Mordechai Rosenstein Artist-in-Residence

What does an artist do, and how does he turn ideas into beautiful paintings and prints? Members and guests of Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park will find out the weekend of Nov. 10 to 13 as they welcome renowned artist Mordechai Rosenstein as their artist-in-residence.

Rosenstein, from Elkins Park, Pa., draws his inspiration from the Hebrew alphabet and the Bible. Almost all his works are based on Hebrew words or phrases or English quotations from the Bible or Jewish sages.

“The flowing forms of the letters have been an inspiration to me since my youth,” says Rosenstein. Vibrant colors and shapes enhance his works, which include synagogue interiors, tapestries, paintings, prints and serigraphs, ketubot, mezzuzot and more. His works have been presented to many statesmen and artists, including Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, President Yitzhak Shamir of Israel, Pope Benedict, Isaac Stern and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

A native of Philadelphia, Rosenstein, 77, graduated from Akiba Hebrew Academy and the Philadelphia College of Art. Inspired by Matisse and Van Gogh, he began to envision Jewish calligraphy in a contemporary light. He met his partner, Saul Zalesne, in 1979; a third partner, Barry Magen, joined them in 2003. Zalesne and Magen handle all the “business” details (sales, speaking engagements, travel arrangements, etc.) so that Rosenstein can concentrate on his art. He works through the Rosenstein Gallery in Elkins Park and Emes Editions, Ltd., and travels the world to teach, talk about his work and sell his art.

Rosenstein will begin his residency on Thursday, Nov. 10 by setting up a temporary studio in the Beth Shalom lobby. There he will begin working on an original piece of art, which he will present to the congregation at the end of his residency. That evening he will be the guest speaker at the Sisterhood’s annual membership dinner. There is a charge for the dinner, which starts at 6 p.m., but the community is invited to join the dinner guests at 7:30 p.m. for Rosenstein’s talk and a dessert buffet. There is no charge for the talk and dessert buffet.

On Friday, Rosenstein will work with pre-schoolers from Beth Shalom’s Gan Shalom. The children  will learn what art is and what an artist does. Visitors are welcome to drop by to schmooze – and perhaps even contribute a brush stroke or two to the piece. 

Rosenstein’s work will be available for purchase throughout his stay (except during Shabbat), and special pieces can be commissioned. Most of his pieces range from $300 to $450, including matting and framing. There is a $30 shipping fee – but no sales tax.

On Friday evening, Rosenstein will join the congregation for Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6 p.m., followed by dinner. There is a charge for the dinner, and reservations are required by Nov. 8. For information, contact the synagogue office at (248) 547-7970.

Rosenstein will deliver a d’var Torah during Shabbat morning services on Nov. 12. After a congregational Kiddush luncheon, he will lead a learning session.

On Sunday, Nov. 13, Rosenstein will work with Beth Shalom Religious School students and their teachers and complete the painting for the congregation. Other works will be available for purchase.

“This makes a change from the usual scholar-in-residence weekend, and I’m really excited to learn more about how Mordechai creates his very distinctive work,” said Congregation Beth Shalom President Mandy Garver. “It will be fun to watch the Gan Shalom and Religious School students interact with him.”

For more information about Mordechai Rosenstein’s visit to Detroit, visit his website, www.emeseditions.com, or contact Barry Magen at emeseditionsltd@aol.comor call (215) 635-7070.