Togetherness Through Art: A New Look at The Twelve Tribes

Twelve Tribes of Israel Sculpted panels in solid cherry. Each panel is 235 cm tall. The sculptures adorn the main study hall and synagogue of the Kerem BiYavneh Yeshiva.

Dear Clients and Friends,

I am happy to share with you my latest creation. I feel very fortunate to have been chosen to create the new Bimah and monumental sculpture The Twelve Tribes of Israel for the Kerem BiYavneh Hesder Yeshiva. (Six of the 235 cm high carved cherry panels are pictured here.) The project was commissioned by a generous donor from abroad, with whom I worked closely on the design process for a period of almost a year.

For me the creation of artistic pieces for the synagogue offers an opportunity to make the sanctuary space more inspiring, which in turn, can encourage a more spiritually uplifting religious experience.

Each tribe is sculpted in its own particular artistic language. The figurative symbols represented at the top of the panels are hinted at in the abstract carving below.

The subject of the twelve tribes has especially strong resonance in this regard.

I see the twelve tribes as representing the diversity of humanity. Each segment of the population stems from its own particular background, with its own heritage, customs and world view. These varied backgrounds, when integrated together, as in this sculpture, make society greater than the sum of its parts. I believe that the vitality of our nation – or any nation – will be at its best when the different segments are allowed to retain their individuality, but also come together to create and strengthen the unity of the people.

I hope that in my own modest way I can contribute, through art, to this goal of working together for a better future.

Shalom, Jeremy Kimchi.