Portraits of women from Sephardi and Mizrahi communities

At the beginning of every story stands a woman – a mother, grandmother or aunt whose presence made our lives possible. Their faces look toward us and their eyes invite us to listen.

The exhibition is part of the Heart Wisdom Project, which brings forward the stories of wise women from Jewish communities. These stories were passed down orally through families and communities and are now collected from relatives, students and acquaintances who knew these women and were shaped by their wisdom and values.

The women of the Heart Wisdom Project drew from tradition and infused it with meaning suited to the needs of their time and place. The project reveals their spiritual, cultural and ethical heritage and preserves it as part of Jewish and Israeli identity.

Israeli artists read the women’s stories and created portraits inspired by family photographs, some old and faded with time. Through their work they connect past and present and bring new life to the character and spirit of each woman.

Each portrait reflects the woman’s personality, values and life’s work, interpreted through the artist’s own materials and artistic language.

We thank the families and friends who opened their homes and hearts and shared the stories of their mothers, grandmothers and guiding figures.

The Heart Wisdom – Alliance Kol Israel Haverim Project operates in collaboration with the Posen Foundation.