The Jewish Outreach Institute

TWO PAINTINGS

These two Simchat Torah paintings are currently on tour (both in the real world and on the internet). The one on the left is by Emmanuel Levy. An oil painting on canvas, it is entitled "Two Rabbis with the Scrolls of the Law." From the Ben Uri Art Society comes this description of "Two Rabbis": In "Two Rabbis with the Scrolls of the Law" we see the rabbis dancing and singing (note how the Rabbi's mouth is open) as they process around the synagogue with the Torah scrolls. The bells, crowns and breastplates have been removed, which is unusual since the bells in particular are essential for the circuits as they add to the joyful noise. The Rabbis are obviously dancing. Note how the fringes of their tallitot seem to be swinging. The carpet is a bright red which adds to the brightness and gaiety of the painting.

The picture on the right is by Chaim Goldberg. Entitled "Simchat Torah" it was painted in 1963. It is currently on display at the Spertus Jewish Museum. Chaim Goldberg, born in Poland, grew up studying art. He continued his artwork as a captive in a Nazi camp. He moved to Israel as a young man, but later emigrated to the United States. He has been a US Citizen since 1973.