From the Catskills to Mt. Carmel: How One Work of Art Connects Generations

At the center of Yemin Orde’s library hangs a mural with a remarkable story.

The mural, entitled Harvest, was created by Temima Gezari (1905–2009), a prolific artist, educator, and student of revered Mexican painter Diego Rivera. Created in 1935, Harvest is more than a piece of art, it is a powerful symbol of Jewish resilience, educational values, and the enduring bond between Israel and the diaspora.

Temima was commissioned to create Harvest by Dr. Albert P. Schoolman, founder of the influential Cejwin Camps in the Catskills. The mural depicts children carrying the bounty of Shavuot to the steps of the original Technion building in Haifa. It reflects Temima’s deep belief in education as a force for enlightenment and community.

Temima Gezari with the mural at Yemin Orde

For over 50 years, Harvest served as a cultural focal point at Camp Cejwin, displayed prominently in the Syn-Aud (short for Synagogue-Auditorium), where generations of campers gathered for Shabbat and special events. In 1985, Temima returned in her 80s to restore the mural, which was rededicated with great pride. When the camp closed in 1990, the mural became the centerpiece of a major exhibit at the Jewish Museum in Philadelphia before traveling to New York.

Despite the recognition it received, Temima wanted the mural to remain with youth. She brought it to Yemin Orde Youth Village, believing it aligned with the Village’s mission of nurturing future leaders. Installed in the library, the mural quickly became a visual and emotional landmark. In the late 1990s, Temima visited the Village to oversee its restoration in person.

Disaster struck in 2010 when a massive forest fire devastated much of Mt. Carmel, including Yemin Orde’s campus. The library was severely damaged, but incredibly, the mural survived. Amid the rubble and smoke, it stood largely unharmed.

After years of reconstruction, the library was rebuilt and the mural returned to its rightful place. In 2023, Harvest underwent a full professional restoration led by Nathalie Pinkhas, a senior restorer from the Louvre Museum, who volunteered her expertise. She worked closely with Dana Yossef, MFA, who was appointed to support and complete the project.

Today, Harvest continues to inspire. It bridges generations and continents, connecting American Jewish educational heritage with the evolving story of youth in Israel. Yemin Orde is proud to safeguard this extraordinary mural, a lasting tribute to the power of art, learning, and the spirit of our shared future.