"Shul Ruins in Tzfat" on canvas

"Shul Ruins in Tzfat" on canvas. Nineteenth-century ruins of a synagogue (shul) in Tzfat, Israel. Referred to in various historical sources as the Magrab, Lvov, or Lemberg Congregation, it was built by R' Mordechai Zev from Lvov, likely around 1840. After being rebuilt twice after earthquakes and the ravages of WWI, only the western wall remained at the site of the synagogue. The wall is still there (2021 [5781]) when I created the image that this artwork of mine is based on, although it has continued to deteriorate. On the remaining wall, one can see the imprint of lions etched in the stone, as well as hands outstretched in the manner of the traditional Cohen blessing.  On the left-hand side is written “Hekdesh Olam” along with the name of Ephriam Fishel (Auerbach), one of the leaders of the Hassidim who came to Tzfat from Uman in the Ukraine in the early 1800s.   Original Image and artistic rendition created in 5781 (2021).  By Moshe Kalonymus, in Tzfat. Art of the Galilee, in the Ho