Berit Engen WEFT and D'RASH – A Thousand Jewish Tapestries


OUR UPS AND DOWNS, AND KING SOLOMON’S
– “This, Too, Shall Pass”

 
The series was woven during the first year of Covid-19. One day our rabbi sent a kind and comforting email to the congregation in which he included a tale about King Solomon, who suffered from wild mood swings. He assembled his wisest men and requested a magical item that would in sad times make him happier and in exuberant times curb his enthusiasm. After much thinking and head-scratching, they advised him to have a ring engraved: “This Too Shall Pass.” Wearing it, he would constantly be reminded that everything changes: When it is dark, remember that it will eventually be light, but when things are great, prepare for difficult times. The first part is consoling, but it is in the second that the true wisdom lies.

I first wove the virus story itself (tapestries two, three, and four), but then felt a need to add contrasting prelude and finale tapestries depicting life before Covid and our dream of returning to normalcy. All are woven from the guts as we are living this pandemic piece of history.


- (5/5 tapestries, series complete)
- Click on images for more information.

Our Ups and Downs, and King Solomon's
 Our Ups and Downs, and King Solomon's  Our Ups and Downs, and King Solomon's  Our Ups and Downs, and King Solomon's
 Our Ups and Downs, and King Solomon's  Our Ups and Downs, and King Solomon's
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