Michal Meron

Michal Meron
Born	(1947-10-23) 23 October 1947 Haifa, Israel
Known for	The Illustrated Torah Portion
Notable work	The Cats of Venice , Peace Circles series
Children	5

Michal Meron (born 1947, Haifa, Israel) is an Israeli artist known for her vibrant Judaica art works, including paintings, micrography, illustrated books, and the Illustrated Torah Portions and Scroll. Her works have been exhibited internationally and are held in Jewish museums and galleries across Europe, the United States, Australia, and South Africa.

Early life and education

Meron was born in Haifa to Holocaust survivor parents. Her mother fled Vienna during World War II. After the war, the family returned to Vienna, where Meron spent much of her childhood. She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna and later at the Tel-Hai Academic College in northern Israel.

Work

Books and publications

Alphabet

In 1996, Meron published The Illustrated Passover Haggadah, a bilingual Hebrew–English edition combining traditional text with original illustrations. Since then, she has published several other books, including The Illustrated Torah, The Jewish Festivals and Holy Days, and The Development of the Alphabet: From Proto-Sinaitic to Present.

The Illustrated Torah Portions and Scroll

illustrated Torah Scroll

One of Meron's most ambitious projects is the Illustrated Torah Portions and Scroll, a unique pictorial interpretation of the 54 weekly Torah portions (Sidrot) and the Ten Commandments, presented on a single canvas scroll with wooden rollers, evoking a traditional Torah scroll.

Peace Circles series

Peace Circle

Among Meron’s works is the Peace Circles series—circular paintings featuring symbolic imagery from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Eastern spiritual traditions. These works emphasize shared values such as harmony, compassion, and unity across cultures and faiths. The series reflects Meron’s ongoing interest in spirituality and interfaith dialogue, and has been featured in exhibitions promoting peace and coexistence.

Personal life and career

Safed and spiritual exploration

Living in the ancient city of Safed (Tzfat), known for its connection to Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, Meron explored deeper connections between spirituality and visual art. She studied traditional religious techniques such as micrography, influenced by local artists and the mystical atmosphere of the city.

Jaffa and studio work

In 1990, she relocated to Old Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, and opened a gallery studio devoted to her distinctive Judaica. There, alongside her partner Alon Baker, she produced many of her hallmark works, including The Illustrated Haggadah, Jewish Festivals, and the Torah scroll.

Venice and later years

Meron later moved to Venice, Italy, where she established The Studio in Venice in the historic Venice Ghetto with Alon Baker. Together, they created works inspired by Jewish communities across Europe, such as the series Pessach – The Ghetto of Venice.

• 
  Cats in Cannaregio
• 
  Haring Cat
• 
  The ghetto novo

Alon Baker

Alon Baker, Meron's life partner and collaborator, was an accomplished artist in his own right. He believed deeply in her artistic vision and played a central role in supporting and promoting her work. Their partnership—personal and professional—lasted until his death in 2023.

Artistic style Judaica and techniques

Meron's style combines traditional Judaic content with expressive color and contemporary technique. She is especially noted for her mastery of micrography, where sacred texts form the structure of her compositions.

Meron draws inspiration from sources such as Kabbalah, the Torah, and the Talmud. She is widely recognized among the leading artistic talents in Israel devoted to the expression of traditional Judaic themes. In recent years, she has expanded her artistic techniques to include watercolours, acrylics, metal etching, and mixed media.

Her portfolio includes:

• Festival-themed prints (e.g., Jewish Festivals, framed in gold, c. 1993)
• Ketubot featuring Jerusalem and traditional symbols
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah commissions
• The Six Days of Creation series, integrating Hebrew text, kabbalistic imagery, and mathematical symbols

Selected publications

• The Illustrated Passover Haggadah (1996)
• The Illustrated Torah – a visual representation of all 54 weekly Torah portions (Parashot) and Haftarot

External links

• Illustrated Torah Portions and Scroll
• Michal Meron – World of Judaica
• The Studio in Venice