The Torah ark is known in Hebrew as the Aron
Kodesh by the Ashkenazim and as the Hekhál amongst most Sefardim. It is
generally a receptacle, or ornamental closet, which contains the
synagogue's Torah scrolls (the Five Books of Moses).
After having read about Betzalel’s Ark (excerpts from “Legends of
the Bible” by Louis Ginzberg), I wanted to incorporate some of the
original iconography in my Torah Ark. I also wanted to make an ark
influenced by my Indian Jewish background and upbringing. I looked at
Indian and Iranian sepher torah cases and designs and also Jewish
synagogues in Morocco. These places had an oriental mystique,
ornamentation and color. I researched beautiful Moroccan synagogue
photos. The peacock green color of these synagogues and the onion dome
shapes in the architecture inspired me.
The velvet and silver Sepher Torahs of my Bombay synagogues also
served as inspiration for the shape of my Torah Ark. My cherubim are
angels named “Fereshteh” that bring the fire of hope and courage. My
mother’s Shabbat lamp that she lit every Friday made with oil and wick,
which burned all night into the morning in our Bombay home, is this same
fire. My ark sits on a “celestial throne” or table and perfumed myrrh
and frankincense comes from the water lilies within the Arabian oceans
of my childhood.
Esther scroll (megillah) commission for private
art dealer - New York - Size of scroll: 11.5 inches x 15 feet
Limited edition prints of the scroll are available for sale printed with archival inks. The edition will be signed and numbered by the artist. Questions please contact: artsiona@earthlink.net or call: 973-783-3445.The original Book of Esther is one of the books
of the Ketuvim (Writings) of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) and of the
Historical Books of the Old Testament. The Book of Esther or the
Megillah is the basis for the Jewish celebration of the festival of
Purim. I am commissioned to paint the megillah using influences from
Indian and Mughal miniature painting. I am also using iconography from
my own paintings to make a unique and personal megillat Esther.
Commission for Jewish marriage
contract (Ketubah) - 2008
Private Ketubah commission - 2010
Commission for synagogue centennial celebration - 2006
