Sukat Shalom

In the midst of a ripe field of wheat and barley stands a Sukah laden with grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. These are the seven species that symbolize in the Torah the richness and beauty of the Land of Israel. They can grow abundantly in both Jewish and Arab villages in Israel if the two peoples can find a way to share amicably the precious water and land, and live together in peace under their fig trees and grape vines, and "neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah, 2:4). In the Kabbala it is believed that every act of the individual has influence over the realm of God above. Doing good deeds can bring the divine light down to the world below, thus helping God to unite with the Shekhina, the holy presence, and make the world one. In that sense, when two human beings build together a home and a marriage where peace and love abide, they may influence the world around them and bring it closer to harmony and peace. It is this hope that is expressed in the panel above the painting, where the prayer from the Siddur's Evening Service is written: "And spread over us thy shelter of peace." In the panel below is the verse from Deuteronomy 8:8: "a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig trees and pomegranates; a land of olive trees and honey" (honey traditionally refers to dates). On the right side are written two verses from The Song of Songs: "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" (6:3), and "I have found the one whom my soul loveth" (3:4). On the left side is another verse from The Song of Songs: "Thy shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with precious sweet fruits" (4:13)