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"Blessing," 2014, acrylic on canvas, 80 x 100 cm.
God spoke to Moses saying: "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: 'This is how you shall bless the Children of Israel. Say to them: May God bless you and watch over you. May God cause His countenance to shine on you and be gracious to you. May God raise His countenance toward you and grant you peace.'" (Numbers 6:22-26)
The first time the blessing of the Kohanim was pronounced over the Israelites was the day that the Mishkan/Tabernacle was inaugurated. Raising their hands over their heads, the Kohanim spread out their fingers, and Divine light flowed through the spaces between their fingers into the Mishkan and onto the people.
In the painting, many hands reach upward to heaven to bring blessings down to earth. The subtlety of the pastel colors, with a predominance of soft pinks and blues, communicates a feeling of love and peace, capturing the spirit of God's unconditional love that has poured through the Kohanim to the nation of Israel ever since that time long ago.