MORDECHAI ROSENSTEIN
THE ARTIST
Mordechai Rosenstein z”l was a true legend in the realm of Jewish art & calligraphy. At 90 years young, Mordechai continued painting, and creating some of his most wonderful pieces to date, until his passing this summer on July 9, 2024.
Mordechai’s creations can be found in virtually any synagogue, diverse organizations and agencies, courts of law, schools, and people’s homes. If you’ve had an opportunity to visit a synaogue through the years, chances are you’ve experienced one of Mordechai’s incomparable creations. Each piece is a unique work of art – a conversation expressed in bursts of color, taking us on a journey of the heart, with myriad layers of spiritual meaning. Mordechai was a true original.
People would jest, that “Mordechai is in more synagogues than God…”
Mordechai’s masterpieces continue to live on, and are currently more popular than ever. His fusing of wisdom and swirls of color are enjoyed by those who love Jewish Art – and appreciated by people of many backgrounds and walks of life, including
the Pope/Vatican! For example, one of his most famous pieces entitled “Tzedek, tzedek, tirdof” – translated in English as “Justice, justice, you shall pursue” – can be found in courts of law – and on the walls of judges and attorneys – including the late Supreme Court Judge, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Forty plus years of creating, traveling, teaching, kibbitzing, story-telling like none-other, Mordechai always had an upbeat, unwavering zest for life which inspired people of all ages around the globe. Up until his passing, only Mordechai’s calligraphy art (either commissions from synagogues and/or people’s special occasions), and beloved prints were available for sale. With Mordechai’s passing, for the first time ever – we are honored to offer some of his incredible original paintings for sale.
THE “YUD” MAN
As a master of Jewish art and calligraphy, as well as a lifetime scholar and guardian of the mystical treasures thought to dwell within the Hebrew letters, Mordechai loved sharing the many pearls of wisdom, hidden meanings and Jewish tradition that have been passed down from generation to generation. Though most notably, Mordechai would explain with great joy and excitement to his audiences of all ages and backgrounds, as he gently moved his paint brush with loving precision on the canvas to form the 10th letter of the ‘Aleph Bet’, “at the source of all the Hebrew letters, as well as all of life and creation, is the letter ‘Yud’. Yud, is a traditional abbreviation representing the name of God.
Before his passing this year, we honored Mordechai’s 90th birthday by launching his “Yud” series. This limited series was created with the intention of spreading healing and blessings of safety around the world. In addition to original paintings and first edition prints, we’ll soon be offering the Yud as a necklace – in gold and silver, including designs that feature birthstones and diamonds. It is meant to offer a sense of divine healing, peace and protection. Stay tuned for updates!
THE WHOLE STORY
The inspirational rise of a true master, teacher & humanitarian
For more than 30 years, Mordechai traveled with his business manager, Barry Magan z”l, sharing his artwork with congregations across the country. He loved traveling by train, and had countless stories and fascinating trivia about every place they’d been. Each visit typically included a pinot and paint activity, a sweet lesson and painting session with children, and an inspiring class on the Aleph Bet, it’s mystical powers, and a history of Jewish calligraphy. Mordechai had a passion for teaching and did so with boundless joy.
In the Beginning…
The turning point in Mordechai’s career was a chance meeting in 1979 with Saul Zalesne, a passionate salesman with a love for Judaism and art. Saul suggested duplicating some of his unique, original works. The very first piece was “Tzedek, tzedek, tirdof”, Hebrew for “Justice, justice shall thou pursue”, which Saul had suggested as an inspiring phrase that could appeal to attorneys and judges. To their delight, it was a wonderful success! From there, the business took off. Cleverly combining their first initials, EMES Editions (the Hebrew word for truth) was born.
Mordechai and Saul began humbly, traveling the country in a hand-me-down white van selling their early silk screen prints. With Zalesne promoting the work, Rosenstein realized his dream of turning his art into a full-time career, eventually creating hundreds of original pieces.
Their partnership spanned 35 years, countless Jewish conventions, synagogue weekends and commissions from organizations. They were known for having their “own” table during conventions at The Concord Hotel in the Catskills, where they would host clients, friends, and other exhibiting artists.
