Artist Rsponds to Newtown Tragedy Through Jewish Carvings

CONNECTICUT POST
By Phyllis A.S. Boros

Above is an example of a Mizrach, which is placed by Jews on eastern walls so they know the direction of Jerusalem.

CONNECTICUT---Overcoming despair and persevering through adversity are issues familiar to Harvey Paris in his role as co-director of Jewish Family Service in Bridgeport. Considered by many as among the finest of modern-day Jewish chip carvers, the Fairfield artist is using his love for this ancient art to raise awareness of "the serious lack of community mental health care" -- spurred by the tragedy in Newtown last December in which 26 children and adults were killed by a gunman who stormed Sandy Hook Elementary School. A selection of 20 contemporary basswood carvings are on display through Sunday, June 30, at Easton Public Library in "Jewish Art in Response to Newtown." [link]