The goblet contains the verse, “she is lovely to behold,” and the names of her children. Her husband’s name is in the interlocking rings. Books represent her passion for Jewish education, pomegranates are symbols of Jewish observance. Verses woven throughout the piece refer to her beautiful nature, devotion to her family and love of learning. 

A gift from her husband, this is a companion piece to the Jonathan Hattenbach Tribute. The  central verse is from the poem, “A Woman of Valor,” describing how her mouth opens with wisdom and compassion. A music is a 1910 Yiddish song, “A Letter to My Bride.” The images represent aspects of her values and personality.

A gift from his wife, this is a companion piece to the Ellen Hattenbach Tribute. The  central verse, “Build me a holy place and I shall dwell in your midst,” represents his leadership in building his synagogue. Bricks represent the building of the community and family. The images represent aspects of his values and personality.

This mural for a progressive school in Chicago, Illinois is a tribute to the rich and varied school assemblies, called Morning Exercise, on the stage of their auditorium. School mottos and traditions surround a schoolhouse that resembles the one they symbolically build at the first gathering of the year. 

Texts and images represent the Jewish concept of “The Crown of a Good Name.” Woven throughout the painting the painting are references to his religious observance and devotion to his family.

The theme is the Jewish concept of “The Crown of a Good Name.” The verses on the crown represent the values of the deceased, and his children’s names surround a blossoming branch that represents posterity.  Several passages from Talmud and scripture speak of what it means to leave a good name and how the righteous in heaven enjoy the Divine presence and radiate like stars forever. The long passage is a midrash about the voyage of a soul to heaven.

The chuppah, wedding canopy, represents the home. Three of the supporting trees are traditional symbols: Pomegranates represent Torah, Grapevine is for marriage, Olives are for children. The fourth is an orange tree, representing their new home in Florida. Scattered throughout are images and texts that exemplify the family.

Images and texts represent their values and character, both as a family and as individuals.

Images and texts that represent his values, personality and profession:  A compass represents his life’s journey, along with the Yiddish song about his old shtetl of Belz, verses about his character, a stethoscope, books and a family tree.