From Congregation Beth El in South Orange:
Congregation Beth El, 222 Irvington Avenue, will host internationally acclaimed Jewish artist Mordechai Rosenstein as an artist in residence, from Wednesday-Sunday, December 16-20, 2015. Rosenstein’s residency will include lectures, viewing and sales of the artist’s work, and hands-on workshops with the synagogue’s Thelma K. Reisman Preschool and Jewish Learning Center students and parents. Additionally, Rosenstein will be creating a new piece of artwork while in residence at Beth El, which he will donate to the synagogue in honor of the organization’s upcoming 70th anniversary beginning in 2016.
The Rosenstein gallery at Beth El will be open for viewing and sales on Thursday, December 17, with hours open to the public from 9:00am until 4:00pm. Guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase his work, observe Rosenstein at work on the new piece of artwork for the congregation, and speak with him informally. The gallery will be open again that evening from 7:00pm-9:00pm, when wine and cheese will be served and Rosenstein will give a brief presentation, at approximately 8:00pm, on some of his most renowned commissions and installations.
On Friday, December 18, after a private morning program with the synagogue’s preschool families, the Rosenstein gallery will again be open to the public from 12:00 noon until 3:30pm. That evening after Shabbat evening services beginning at 6:15pm, Rosenstein will speak over dinner on the topic of “My Journey as an Artist.” Reservations and a fee are required for dinner, and may be made through the Beth El office.
On Saturday morning, December 19, Rosenstein will speak during Shabbat services, which begin at 9:30, on the topic of, “Art within the Torah.” The gallery will be open for viewing on Friday and Saturday, during which pieces may be reserved for final sale on Sunday morning.
The residency concludes on Sunday, December 20, with a private program for the synagogue’s Jewish Learning Center religious school students and their families.
The Hebrew alphabet is at the essence of the Rosenstein’s art. His love of these forms is evident in every work of art he creates. Using vibrant shapes and colors, he has enhanced synagogues and numerous commercial and private estates throughout the country. From vivid tapestries to murals, silk prints to stained glass and more, Rosenstein has had a profound influence on modern Judaica.
Rosenstein’s unique and recognizable style evolved as a result of various influences. He was a member of the first graduating class of Akiba Hebrew Academy. While studying at The Philadelphia College of Art, Abstract Expressionist professor Franz Kline profoundly influenced Rosenstein. By uniting his interest in Judaica and painting, Rosenstein has given a contemporary meaning to the art of Hebrew calligraphy. Rosenstein started creating Jewish art in 1979 and putting it up in people’s homes, synagogues, and agencies throughout the world, including commissions for renowned individuals and heads of state. In the summer of 1990, Camp Ramah in the Poconos dedicated Rosenstein’s first outdoor steel sculpture in honor of their 40th anniversary.
Further information and reservations for the Friday evening dinner can be made through the Congregation Beth El office, at 973-763-0111.
