Abstract Omer

Acrylic on Canvas. 49 pieces each 12x12in

According to Kabbalah, each of the seven weeks, as well as each individual day, has its own unique quality and characteristic. According to kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, each day corresponds to two ‘sefirot,’ or human emotions – one corresponding to the week and another to the day itself. Rabbi Moully associates each emotion with a vibrant color, with each day represented by a unique piece of artwork consisting of a combination of two colors.

The Omer map under construction shows the 7 weeks of the Omer horizontally, with the spiritual color attributed to each week placed above it. The days of each week are organized from right to left, with each day represented by a different color as well.

For example, the artwork for Day 31, whose kabbalistic attribute is ‘Tiferet of Hod’—Beauty/Authenticity of Humility—is painted on a bright orange background, with a yellow, cyclone-like swirl occupying most of it. The caption reads, “Beauty, compassion, humility… internalize these traits, make them your own, and you will be one step close to becoming a complete person.”

On some days, Rabbi Moully has an idea in mind before descending to his basement studio to paint, but on others the emotions of the day find expression only after the paintbrush is already in hand. Current events influenced Day 23, a day dedicated to the victims of the previous day’s Boston marathon bombings. ‘Gevurah of Netzach’—Strength/Discipline of Victory/Endurance—was the spiritual attribute of that day’s Omer, and is represented by blood red spatters on a dark purple background. The caption describes how success in a marathon, as in life itself, requires endurance and discipline, both of which are even more necessary during tough times.