The books of Baruch Spinoza contributed to the development of the Enlightenment, which is symbolized by the intense glow behind the glasses, on a backdrop of darkness.

Baruch Spinoza worked as a lense grinder, a metaphor of the way he viewed the world through his own lenses.

Because of his controversial philosophies and his rejection of traditional Judaism, he was banished from the Jewish community.

The flaming red script in the paintings portrays a critic’s description of one his books. It was described as dangerous, "full of abominations," "a book forged in hell . . . by the devil himself.”

Leah Raab was born in Trenton, New Jersey and began her art studies at the University of New Hampshire. She received her BFA from the Bezalel Academy of Art in Jerusalem and completed her MFA at the New York Studio School.

Leah has exhibited her work in the United States, Canada and in Israel and is represented by the Prince Street Gallery in New York.

Leah has taught art for many years in the United States and Israel, most recently at Touro College in Manhattan and at Emunah V’Omanut in Jerusalem.

Leah’s work reflects paradoxes of every day life. What is not anyways apparent or clearly visible is lurking beneath the surface.

Having moved back and forth many times between the cultures of the United States and Israel, Leah focuses on themes of belonging and displacement, painting scenes that are familiar and significant to her.

Leah now resides and paints in Raanana, Israel.

Leah can be reached at leah@raabco.com