New Art Studio for Girls School

Dr. Abe and Mrs. Marlene Zelwer and their family were honored Tuesday morning at the Beth Rivkah Ladies College of Melbourne, Australia, at an art studios dedication.

Their generous support funded a near state of the art refurbishment to the art centre which is bathed in natural light, surrounded by beautiful gardens and filled with passionate art students.

Master of Ceremonies Rabbi Sholom Mendel Kluwgant welcomed the Zelwer family, members of the board, heads of school, staff, students and guests to the dedication ceremony.

Speaking about art and Torah, Mr. Gurewicz recounted that Betzalel was the first artist mentioned in the Torah and explained that in the Torah, Betzalel is described as being divinely inspired with wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Sharing that a photograph is the truth of a mechanical eye and that a painting is the truth of an emotive and inspired eye, Mr. Gurewicz paid great honor to the donation of the Zelwer’s and the work of the students.

Dr. Zelwer spoke very poignantly about his late mother and father – for whom the building has been dedicated – and was pleased to learn that the art centre include a textiles room as his parents were in the textile business.

Year 11 students Odeya Jablonski, Emma Goldman, Esther Oyberman, Yael Rubenstein, and Avital Elmakeas unveiled the plaque and presented the Zelwers with a gift.

Rabbi Smukler concluded the dedication presentation with acknowledgements to all, and inviting everyone to for morning tea where the students had the opportunity to meet and thank the Zelwers personally for their generous contributions.