By Sheila Orysiek
SAN DIEGO–When I completed the series of seven “Women of the Hebrew Bible: A Moment in Their Lives,” I was aware I had not included Esther. Though I realized she belonged on the list, I couldn’t get beyond the way she is generally portrayed: regal, wearing the jewelry of a queen, coldly beautiful – and I didn’t think that one more picture of her in that way would add anything. But, she didn’t agree. She kept knocking on the door – demanding (in a sweet way) to be part of the series – among her sisters.
Occasionally on a sunny afternoon, I like to sit outside at a local Starbuck’s and observe and sketch the people there in all their infinite variety. So, sitting thus with my sketchbook, I was quite surprised to see something – someone – quite different emerging from the tip of my pencil on the paper before me. A young girl (Esther was young) dancing to capture the heart of a king – she didn’t need jewels – they are but an unnecessary adornment to the pulsing beauty of a passionate young women dancing for a cause greater than herself.
As I watched her take shape and life on the paper before me, I felt as entranced as the Persian king must have been. Esther was courageous and determined to save her people – and equally determined to take her rightful place with her sisters in the series.
All eight pen and ink drawings are on long term loan displayed in the Library at Temple Emanu-El, San Diego.
If you are interested in this series either as full size reproduction or as note cards, please contact me at ORZAK@aol.com