Timeless Alphabet

Raban's Mastery

In 2015, U.S. President Barack Obama, along with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, lit a ritual menorah at the Hanukkah celebration held at the White House. The menorah's creator was a talented Jewish artist, Zeev Raban.

Born in Poland, he emigrated to Palestine before World War I. There, he worked for many years as a painter, sculptor, graphic designer, and taught students at an art school.

He designed more than just menorahs. In the photograph, you can see one of our museum's exhibits — a Hebrew alphabet book published in 1923. This alphabet, printed in Berlin, was meant to help Jewish children across Europe learn.

Zeev Raban illustrated the letters in blue and cherry colors, decorated with gold, and adorned them with various symbols related to the Holy Land: palm trees, pomegranates, lions, and camels.

To this day, this alphabet is considered one of the most beautifully illustrated children's books, and Zeev Raban is regarded as one of the pioneers of Israeli art.