This is a page from a Tikkun Kor'im*, a guide for those who read from the Torah scroll. The text on the left is a facsimile of the script as found in the scroll, and the column on the right, which is used to guide Torah readers, contains the same text with vowels, punctuation and notes for vocalization. I have chosen to entitle this piece, Tikkun Kor'im, since the literal meaning of the word tikkun is to fix or complete, and in a way I am completing the text by demonstrating the existence of something that was always there, though not explicitly stated.

The text I have enlarged is central in both liturgical and ritual practice. Said three times daily, once in the morning, once at night, and again at bedtime, it begins with a declaration that Israel accept the one and unique God and then mandates the education of our children in this acceptance. Part of this mandate is the wearing of Tefillin, phyllacteries which contain scrolls including this and other verses from the Torah. It is read in second person masculine singular, but here I have changed the vowels demonstrating that the words as written in the text can be read in second person feminine singular with no change to the text itself, making it equally personally directed to women. There may be women who feel no need to personalize this, and do not mind the often discordant gender issue present in the Hebrew language. For those of us who do find this problematic, I have shown that simply changing the vowels allows this pivotal text to become completely available, directed and relevant to women as well.

This piece reflects my understanding of Spinoza and his world in several ways. Returning to the biblical text, and reading it in its Torah form without the rabbis' imposition of how it should be read and enabling me to choose for myself who I am in the world we attribute to God and how I practice. There may be those who find this heretical, and for that alone this is worthy of Spinoza. I prefer to view it as exploratory, finding myself in the morass and beauty which constitute for me, the Jewish religion and its practice.

*The text pictured here is a digital reproduction of a page from a Tikkun Kor'im, which contains God's name multiple times. I have adjusted it specifically so that it is not a true reproduction of this sacred text and is therefore not considered shemos and not in need of ritual disposal.

Rena Bannett lives in Jerusalem, where she makes art and also works as an English editor, translator and language coach. She uses sculpting, painting, drawing and collage in various media, to express her world views, whether from her perspective as an analytical scientist, a Jewish scholar, a nurturing and independent mother and grandmother, life-partner or feminist, or most fundamentally, as a member of the human race.

Most recently, she has been working to condense ideas and feelings into their essential forms, seeking to express as much as possible with the least amount of stroke, line or detail.

Bannett, has trained in technical workshops since childhood, is currently studying sculpture with Anat Eshed at HaKubia in Jerusalem, having previously studied drawing and painting with Ana Soto-Canino at the Academy of Art of Highland Park (NJ), ceramics and tile-making with Peter Syak at the Art Center in Summit (NJ) and as a member of the Adults’ Arts Studio at HaKubia (Jerusalem) with Gil Goren.