This is a beautifully painted menorah, Mark; the "swirlies" in the background are a lovely accompaniment to the candle flames and reflections in the branching holder itself. I know what you mean about words; often I reach in to come up with something to say and come back up empty...how can I limit it to a few words when all of them are right? How do I narrow it down? Sometimes it just seems overwhelming, and only silence will do. Embrace the silence that is all words and it will fill you again. Blessings to you on this holiday (I always want to say "gezundheit" when someone says Rosh Hashanah...my irreverence goes very deep!)

I love what Denise said about words, and can only echo (in silence) her thoughts. This is a beautiful painting ... so rich in color and texture and mood. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Thanx Mark for these lovely heartfelt wishes for peace and love and thanx for your fine painting Go my friend and may you find all your wishes and all your heart desires to come to you in an abundant measure my dear friend!!

Mark, this is such a beautiful presentation that is sure to touch the hearts of all how view it. Sorry to hear that the words are not flowing forth, but that is easily understandable considering all of the pressures you have been under in recent months. I'll say a prayer that God will restore that inner strength that allows you to express yourself in such a loving manner. Sometimes however, a point can be made with an image created with love and a few heartfelt words. That is what you've done here, and in your comments and messages.

happy Rosh Hashanah it a year of rest this year anyway; also known as the Feast of Trumpets. It is the month of Elul, and the New Year is 5775. 176,000 ISRAELI BABIES BORN IN THE PAST YEAR anyway i thought you like this information. you may know it already. Shemitah (Shmitah) web definition: The seventh year, during which the fields were to be left fallow (Leviticus 25:1-7) and debts released (Deuteronomy 15:1-11) [is called in] Hebrew Shemitah (“Release”). The seven years are counted in the cycle of fifty culminating in the Jubilee [see below] and are known by tradition. The year 2000/1, for instance, [was] a Sabbatical year. In order to avoid the cancellation of all debts, a serious hardship in our commercial society, the device was introduced even in Talmudic times of handing the debts over before the end of the Sabbatical year, to a temporary court consisting of three persons, the debts then being considered to have been paid to the court beforehand. I got this from here there is two videos here you may like http://swissthomas.wordpress.com/2013/06/13/the-mystery-of-the-shemitah-jonathan-cahn/ as your painting I like the colors and the way it painted . i can tell the love that went into it also.

I know very little about Rosh Hashannah, but the mention of the end of harvest and the beginning of a time of rest resonates with me. It seems like such a basic, earthy holiday and one I'd love to be able to experience. Thank you for sharing this beautiful image!!

Very beautiful. I love these vibrant colours you have chosen.

I always think that this is the perfect time for new year, as it is the beginning of the gardening year.

The time for rest, renewal, reflection on what we have done, and refocusing and redirection are as important as those busy times of creation and work. For me it is a time of replenishing, of filling myself back up when the flow of creativity has been emptied. Like a river, with a natural ebb and flow. So I just love the meaning of Rosh Hashanah. And your painted menorah, with the bright blue background, like a vibrant sky, contrasting and complimenting the rich dark candelabra and living flames, is really lovely. A wonderful gift and memory, and time of reflection with your father. I do believe the silence you are now experiencing is your river, needing time to rest and replenish, and when you are filled up, the words will flow once again, stronger than ever. Thanks for sharing your lovely painting and your wishes that always bring light and healing.

Well now, at the risk of hypocrisy, and from one devout agnostic nonobservant Jew to a comparatively reverent Jew, I want to wish you and yours a very happy Rosh Hashanah 5775 holiday, Mark, as signified by your sterling painting of the menorah above. Beautiful colors and texture, with a definite thick brush flair in this one, further contributing to its antiquity. And, sorry to read about your word block, I get that all the time, but at my advanced age I blame it on approaching senility, or maybe I'm already senile and refuse to accept it. In any event, I'm confident that your capacity for creating timeless prose will return bigger and better, further leaving your readers in awe.

marvellous picture and happy Rosh Hashanah!!!

Fantastic painting and motif, Mark. A very interesting historic and cultural piece. Not sure if this is photoshop.. maybe it is. The Menorah itself has a touch of being an oil painting. I like the rustic expression in the painting, a lot. So many fine reflections, and shadows. Very nicely crafted. And also a very happy Rosh Hashanah.

Immediately striking!!! Very beautifully done.

Fantastic work and very great colors !!!