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 be offering the Yud in gold and silver, including designs that feature birthstones and diamonds. It is meant to offer a sense of divine healing, peace and protection.
INSPIRATIONAL TEACHER and STORYTELLER
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.
