Tekiah Magazine

By Elisabeth Levy, December 2025

“מילים נצורות” (Swallowed Words), a 30in. x 40in. oil painting, uses surrealism to explore the fear and silence Jewish people have endured throughout history. Each figure in the piece has a unique purpose: the figure on the left pulls at the skin, attempting to escape, while the figure on the top hangs onto the skin, attempting to close the wound. The final figure sits in the water, existing peacefully and comfortably in the environment. Covered in leaves, the figures evoke biblical artworks’ representations of Eve, existing in a setting similar to that of Eilat, Israel, symbolizing the deeply rooted connection between Jews and their homeland. The figures also represent different levels of comfort in speaking as Jews about the Israel-Palestine conflict. The closed mouth of the main figure represents silence, and the world within the jaw reflects everything that could be said, but is instead kept inside. The hole, strategically located near the jaw, places further emphasis on the hesitancy and struggle surrounding dialogue about the conflict. The peeling skin folds and rolls up, almost resembling a Torah scroll. The complete piece functions as a commentary on the multifaceted and crucial relationship between Judaism and the Holy Land. 

In recent years, I’ve struggled to find the courage to speak up and allow myself to be vulnerable as a Jew. As my first piece exploring my Judaism, I hold this work extremely close to my heart. I have found that this piece is my way of speaking freely, and I hope that it creates a space wherein others can engage in meaningful, productive dialogue as well.