Hebrew Illuminations

by Adam Rhine

Like medieval illuminated manuscripts that honor the divine, the celebratory creations of Adam Rhine evoke a sense of sacred wonder and mystery in all who behold them.

Unique in both concept and design, this sumptuous book offers inspired art that speaks both to the heart and to the mind. Rhine presents twenty-two traditional Hebrew letters illuminated by watercolors to enhance his striking calligraphic rendering of this ancient language of communication between Hashem ―The Higher Name―and the Jewish people.

Using Psalm 145 ("Praise the Lord, O My Soul") to provide context, each illumination is accompanied by the artist's meditative reflections that invite us to contemplate the deeper meanings ourselves.

112 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2005

About the author

Adam Rhine has been creating ornate, highly detailed Judaic watercolor paintings since 1999. His style is heavily influenced by medieval illuminated manuscripts, and he combines that inspiration with modern palettes and aesthetics. Rhine's book, Hebrew Illuminations, is a collection of all 22 Hebrew illuminated letters as well as 22 of his most well-known Magen David paintings. It also includes art from his sketchbook and text descriptions of the meaning behind each design. Rhine's artwork illustrates the covers and chapters in the three-book educational series Celebrating the Jewish Year by Rabbi Paul Steinberg.