillim, Psalm 117.

To me, this holy word carries one of the most soulful expressions of intense gratitude a living being can offer as praise and prayer to Hashem.

The letter hey is deliberately incomplete in this painting, so Hashem’s name is not fully spelled out.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that we can give voice to our gratitude. The goodness Hashem brings into our lives can become heartfelt praise, prayer and song.

The Inspiration

The musician in this painting is Yossi Piamenta, of blessed memory. His music, together with that of his dear brother Avi Piamenta, of blessed memory, has been part of the soundtrack of my life.

Yossi was such a holy rock and roller. His screeching electric guitar was somehow so sweet. He channeled holiness, devotion and joy through his guitar. Together with Avi and his flute, they were servants of Hashem disguised as rock and rollers. Their music and their feeling were so genuine and so heartfelt.

I remember seeing them play through the night at Simchas Beis Hashoeva on Kingston Avenue in Crown Heights, and the occasions when they played before the Rebbe. I also had the opportunity to perform with them on stage. Those are memories I treasure.

There is a backstory to this painting. I had my favorite Piamenta playlist playing very loudly in my studio. I worked for hours and hours, over several weeks, close to a month. Every stroke of paint was accompanied by their sound, their rhythm, their joy. I would not be exaggerating if I said I was literally dancing at times while painting it.

That is why I painted Yossi. I wanted to express my appreciation for the realness of their service of Hashem through music, and for the joy and devotion they shared with all of us. Every stroke was inspired by that music.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that our own gifts, energy and joy can serve Hashem. Yossi and Avi gave such heartfelt expression to that through their music, and it continues to inspire me.

About the Alter Rebbe

Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, known as the Alter Rebbe and the Baal HaTanya, founded Chabad Chassidus. A disciple of the Maggid of Mezeritch, he authored Tanya and Shulchan Aruch HaRav. His teachings bring understanding, feeling and action together in the service of Hashem.

Based on the biography at Chabad.org.

The Inspiration

Emunah, Bitachon, Geulah: Faith, Trust, Redemption. The Hebrew words אמונה, בטחון, גאולה begin with the first three letters of the Alef Beis: א, ב, ג.

This painting was inspired by R’ Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin’s “Aleph Beis Gimmel” message. He connects our faith and trust in the coming of Moshiach with hastening the complete redemption: leaving the prison called galus, exile, and entering the time we have been waiting for, when we can serve Hashem in the third Beis HaMikdash.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that Emunah and Bitachon are part of our anticipation of Geulah. Faith, trust and redemption: Aleph, Beis, Gimmel. May we see it today!

The Inspiration

Inspired on the occasion of Rabbi Adin Even-Yisrael (Steinsaltz) 80th birthday.

Rabbi Adin Even-Israel (Steinsaltz) is a beloved educator, founder of educational institutions, scholar and teacher of thousands of students around the world, who study his books on Talmud and Chassidus. Prolific author of more than eighty books, published in ten languages. More..

The Inspiration

Torah is not just a list of rules…

I painted Torah Bright to express the mesmerizing beauty of its wisdom: rich, deep and bursting with life. A covered Torah scroll bursts with vibrant colors like a fountain of light. Behind that mantle of laws and measurements is a fountain of light, and of life itself, for those who live by its teachings.

That is what inspired these colors. Torah is Hashem’s wisdom, a gift from the Creator to guide our lives. The teachings of Chassidus reveal the light within its words, mitzvos and customs. As that wisdom becomes clearer, something changes in us. Understanding awakens love. Learning becomes a joy, even a feeling of bliss. What seemed distant or burdensome becomes full of meaning and light.

Just as mesmerizing colors can hold our attention and move us, the beauty of Hashem’s wisdom can fill our minds and hearts. There is always more to discover. As the Mishnah teaches, “One who increases Torah, increases life.” It adds life to our life.

A World of Meaning

Torah unfolds through peshat, its straightforward meaning; remez, its allusions; derush, its interpretive teachings; and sod, its secrets. Together they are called Pardes, an orchard. The teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the Arizal, the Baal Shem Tov and the Rebbes of Chabad reveal depths within this orchard. The light of the teachings of Chassidus helps us bring that wisdom into our minds, hearts and daily lives.

