Moments in Jewish Life: The Folk Art of Malcah Zeldis

I am lucky enough to own a Malcah Zeldis original painting. This book holds special moments in all Jewish lives and is a treasure. A beautiful book to return to again and again. Filled with love of her faith and the fun of the holidays, she has created masterful works of art. We are pleased they are in a collection this nice. Buy it -- you will love it.

When it comes to folk art, I'm partial to the carved paintings of Mario Sanchez (1908-2005) a prolific Key West craftsman who was a generous as his handiwork was brilliant. So it came a something of a surprise to recognize a hint of Sanchez' style (albeit, not carved) in Malcah Zeldis, despite the total difference in the themes of their works. Sanchez studies old Key West conch houses, and memories of poor and largely black and Hispanic people who lived in them in the 1930s and 1940s, while Zeldis covers Jewish ceremonial memories, with a few baseball games thrown in for good measure. On reflection, though, the two have a lot in common besides folk art--memories, and cultural richness, which they both reflect in bright palates and the squat, quaint zing of people staring at the viewer, front and center. A wonderful book.

Malcah Zeldis, a self-taught artist, revels in brilliant colors and complex compositions. Her approach to Jewish life, whether in charting immigration to America or the Jewish holidays will lift your spirits.