On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, artist Meredith Haute stopped by Congregation B’nai Israel to donate a lovely work of art she painted – just in time for the High Holy Days.
“Am Yisrael Echad,” The Jewish People Are One, is a 38 in. x 38 in. acrylic, ink, watercolor, and foil on canvas. The two colorful spots represent sunsets in South Florida and on the beach in Tel Aviv. The gold foil represents Jerusalem gold. The cracks in the gold represent all the challenges Jews have faced over the millennia. The green on the right symbolizes that, despite it all, Jews persevere, thrive, and move forward on every level.
In her own words, here’s the history beyond her work of art, and how it was bashert (destined) to be showcased in our halls.
“I was set to display my art at Art Miami during Art Basel week in early December of 2023,” Meredith said. “I was being represented by a gallery from another state, and I had five new floral pieces ready to go. Immediately after October 7th, we were discussing what happened. I asked the gallery if they would like me to create new pieces to represent support for Israel. They enthusiastically said, ‘Yes, please! What happened was so horrible!’
I worked diligently to get this work done in time to ship to the show. They loved it, and this painting was the centerpiece.
As the weeks went on, our communication became spotty. I just believed it was due to the usual chaos that occurs before a huge show. Finally, I said I needed to get the details for where to send the art. There was no response, despite several inquiries. Two weeks before the show, I received an email from them stating that while they ‘believe in my clear talent’ and ‘love my passion,’ and that ‘based on what’s happening in the streets of our cities, we don’t feel we are a fit anymore,’ and that they thought I could ‘find a more suitable placement,’ despite only two weeks until showtime.
I was completely heartbroken. And then, angered. I asked them if it was about me simply being Jewish. They said they were insulted by the question. I asked them why they wouldn’t just show my original art. I thought, if it’s not about my Judaism, let’s switch out the pieces for my original flowers that I’d already painted for them.
Instead of ever responding, they just unfollowed me on Instagram and removed me from their website. With no time left, I had to miss the show entirely that year.
I do believe G-d always has a plan. I am so proud to have this piece find its true home at Congregation B’nai Israel, where it was always meant to be. A place that means so much to our family: where my children spent so many important years being B’nai Mitzvahed and confirmed, both traveling to Israel with their Rabbis and meeting lifelong friends who are still dear to us to this very day.
So grateful this path has led the art right where it belongs.”
Meredith Haute
Stop by CBI to see this beautiful painting in the main hallway!
