There is this painting that I’ve often seen through the years in various Jewish homes. It’s quite dark with a white bearded old man’s face prominently portrayed. Probably a rabbi. He is either wearing a prayer shawl or t’filin (sometimes both). Sometimes you can only see his face. Other photos show him sitting at a table so you can see the leather straps of the t’filin wrapped on his forearm. Sometimes there is a Torah scroll on the table.
I’m primarily interested in the one with just the prayer shawl with his face being the predominant focus of the painting. He is often looking down or focusing on something off in the distance with a peaceful yet sad look in his eyes.
The picture always resonates with me.
