As we approach the opening of the Chassidus in Color gallery event this Sunday evening, hosted by Maor Art Gallery, we’d like to share two beautiful artworks and the stories behind their creation.
1. Yossi Rubashkin, 21, Postville, Iowa.
Hi, I’m Yossi Rubashkin, a 21-year-old self-taught artist originally from Postville, Iowa. I’ve had a pencil in my hand since childhood, but everything shifted at 17 when I began dedicating all my free time to portraiture and realism.
To me, a portrait is more than just a likeness, it’s about capturing the unique story in a person’s eyes and the subtle details that make each individual distinct. At 18, I sold my first professional piece, and at 19, while spending time in Sydney, I began working with oil paints. Today, while studying in Yeshiva, I continue to spend nearly all my spare time at the canvas, constantly pushing my craft further.
I’m truly excited to be joining this year’s Chassidus Art Competition, and I wanted to create something special on an 18×40 canvas. My painting is based on the first of the Twelve Pesukim: “Torah tzivah lanu Moshe, morashah kehilat Yaakov.” The idea is simple, yet deeply powerful: the Torah belongs to every single Jew.
I chose to paint men of different ages and backgrounds to show that our heritage is universal, it isn’t meant for one specific group. I used desert tones in the background to bring us back to where it all began. A desert doesn’t belong to anyone, and that’s the point. The Torah isn’t a private treasure; it’s an open gift for anyone who wants to reach out and take it. I hope that when people see this piece, they feel that no matter who they are, this inheritance is truly theirs.
I’m always working on something new at the easel. To see my latest pieces, time-lapse videos of my process, and behind-the-scenes content, follow me on Instagram: @yossis_artgallery.
2. Chanie Chanin, Crown Heights:
Chanie Chanin (née Raskin) grew up in London, England, and later made her home in Crown Heights after getting married. Today, she lives with her husband and their eight children. An artist at heart, Chanie paints from a place of deep emotion and spirituality, drawing inspiration from Judaic and biblical themes. Through her art, as well as storytelling and song, she connects especially with women, sharing messages that uplift and inspire. In addition to her creative work, she is a dedicated art teacher, nurturing the talents and self-expression of her young students.
Chassidus Idea:
My painting is based on the posuk of Shema, which I have felt connected to since my youth.
It is a posuk we proclaim from the moment we can speak until our last breath. A child’s understanding is limited, yet even a child knows that there is only one G-d, who created the heavens and the earth and constantly brings the world into existence.
The meaning of this posuk is “Shema”-to listen. We meditate in order to understand Hashem: His greatness and His oneness with the world.
In my painting, you can see the word אחד (Echad):
Alef = 1, representing the One Hashem;
Ches = 8, representing the seven heavens and the earth;
Daled = 4, representing the four corners of the world.
In this painting, I portray:
The Rebbe, who taught the 12 pesukim to the children, who bring holiness into the world by proclaiming these words.
The emotional moment of Yaakov and Yosef meeting after 17 long years, when Yaakov first says the Shema.
The soldier, in his physical and spiritual uniform, praying before going into the battlefield.
Children gathering around a baby the night before his bris to say Shema.
As the holy day of Yom Kippur comes to an end at Ne’ilah, we proclaim Hashem as One.
In times of trouble and in times of joy, we connect with the most important phrase the Jewish people have.
The hostage Segev Kalfon, taken into Gaza, dreamed of being free so he could proclaim before the whole world, “Hashem Echad”—and he did.
May we merit the ultimate redemption, when the world will be at peace and the Jewish nation will be united as one with Hashem Echad.
