by Fmeaddons
Binyamin Basteker, Aliya l’regel
About the Artwork
Aliya L'Regel (Pilgrimage) tells the story of the ancient pilgrimage to Jerusalem, when Jews from throughout the Land of Israel ascended to the Holy City for the festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Figures in the foreground journey upward toward Jerusalem, while the city unfolds across the landscape in luminous blues, whites, and warm earth tones. The painting conveys both a physical journey and a profound spiritual aspiration.
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Working in his distinctive abstract expressionist style, Basteker fills the composition with vibrant color, expressive gesture, and rhythmic movement. The ascending figures become part of the landscape itself, emphasizing that the pilgrimage is not simply a destination but a transformative experience that elevates both body and soul.
For centuries, Jews fulfilled the mitzvah of Aliya L'Regel by traveling to Jerusalem and the Holy Temple three times each year for the Shalosh Regalim—Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. The Hebrew word aliya, meaning "ascent," reflects not only the physical climb to Jerusalem but also the spiritual elevation experienced through drawing closer to the Divine.
Rather than recreating a specific historical moment, Basteker captures the timeless spirit of pilgrimage. The painting speaks of anticipation, unity, and joy as countless travelers converge upon Jerusalem, each bringing their own prayers, gratitude, and hopes. Rich in movement, color, and symbolism, Aliya L'Regel celebrates the enduring connection between the Jewish people, Jerusalem, and the Holy Temple.
₪ 22,750
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