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The Ceiling: A Journey Through Time & Art

A new picture book titled The Ceiling is set to capture the imagination of readers young and old, bringing to life the artistry and spiritual beauty of Eastern Europe’s wooden synagogues. Through the eyes of two Jewish itinerant artists, Israel ben Mordechai Lisnicki and Isaac ben Yehuda Leib HaCohen, this historical narrative delves into their creative journey as they work together to paint the magnificent ceiling of a synagogue in the town of Gwoździec in the late 1720s.

The Ceiling tells the story of these artists who, after traveling by foot from their hometown of Jaryczów to Gwoździec, are warmly welcomed by the rabbi and the townspeople. Filled with passion and purpose, Israel and Isaac eagerly begin work on the newly redesigned synagogue ceiling. Over the course of two years, with the support of the town, they pour their imaginations, energy, and craftsmanship into every inch of the ceiling, knowing that they are creating something truly sacred.

The project, which involves making their own paint and climbing scaffolds to reach the high ceiling, is physically demanding. Yet, their creativity and inspiration are fueled by the belief that they are engaged in “holy work.” At the end of each week, Shabbat offers them a chance to rest, rejuvenate, and find spiritual renewal, helping them regain their strength for the week ahead. The finished ceiling becomes a breathtaking masterpiece that brings joy and awe to the prayers of the Jewish community for generations to come.
The wooden synagogues of Eastern Europe, particularly those in Poland, were renowned for their extraordinary architecture and artistry. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, these synagogues featured intricately carved wooden interiors, stunning murals, and distinctive construction techniques that blended Jewish design elements with local architectural traditions. For 300 years, these synagogues stood as spiritual and cultural centerpieces in Jewish communities, only to be completely destroyed by the end of World War II.

However, the legacy of these structures has been preserved thanks to the efforts of post-war architects Maria and Kazimierz Piechotka, who meticulously documented the synagogues’ design through drawings, photographs, and written records. Their work has helped ensure that the vibrant murals and unique architectural features of these synagogues remain a part of the historical record.

In 2016, the author of The Ceiling traveled to Poland to experience one of the most remarkable reconstructions of these synagogues: the Gwoździec synagogue ceiling, meticulously recreated by Handshouse Studio at the POLIN Museum of the History of the Polish Jews in Warsaw. This experience, along with a visit to Beit Hatfutsot: Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, which features another synagogue ceiling replica, became the inspiration for The Ceiling. She partnered with Russian-Israeli artist Boris Shapiro as the illustrator of the story, working remotely over seven years to complete this project.

The picture book features delightful fold-up pages that allow readers to unfold and reveal the intricately detailed interior of the synagogue. The combination of historical accuracy, artistic imagination, and spiritual themes makes The Ceiling a unique and meaningful journey into the past. By capturing the hard work of the artists and the gift of rest through Shabbat, the book highlights the balance between physical labor, creativity, and spiritual devotion.

The Ceiling is an invitation to rediscover the rich cultural heritage of Eastern European Jewish communities and to reflect on the timeless connection between art, faith, and community.