Shalom Rav, originally uploaded by Citrinepoint.

The Hebrew in the painting is the first line of a prayer entitled Shalom Rav. The words translate to:

” Establish abundant peace upon your people Israel forever, for You are King, Master of all Peace.”

Shabat Shalom, originally uploaded by Citrinepoint.

Shabbat Shalom means “Peaceful Sabbath”. One of the most important Jewish holidays of the year comes every Friday night. Candles are lit and all work ceases as rest, prayer, reflection and rejoicing in all that G-d has given us.

Song of the Shofar, originally uploaded by Citrinepoint.

Every year the song of the Shofar calls to awaken us and return us to our path to G-d.

Hine Ma Tov, originally uploaded by Citrinepoint.

Hine Ma Tov is an Jewish hymn of Syrian origins inspired by Psalm 133, which reads,

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Erev Shel Shoshanim, originally uploaded by Citrinepoint.

Erev Shel Shoshanim is an Israeli love song that was played at my mother’s confirmation and eventually the inspiration for my name. The title translates to “Evening of Roses”

English translation of the lyrics:
It is an evening of roses
Let us go out to the garden
Myrrh, Spices, and Frankincense
Are as a carpet under your feet

Night falls gently
And a wind of roses blows
I’ll whisper a soft song for you
A song of pure love

Dawn and the dove coos
Your hair is full of dewdrops
Your lips are as roses unto the morning
I will pick them for myself

Night falls gently
And a wind of roses blows
I’ll whisper a soft song for you
A song of pure love

Etz Chayim, originally uploaded by Citrinepoint.

Etz Chayim isbased on Proverbs 3:17-18
English translation of the lyrics:
A tree of life to those who hold fast to it,and all who cling to it find happiness.
Its ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all its paths are peace.
Help us and guide us, inspire us and provide us
With the wisdom Your Torah can show.
Cause us to learn, renew and return,
Just as in days of old.

Hashem spoke, originally uploaded by Citrinepoint.

Numbers 15:37-38
“And Hashem spoke to Moses saying,
‘Speak unto the children of Yisra’el, and bid them throughout their generations to make tzitziyot* on the corners of their garments, and to put a blue cord in the tzitzit of the corners.”

Dancing with Timbrels, originally uploaded by Citrinepoint.

“And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.” Exodus 15:20

L’chah Dodi, originally uploaded by Citrinepoint.

Come my Beloved to greet the bride
The Sabbath presence, let us welcome!

That is the translation of the Hebrew you see. The paintings is named for one of my favorite Hebrew songs in which
the Sabbath presence is depicted as a beautiful bride.
The Midrash teaches that G-d told the newly created Sabbath, ‘Israel shall be your mate.’ So when the Sabbath comes each week She advances toward Israel as if meeting her groom under the wedding canopy.
In my painting, the Bride wears a veil of the heavens the Moon lighting her way. She is drawn toward a little house in which Shabbat candle s are lit.

An exhibition entitled Imagery in Jewish Song by Shoshanna Bauer will be shown at the Heartland Gallery in Urbana. The exhibition showcases the artist’s current works with Jewish themes inspired from Hebrew songs and prayers that she heard while she was growing up. Shoshanna is a local artist who has worked and lived in the Champaign-Urbana area for the past twenty-seven years. Within the past five years she has begun to emerge and make a name within the community as a Watercolorist. There will be a special reception for the Jewish community of Champaign-Urbana on Sunday September, 30th from 3pm-4pm.