Tapestry
- Description
- Framed tapestry created in memory of Howard L. Kestenbaum. The piece depicts a blooming tree with yellow and orange flowers budding from its branches. The background is blue and purple, resembling a sunset. Hebrew text at the top is ‘zikhrono livrakha,' which translates as “Of blessed memory” or “May his memory be a blessing.” Embroidered on the trunk of the tree is "Tzve," Howard's Hebrew name, which means "one who brings down the light of heaven into this challenging, mundane world." At the base of the tree is handwritten text: "In loving memory of Howard Kestenbaum."
- Historical Notes
- Newark, New Jersey, native Howard Kestenbaum lived in Montclair with his wife, Granvilette. The two had a grown daughter. Active in his synagogue and community, Howard visited congregation members in nursing homes and volunteered at a homeless shelter. He worked as a senior vice president at Aon Corporation. On September 11, Howard was at his office on the South Tower’s 103rd floor. He was 56 years old.
Curator's Comment
Howard was a member of Congregation Beth Ahm in Verona, New Jersey. This tapestry hung in the synagogue until it closed in 2017. His family donated the tapestry to the Museum at that time.
- Accession Number: C.2017.267.1
- Dimensions: 46 in X 40 in X 2 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 116.84 cm X 101.6 cm X 5.08 cm
- Source: Susan Saffer
- Credit Line: Gift of Susan Saffer in memory of my brother, Howard L. Kestenbaum
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