The Story Behind The "Menorah in Window" Painting

This was her response to the Nazi flag hanging outside her home window and the growing hatred of her people. 

Just a few short years later in 1938, Kristallnacht happened. At the time of this painting, it was the 83rd anniversary of that fateful event in which 7,000 Jewish businesses were damaged or destroyed, and 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and incarcerated in concentration camps just for being Jewish. Kristallnacht literally means "Crystal Night," which refers to the colossal amount of broken glass from the Jewish businesses, buildings and synagogues that were destroyed that night.

Many Jews were fortunate enough to escape to what is now called Israel, where they rebuilt their lives, communities and the land. 

Ten years later, in 1948, Israel became a State and the official National Anthem, "HaTikvah" ("The Hope") is sung every day. It reflects the hope of the Jews returning to their ancestral homeland after 2,000 years and reclaiming it as a free and sovereign nation. 

The composition for "Menorah in Window" is based on Rachel Posner's photograph. The stained-glass window is indicative of the broken glass from Kristallnacht. Though the glass is not on the ground, but rather repaired and pieced back together; made whole again. The wall represents the Kotel; our place of prayer, hope and refuge in the land of Israel. And finally, the light of the menorah glows for all to see. Though others have tried (and still try) to break us, as Rachel Posner so eloquently described, "Judah will live forever." And so the light will continue to answer.

This painting is part of a collection that debuted with the Jewish War Veterans of The United States, and was printed on their annual Hanukkah cards in 2021.