The prayer Mode Ani is one of the rituals I find most beautiful in Judaism. Each morning, as we awaken, we thank God for returning our souls and granting us another day of life. It is such a simple, profound affirmation of gratitude and light.
 
How beautiful it is to begin each day with grace. Gratitude is one of the pillars of Judaism that I feel most connected to. Before asking for anything, we first give thanks. It is what makes my people bringers of light. Because of this, I have learned to see the glass half full — to notice the rays of sunlight through the trees, the flicker of butterflies, the messages of hummingbirds.
 
When painting this piece, the image of the hand felt almost like an afterthought. Yet it stood as a quiet reminder: I remain grateful and can still see the beauty in life itself, even when hatred tries to dim the light.