JERUSALEM (Press Release)– The Jewish Jerusalem Fine Art Store, http://www.tjjfineartstore.com, will be holding an art auction, featuring the works of eight outstanding Jewish artists, at the Leonardo Plaza Hotel in Jerusalem on July 14, 2016. Proceeds of the auction will benefit Deaf youth in Israel through the International Young Israel Movement (IYIM) Judaic Heritage program for the Deaf and hearing impaired http://www.iyim.org.il/deaf/ There will be simultaneous live video-streaming with real-time online bidding for those not able to attend in person.
Jonathan Hemley, founder of The Jewish Jerusalem Fine Art Store, is excited to be collaborating with IYIM on this auction. Says Hemley:
“The Jewish Jerusalem Fine Art Store is not just about bringing the works of Judaic artists to a wider audience but also about doing chesed (charitable deeds). Working with IYIM in this manner is a perfect synthesis of both these goals.”
The auction will feature original works by artists Yoram Ra’anan, Boris Shapiro, Nataly Grosman, Geula Twersky, Johanan Herson, Baruch Nachshon, Moshe Zvi Berger, and Leah Laker. Their art is available to view online in advance of the auction at http://www.tjjfineartstore.com/july-14-iyim-auction/
Daniel M. Meyer, director of IYIM, notes that there are approximately 18,000 Deaf people in Israel in addition to the 200,000 who are hearing impaired. A major communication gap often prevents the Deaf in Israel from participating in Judaic culture and ritual. In addition, there has been a drastic reduction in funding and services offered by established institutions to help the Deaf.
IYIM’s Judaic Heritage program for the Deaf and hearing impaired program holds an annual Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration for 50-60 Deaf students, has just co-hosted the first ever American Sign Language Birthright, gives tuition subsidies to tertiary students, has year round festival programming in Deaf clubhouses throughout Israel, and more.
Meyer anticipates that this benefit will allow the organization to expand IYIM Deaf program activities.
“We are proud that for the past 16 years we have been providing Jewish enrichment programs to the Deaf and hearing impaired community in Israel. Proceeds from this exclusive auction will allow us to reach even more Deaf youth and launch many new and exciting programs for them.”
The viewing will be held at 5:00 pm along with a wine and cheese buffet. Bidding will be from 7:00 PM – 9:00 pm. For further details about the auction, or to register to bid, contact jonathan@tjjfineartstore.com .
*
Preceding provided by The Jewish Jerusalem Fine Art Store. Comments intended for publication in the space below MUST be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the United States.)