"Abraham's Children: A Time for Peace" 2002
“Abraham’s Children” was my response to 911.
It took me a few months to compost that event, for this piece to form itself. I completed it in February 2002 with the words that came to me inscribed on its back.
“Abraham’s Chldren” is my plea for peace. To all the descendants of Abraham: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, we are family. We have fought as only family can fight. It is time to work as hard at acceptance and peace. All the effort, vigilance and commitment we have put into anger and vengeance will create a miraculous and enduring peace for our family. It is time.
Since then, I have sought the home for “Abraham’s Children.” Always I have known it needed to belong to people who were doing the work of Tikkun Olam (healing the world) on this level of faith, humanity, and love for this Gaian Earth we share.
In March 2011, “Abraham’s Children” found its home…with Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Eve Ilsen, whose hearts and lives have long been committed to this healing.
I was honored and blessed to give “Abraham’s Children” to Reb Zalman and Eve when they were in Ashland for a Shabbaton at Havurah Shir Hadash, my own Shul. I was doubly honored to present this gift on behalf of our entire Havurah Shir Hadash community www.havurahshirhadash.org and in the merit of our own amazing and beloved Rabbi David Zaslow.
This gifting was a deep blessing to me…a small miracle I cannot define or adequately articulate. I am grateful.
The Dedication to Reb Zalman and Eve inscribed on the quilt:
“Abraham’s Children” was presented to Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi & Eve Ilsen, March 2011, in gratitude and honor for your presence among us, your work in the world, within Judaism and Jewish Renewal, for the uplifting of all faith traditions in unity and loving stewardship of this Gaia-Earth, who births, houses and nourishes us all. Presented by Stephanie K. Nead, on behalf of Havurah Shir Hadash of Ashland, Oregon and in the merit of our beloved Rabbi David Zaslow.
Thank you for who you are and all you have gifted us.
Stephanie's Creations 