We are fortunate to live when so much of this learning is available. In books, classes, recorded lessons and on Chabad.org, we can study teachings once accessible to far fewer people. We can ask, learn and return to them, finding deeper meaning each time.

The Zohar speaks of an opening of wisdom above and wisdom below. The Rebbe connected this with both the spreading of Torah’s wisdom and extraordinary advances in worldly knowledge and technology. Those very tools can now help bring Torah to people around the world, preparing the world for redemption.

At Sinai, the Jewish people said, “Naaseh v’nishma”: we will do and we will hear. We begin with a commitment to live according to Torah. As we study, we discover more of the meaning and beauty within what we do. The mitzvos remain our foundation, filled with wisdom we can continue to explore.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that the light within Torah can shine in our lives, like the light and colors flowing from this Torah. A rule, a custom or a teaching may feel difficult to connect with because we have not yet discovered the life within it. The meditation behind these colors is that there is so much more to discover. The beauty of that wisdom can reach our emotions, awaken love for Torah and Hashem, and bring joy into the way we live.

“Taste and see that Hashem is good.” To me, that is an invitation to experience these teachings through study and living them. Once we begin to taste their depth, our appreciation can grow into gratitude, love and joy.

Torah is a tree of life. Its wisdom can illuminate our choices, bring purpose into ordinary moments and inspire the people around us. Learning and living it brings us closer to personal redemption, adding light to our homes and to the world.

May we experience Torah in its fullest, most vibrant richness, and fulfill its commandments with joy, love and inspiration. May its light bring life and healing, until the world is filled with knowledge of Hashem as the waters cover the seabed. May the new light shine upon Zion, and may we all have a part in the Torah that illuminates our lives. Amen.

Sources: Pirkei Avos 2:7; Proverbs 6:23; The four levels of Torah interpretation; Zohar I, 117a, explained in Likkutei Sichos, volume 15, Noach II; Exodus 24:7; Psalms 34:9; Isaiah 11:9.

The Inspiration

Pray and sing! Need I say more?

Mordechai ben David has been part of the soundtrack of my life since I was very young. His music helped shape my love and enjoyment of music, and remains a huge inspiration to me.

I remember how fortunate I felt to attend his concert at Place des Arts in Montreal. Later, I had the opportunity to see him again and meet him as well. I still enjoy his music nearly every day. This painting expresses my appreciation for what he means to me now, and for everything he continues to give to Jewish music: joy, feeling and expression for Jews around the world.

If you’re anything like me, you’d agree that his voice, music and songs are a true gift to our generation and beyond. MBD’s music often blurs the line between singing and praying. How many times do you start singing one of his great songs, and before you know it, you’re davening?

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that singing can become heartfelt prayer. Thank you, MBD, for sharing your great G-d-given gift with us all. May Hashem give you many more happy, healthy years full of joy and song. May we merit to pray and sing together with all of Klal Yisroel, with the coming of Moshiach and the complete redemption, immediately now!

The Inspiration

“L’chaim” means “To life.” We raise our glasses and make a l’chaim. One person says “L’chaim,” and the other answers “L’chaim v’livracha!” To life and to blessings.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that those familiar words carry a wish for each other: may our drinking, in moderation of course, be to health and good outcomes.

So, l’chaim!

The Story

In 1985, during a live telephone hookup with the Rebbe, I sketched a small portrait of Mr. Rosler, of blessed memory, seated in front of me in the Montreal Chabad shul basement. He was listening carefully, concentrating with his eyes closed. I had a pencil for taking notes, but I felt I had to draw that moment.

Over thirty years later, he approached me in shul, opened his wallet and handed me a tiny old envelope. Inside was that same drawing. He had carried it with him all those years, keeping his promise to show it to me when I was older, to remind me of my talent as a child and encourage me to paint.

I subsequently painted a color portrait of him and brought it to him as a personal gift in appreciation. His encouragement was, without exaggeration, very meaningful to me in pursuing my livelihood as a professional classical artist.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that someone’s encouragement can mean so much, even many years later.

