Rochester artist Lynne Feldman made a lasting impression during her December visit to Modi’in, both in the form of the exquisite artwork she left as a gift to the city, and in the people she met – students, artists and dignitaries – during her week-long visit.

Read Lynne’s reflections.

See photos from the visit.

Lynne was chosen by the Rochester-Modi’in partnership to be this year’s first Cultural Exchange ambassador, making the journey from Rochester to Modi’in with Federation Community Relations Director Isobel Goldman. She had the opportunity to get to know her Modi’in counterpart, sculptor Aviva Berger, who will in turn visit Rochester this May. Aviva welcomed Lynne into her home, providing outstanding hospitality for the length of her visit. Rochester looks forward to having this talented artist make a reciprocal visit in the spring.

A hallmark of this exchange is that each artist creates and leaves one of their works in the partner community, for their ongoing enjoyment and as a tribute to the partnership. Modi’in’s city hall now a Lynne Feldman original, a stunning 50” x 60” acrylic and fabric collage depicting the holiday of Hanukkah, as its centerpiece. Lynne began the work in Rochester and brought it to Modi’in unfinished, with the goal of completing it while she as there. In fact, working on the piece was the focus of her visit; Lynne painted everyday, right in the city hall where the painting is now displayed, while people stopped, visited with her, and learned about the partnership. Students groups also visited; tables were set up on the spot, materials provided, so that student art classes could work with Lynne on their projects as she worked on hers. Lynne got to know and taught the students as part of the process.

The focus of Lynne’s work, Hanukkah, is an apt theme for the city of Modi’in, home of the Hanukkah story. It is also a logical theme for the artist; Lynne Feldman has created many of her works around Jewish themes, particularly centering on the holidays. Her work has been exhibited in galleries throughout the United States and has been featured in numerous books and magazines.

Lynne and Isobel were graciously hosted and feted throughout the week, by Cultural Exchange Chair Efrat Kahana-Beckler and sub-committee member Sherri Aharon, by Modi’in Partnership Chair Hilla Hadas, by Mayor Moshe Spector and his wife Drora, and numerous other members of the Modi’in community.

The Rochester Cultural Exchange chair is Elyse Capell.

Read Lynne Feldman’s reflections on the trip.

View photos from the trip.