Meet Principal Israeli Artists in Judaica Art

Art from Israel has seen a global surge in popularity over the years due to the diligent work and careful efforts of the gifted Israeli artists who create wonderful, unparalleled pieces. A variety of Jewish symbols and traditions have provided brilliant inspiration for artists to dream up and make beautiful pieces for a universal audience to enjoy.

Yair Emanuel

Yair Emanuel, a graduate of one of Israel’s supreme schools for art and design, Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, finds inspiration from his own personal youthful experiences, as well as his comprehensive education. A great deal of his early years was spent in the holy city of Jerusalem. His experiences in this wonderful city helped to shape his unique approach to art.

Adina Plastelina

Israeli jewelry studio Adina Plastelina’s creations are individually hand-crafted and made utilizing unique processes. Her work is done primarily with polymer clay. The forms, colors and designs she use all web together to form wonderfully artistic creations.

Ester Shahaf

Ester Shahaf graduated from Tel Aviv University and is currently an extremely proficient Judaica designer. She draws objects that stimulate her and turns them into eccentric works of art, utilizing a mixture of Orient, Nouveau and Modern themes. All of her pieces are hand-made and unique. 

David Gerstein

David Gerstein’s art is celebrated all across the globe, particularly in Jewish communities. He is one of the most famous modern artists of Israel. He was born in Jerusalem but has studied all over the world to ensure his technique is flawless. His work can be viewed in many galleries and is sought-after by private collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. His imaginative vibrant syntax can be found in many public places.

These are only some of the Israeli artists whom have created beautiful masterpieces for people everywhere to enjoy. Other respected artists include Benny Dabach, Adi Sidler, Dorit Klein, Orly Zeelon, Iris Shemesh and Jack Jaget.

Each individual artist boasts their own unique style, creating anything from simple and unique jewelry pieces to magnificent paintings. These artists have contributed greatly to the world of Jewish art by instilling renewed spirits in old customs. Their work is highly respected and appreciated globally.

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Lost Islands – Israeli movie review

Lost islands is one of the best Israeli movies of recent years.

Set in the 80's, the film tells the story of two teen brothers who live in a small Israeli town. The two twins are quite opposite: Erez dreams of becoming a film maker, the other twin, Ofer, the joker of the family and the mother's favorite son, aspires to join an elite commando unit of the Israeli army.
As the father gets involved in a car accident, the two brothers find out that sometimes it's very hard and even impossible to follow your dreams.

The writer and director of Lost Islands, Reshef Levy, has told the media that the movie is freely based on his own childhood experiences. This bitter-sweet drama will make you tear and smile at the same time. Highly-recommended!

Watch a clip from Lost Islands:

Yair Emanuel's vivid world of Judaica art

Today I would like to introduce you to a renowned Israeli Judaica artist who lives and works in Jerusalem. A graduate of Israel's prestigious Academy of Art and Design, Yair has become one of the most successful Israeli Judaica artists in the international market. Yair Emanuel's vivid colors immediately capture the eye and elevate the spirit. Inspired by old traditions, Yair Emanuel mixes ancient with modern elements, while adding his own imagination to create his signature look.

Yair Emanuel's unique Judaica artworks include Shabbat candlesticks, Challah Covers, Hanukkah menorahs, hand-embroidered Tallits and much more. Emanuel's Works make some of the most popular Israeli gifts. What is really captivating in Yair Emanuel's works is the fact that they truly reflect the ancient and holy atmosphere of Jerusalem, which can only be conveyed through art. With Emanuel's magic touch, the sights of Jerusalem magically come to life.

Yair Emanuel's Jerusalem Shabbat candlesticks

The Debt - Israeli movies review

Israeli film, "The Debt"(HaChov), starring Gila Almagor and Neta Garty tells the story of three Mossad agents who are sent to Germany in the 60s to catch the surgeon of Trbllinca - a Nazi war criminal. The mission is to bring him to trial in Israel. In a well-planned operation, the three agents catch the Nazi doctor and hold him captive. The doctor provokes the Israeli agents who are emotionally shaken by the whole thing. Then, he suddenly manages to escape. The three decide to tell that the Nazi has killed himself.