Originally published April 1, 2016.

Source: My original account.

The Inspiration

“Did you anticipate the redemption?” The Talmud teaches that this is one of the questions a soul is asked after its life in this world.

The Chafetz Chaim explains in Tzipisa L’Yeshuah that we are meant to look out for redemption like a lookout standing on high ground, searching the distance. I picture someone eagerly awaiting a dear friend, climbing to a mountaintop to catch the first glimpse of him coming. That is the yearning behind Mikdash Vision.

It is the age-old Jewish hope and dream, promised in Torah: to see with our own eyes heaven revealed on earth, with the rebuilding of the third Beis HaMikdash, Hashem’s holy house in Yerushalayim. A world of peace and perfection as Hashem intended.

Rambam teaches that we must believe in Moshiach and await his coming. He writes that one who does not believe in him or await his coming denies not only the other prophets, but also the Torah and Moshe Rabbeinu. This anticipation is an everyday obligation, something we are meant to live with.

Since the destruction of the second Beis HaMikdash, Jews throughout the world have prayed every day for the return of Hashem’s glory to the Temple Mount, with the third Beis HaMikdash and the coming of Moshiach, our true and final redeemer.

The Rebbe brought particular urgency to this hope in our generation. The Rebbe spoke of the signs pointing to redemption and urged us to prepare to welcome Moshiach. To me, seeing prophecies coming to fruition in our times makes that hope feel close and alive. We anticipate so much more.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that redemption is something to look out for, all day, every day. The silhouette of the Beis HaMikdash emerges within the painting. Discovering it is a reminder of that anticipation: looking for what we have been promised, yearning to see it with our own eyes.

The Rebbe’s words stay with me: “Ot, ot kumt di geulah.” The redemption is coming, very soon. May our anticipation be a blessing for us and our families. May we merit to see the perfect and blessed world of redemption promised in the Torah, speedily in our days. Amen.

Sources: Talmud, Shabbat 31a; Chafetz Chaim, Tzipisa L’Yeshuah, chapter 3; Rambam, Hilchos Melachim 11:1; The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Bringing Mashiach Now (5751); The Rebbe, Shoftim, 7 Elul 5751, Besuras HaGeulah 37.

The Inspiration

The Mishnah teaches that whoever did not see the joy of Simchas Beis Hashoeva never saw joy in his life. This celebration accompanied drawing water for the water libation in the Beis HaMikdash.

For me, the inspiration is the simplicity of serving Hashem with joy, even in the little things. Something as simple as carrying a bucket of water in the service of G-d is worthy of tremendous joy. It is G-d’s will. How much more so the things whose depth and meaning are obvious.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that even the smallest opportunities to serve Hashem are worthy of appreciation and joy. Whatever we are doing, when it is G-d’s will, we have that opportunity. Becoming sensitive to it can bring joy into the smallest movements of our lives, even something as simple as carrying a bucket of water.

Source: Sukkah 51a; The Drawing of the Water, Chabad.org.

The Inspiration

Rebbe Light is my colorful watercolor and ink portrait of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, inspired by the Rebbe’s saying, “Think good and it will be good!”

The NFT Story

I also released this artwork as an NFT. To my knowledge at the time, it was the first NFT of the Rebbe—a meaningful milestone in bringing my artwork into a new medium.

Rebbe Light is available as a print, and I welcome inquiries about purchasing the NFT as well. The NFT and a physical print are separate purchases.

View the archived Rarible NFT link. Please contact me to confirm current NFT availability and purchase details.

Watercolor and ink by Peretz Schmukler.

The Inspiration

Even through the hardest and darkest times, and despite so many efforts throughout history to erase Torah, Torah survives. Torah is the word of Hashem and the source of our life. It will never be erased.

I was inspired by the timelessness of its teachings: Hashem’s words, taught to us by G-d’s true prophets, beginning with our great teacher Moshe Rabbeinu, guiding and inspiring our lives in every generation, right up to today.

A Reminder

This painting is intended to remind us that Torah endures through difficulties, and its teachings continue to speak to our lives. We have a part in living them and carrying them forward.