Siberia: Old Windows Turn into an Exhibit of Modern Jewish Art
A new initiative of painting the windows of old wooden houses aimed for preservation across the Siberian city of Tomsk, has led to a unique modern Jewish art exhibition uniting the local Jewish community in creating the exhibits.
The old wooden house at 72 Rosa Luxemburg St. that was chosen for the painting project, has never before aroused such interest. Ever since the festive event that attracted the community’s children and adults to participate in all the stages of painting the windows, hundreds of passer-byes have stopped to marvel at the unique exhibit.
Each window was decorated with a modern sketch of a different Jewish icon or tradition, together with a description in Russian and Hebrew. “It was a special day of fun and heritage that united the community,” says the city’s Chief Rabbi Levy Kaminetsky. “After a joyous opening event, everybody joined in the efforts to create the paintings that form the exhibit, which has become famous across the district. Who would believe that the day would come that Jewish tradition is proudly presented in the main streets of Siberia… no less.”
