This ancient blessing is from numbers 6:24-26. The Griffon is a traditional symbol of G~d's Divine spirit and protection. The fish represent life. The music, which has been transcribed into "neumes", notation of the middle ages, is a traditional tune for this benediction. 1979, in an ancient tomb in Jerusalem, a small silver scroll (represented in the artwork) was found, and determined to have pre~dated the Dead sea scrolls by over 400 years. Upon it was engraved this prayer, intact and unchanged for over 2,600 years, making 6:24 the oldest known scriptural verse in existance.
Matted size: 28" x 15" (click on image for detail)
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This magnificent hand-made ketubah is available in Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform scripts. Please email us for further information: info@iankochberg.com
20" x 26.5" (click on image for detail)
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The quotation is from "The Song of Songs". The music, which has been transcribed by the artist into "neumes", notation of the middle ages, is from the traditional love song, "Dodi Li" ("My Beloved").
Matted size: 7 " x 7 " (hangs on a diamond)
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These are the ancient Hebrew prayers chanted when one has the honour of being called up to the torah for an "aliyah". Literally translated, "aliyah" means "ascension". The title refers, not only to the individual's ascent up to the torah, but also to mankind's lifelong quest to ascend to an ever higher spiritual plane. The music is written in "neumes", notation of the middle ages.
Matted size: 8" x 32" (click on image for detail)
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This is the traditional prayer which reads: "May the one who blessed Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless the Bar-Mitzvah".
Matted size: 10 " x 10 "(click on image for detail)
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In Hebrew, the prayer chanted when one has the honour of being called to the Torah. The music is written in "neumes", notation of the Middle Ages.
Matted size: 9" x 19"(click on image for detail)
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The piece is composed of five rings, five being the ancient symbol for divine protection:
Encircling the piece is the music..."Evening of Roses" ("Erev Shel Shoshanim"), adapted from the biblical book of "The Song of Songs".
The hebrew at the bottom, also from the Song of Songs, reads, "Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li".
Seven (the numerical representation of the divine presence) pairs of leopards (symbol of strength) and peace) and birds (love and compassion) embrace and interlock.
The animals form a protective ring around the body of the quotation...approximately 300 years old, it is from the teacher, healer and Khabbalah mystic, "Ba'al Shem Tov" ("Master of the Good Name"), Rabbi Yisrael Ben Eliezer.
In red is the English translation of the "Ani, L'Dodi..."
At the centre is the embossed core, comprised of two interlocked hearts.
19.5" x 19.5" (click on image for detail).
*Hangs on diamond.
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This is the traditional prayer for a baby girl. The music, which has been transcribed into "neumes", the notation of the middle ages, is the music to the prayer "L'dor V'dor" ("To Every Generation"). The chain, in silver and gold, represents the linking together of each generation. In the centre, the dove represents love and commitment.
8.5" x 8.5" (click on image for detail)
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This is the traditional prayer which reads: "May the one who blessed Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah bless the Bat-Mitzvah".
Matted Size: 10 " x 10 " (click on image for detail)
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The quotation is from Pirkei Avot.
The music is from a traditional Klezmer song.
Matted size: 7" x 7" (click on image for detail)
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This is the traditional prayer for a baby boy. The music, which has been transcribed into "neumes", the notation of the middle ages, is the music to the prayer "L'dor V'dor" ("To Every Generation"). The chain, in silver and gold, represents the linking together of each generation. In the centre, the (embossed) lion represents honour and courage.
8.5" x 8.5" (click on image for detail)
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The quotation is from Psalm 90.
The music is "Sunrise, Sunset".
Matted size: 7" x 7" (click on image for detail)
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The moment of decision in the Garden of Eden. Bordering the piece is the quotation from the Bible both in English, and in the original Hebrew, "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it".
30" x 22" (click on image for detail)
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The quotation is from "the Song of Songs", 5:16.
The music, which has been transcribed
into "neumes", notition of the middle ages,
is from the love song, "Erev Shel Shoshanim."
Matted size: 10" x 12" (click on image for detail)
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This Yiddish proverb originates from a passage in the Talmud written over 1,500 years ago. The music is from an old folk song entitled "Oh, Father".
Matted size: 9.125 " x 16.75 " (click on image for detail)
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The quotation is from Psalm 121. The music
is "Adon Olam" ("King of the Universe").
Matted size: 7" x 7" (click on image for detail)
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A Traditional House Blessing: "Habayit" (Birkat Habayit) is based upon a trinity of ancient prayers...
Arcing across the top reads, "Guard Thou our going out and coming in unto life and peace, henceforth and forevermore". Below the peacocks reads, "May we be granted peace, goodness, blessing , grace, kindness and compassion." Above the interlocked guardians at the bottom reads, "May the One whose presence dwells in this house grant love and harmony, peace and friendship to dwell among us." Transposed into neumes, the notation of the middle ages, is a traditional tune to (the middle prayer) "Sim Shalom".
Matted size: 14" x 25" (click on image for detail)
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The quotation is a traditional Yiddish saying.
The music is from "Belz, Mein, Shtetele Belz"
Matted size: 7" x 7" (click on image for detail)
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A rich, circle of life, based on "Fiddler on the Roof".
19.5" x 19.5"* (click on image for detail) (*image is round, but paper is actually squared.)
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The quotation is from an old Yiddish proverb. The music is from a traditional folk song entitled "Mama". The gazelle represents sacrifice. The fish is the embodiment of fertility and of life. The bird a traditional symbol of love and of motherhood.
10" x 12" (click on image for detail)
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This unique anthromorphic script was adapted from mediaeval Hebrew illuminated manuscripts. The music, transcribed by the artist into "neumes", notation of the middle ages, is from the traditional prayer, "Sim Shalom" (Let there be Peace).
Matted size: 10 " x 12"
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This prayer, "Shehecheyanu", has been recited at every joyous life cycle event over the past 2,500 years. It is a reaffirmation of the good and wondrous nature of our lives. Encircling the prayer within its wings is an eagle, representing the protective power of God (Exodus 19:4). At the top is an embossed fish, symbol of life.
Matted size: 16 " x 13 "
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"Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God,
the Lord is one." From Deuteronomy 6:4, this
Prayer embodies the ultimate manifestation of Jewish faith.
It is a custom that the sofer (scribe) enlarge
the "ayin" in the first word, and "dalet" in the last.
Together, these 2 letters form the hebrew word, "witness".
Matted size: 9" x 17" (click on image for detail)
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Transcribed are the original words from the book of proverbs 3:18 & 3:17. Below the original Hebrew words, is a cast shadow of the English translation. Flanking the tree of life on each side are 3 creatures adapted from mediaeval Hebrew illuminations. The gazelles represent freedom and sacrifice. The birds represent love and compassion. The lions represent courage and justice. The music is a traditional tune for this prayer and has been transcribed into neumes, notation of the middle ages.
Matted size: 15.25" x 23.25"
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This ancient quotation is from Proverbs, Chapter 31. The swan is a traditional symbol of love and of beauty. The fish represents life, the two kids, sacrifice. The music has been adapted from a song written by the artist for his own woman of valour.
Matted size: 10" x 18 "
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All sizes are approximate paper or matted dimensions.
See individual image.

All images are the property of Ian Kochberg and may not be reproduced without prior written consent.
Ian Kochberg copyright 2005