How much longer will the big lie last?

The film constantly shifts from past to present. An article is published in a European newspaper, suggesting that the surgeon is still alive. In the present, one of the agent, Rachel Brener is a successful writer who now publishes a new book. The three agents decide that Rachel is the one who will be sent to complete the mission. Will she able to do it?
The two actresses who play young and older Rachel Brener do a fantastic job in this film. Unfortunately, not many Israelis movies have been made in [this genre, but this is definitely a very enjoyable thriller that deals with many issues in the Jewish and Israeli identities. In short, watch it!

Idan Raichel has made it to the Amazon top 100 list

I was delighted when I found out that The Idan Raichel Project has made it the Amazon list of the top 100 international music albums of all times. I have always enjoyed the unique sound of Idan Raichel's music. Idan Raichels fuses electronics with ethnic sounds, mainly traditional Ethiopian and Yemenite music.

Born in a Jewish family of Yemenite descendent, Idan's Raichel's music has always taken me back to childhood.

Idan Raichel's last three albums have sold around 300,000 copies in Israel alone. Since the release of the international album a few years ago, Idan Raichel and his talented singers have toured across north America and Europe.
This song MiMa'amakim (Out of the Depth) is inspired by the book of Psalms, chapter 130. It well exemplifies the way Idan Raichel's music incorporates traditional sounds and hymns.

Idan Raichel's first two albums are truly a must to every music lover. You can get his albums at Amazon:




Listen to Mima'amkim, I hope you enjoy it aa much as I do.If fou like to read more about the project click on this link, it'll take you to my new website.

Asaf and the Mojos – I say it's gonna be big

I was so happy when I found out that one of my favorite Israeli music bands has signed an album record deal with a major record label –no other than Sony Colombia! (forgive my excitement).

This Israeli rock group that performs in English, Asaf Avidan and The Mojos, now hopes to succeed in the international front. When I first heard this English-language album, I had no idea that the artist is an Israeli! The upcoming album, "Poor Boy/Lucky Man", is due to be released next month.

All the signs have shown that Asaf, a talented Israeli singer, is going to be big. A year ago, Rolling Stone magazine promoted the band as it announced that the Asaf and the Mojos's single "The Reckoning", the highly acclaimed debut album, would be distributed with its next issue in Europe.

The music Asaf and the Mojos brings together many influences: classic rock n' roll, folk and blues. They were even compared to Led Zeppelin.

Many have described Asaf as the male Janis Joplin. Listen to Asaf Avidan and the Mojos – Weak. This song tears me to pieces. Asaf, take another little piece of my heart.



Support Israeli music - download from Amazon:
Asaf Avidan & the Mojos

Israeli modern pop art - David Gertsein

David Gerstein has become known for his three-dimensional modern pop art sculpture. Gerstein's remarkable work commends immediate attention through the use of bright and rich colors. Gerstein's uncompromising aesthetic sculptures manage to capture life little moments of happiness with semi-ironic smile.,
As a child, David grew up without toys. Throughout his many years of work, his creations have touched the innocent child that remains within us as adults. His art recreates that special playful space that our inner child longs for.

Born and raised in Jerusalem, David Gerstein has studied at the most respected art academies in Israel, London, Paris and New York. This extraordinary artist has long captivated the Israeli audience with his free-spirited, authentic colorful works that often "wink" at the viewer with certain self-irony – a common characteristic in the Jewish culture.

David Gerstein's refreshing and original works have captivated audiences by reflecting the Israeli lively and sensual imagery. Without criticism, Gerstein examines the Israeli scenery as he borrows from the symbolism of the everyday reality.

The sculpure above is called David Gerstein's Armstrong. One of the themes in Gerstein work is the pointless race. This whimsical sculpture is inspired by the great road racing cyclist Lance Armstrong, who has won Tour de France seven consecutive times (while breaking a world record!).

This loving couple does not look at us but at each other. With this simple gesture, David Gerstein celebrates love and intimacy.