Staff Picks, Old National Library Building, through November 11

Barbara Hines

Even Darkness Obscures not from You

2025

A solo exhibition by Barbara Hines is currently on display at the Moshe Castel Museum of Art, Ma’ale Adumim.

Ruth Schreiber

How Are You?

2026

Amy Gelb

Generations

2025

Sapir Gez

Slinky

2025

Technique Painted concertina razor wire

Size 160X70

Rina Nissel Shalhov

A Sabra is Born, 2025

Acrylic/mixed media on board

16x20 inches

The sabra fruit is born to a barren desert as it bravely announces it glorious presence and faces the sun beckoning for its warmth.

The native-born Israeli, also known as a “Sabra” characterizes the identity of a desert fruit with the same name, tzabar in Hebrew (prickly pear in English). The fruit has become a

symbol of the national pride and patriotism of the Jewish State. The sabra cactus faces tremendous challenges as it struggles to survive in a hostile environment. It endures, with minimal water, adapting by storing moisture within its thick stems. The plant withstands

intense heat during the day and adjusts to rapid temperature shifts when the sun sets and cooler air moves in. Vulnerable and alone the seedling anchors its roots deep in rocks and sand growing slowly beneath the surface. When it finally sprouts, it defends itself from

predators by forming clusters and developing a protective fortress of sharp spikes. After years of dormancy, the cactus blooms, producing vibrant flowers that eventually transform into bright, vivid fruit. Upon closer inspection, the thick outer skin is covered in prickly

bumps and more barbed needles. Only those patient enough to carefully peel back the tough layers, will discover the sweetness and complexity hidden within.

Israel’s emblematic fruit personifies the hope and optimism needed to survive. It reflects the fortitude of our country which, like the cactus, continues to thrive in a dynamic and unpredictable reality. Year after year the plant regenerates in an unwelcoming environment. Similarly, the people of Israel have endured generations of hardship and pain

but have maintained the remarkable ability to flourish and continually renew their spirit. The sabra through all its phases, profoundly represents the strength, tenacity and resilience of the Jewish nation. With courage and persistence, we will find the might to overcome

our tribulations and from the depths and darkness will rise again to face the dawn. Together we will continue to bring forth the sweet taste of life and vitality.

Ruth Kestenbaum Ben-Dov

Out of the Depths

2008

…and this is also true of awakening through prayer. At this moment, the Jewish person lies fallen, lying low and trampled, and there is no one to awaken through prayer. But King David said Out of the depths I have called You, O Lord, not from a single depth, but from depths — two depths. Even after my fall into the first depth, I called out to You. And not only was I not answered or delivered, but I fell even further, into a second depth — one depth within another. And yet, I gather my strength and call out to You again.The Piaseczner Rebbe