Dear Marit,

My Parents visited Israel in the early eighties and came across your Father’s Gallery.  Immediately there were transfixed with the beauty and artistry of your Dad’s work.  They returned from Israel with his Wall hanging moveable Camels and bought 4 Safer Torahs for each of the Grandchildren’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.  They also had a couple of the Klezmer sculptures as well.  My Wife, whose name is also Jeri,  was asked to teach in Israel for 40 days back in 2003 or 2004.  We had never been to Israel and of course we were captivated by the Country and the people.

While walking down the street from our Hotel in Tel Aviv we passed your Dad’s Gallery and made it a point to go back there when it was open.  We had a wonderful experience with his Woman Manager (Malka) and she remembered my Parents.  Your Dad was in Israel and we set up a meeting to have Tea at the Gallery a few days later.  I am attaching a few pictures from that wonderful day and it is a day we will never forget.  Your Father was gracious, kind and an amazing human being.  His zeal for life was only eclipsed by his infectious smile.

We left the Gallery with Shabbat Candlesticks as well as the Menorah conversion.  We were absolutely in love with Noah’s Ark but it was not in our budget.  At some point in time, I found Noah’s Ark for sale on Craigslist and the owner had fallen on some hard times financially.  She sold it to me for only $2,500.00 and it was like new.  As time went by, I was able to purchase a few more pieces on Ebay for some great prices.  We now own about 6 original Meislers as well as 4 original wooden designs.

When my Mother was failing she asked me what art of hers I wanted.  I told her that the Camels would be amazing to have in my home and she agreed that I would inherit them on her passing.  When she ultimately passed, my Brother … gave the Camels to his Son or Daughter and I was told too bad.   Here is where the story gets interesting.  After receiving the news, I saw on Ebay the Camels, and I spoke to the owner in Brooklyn.  For some reason he took a liking to me and was obviously Jewish.  This man sold me the Camels for $2000.00 and they arrived in pristine condition.  The number I believe is 187 out of about 225 pieces produced.  What are the odds of me getting my beloved Camels from a Stranger when there were less than 250 produced?

To me, that was amazing and I cannot help but think that this was more than a coincidence.  Today, they proudly hang on our wall and that and the Ark are our most favored pieces of art.  The picture of the Ark that I sent was taken at the Gallery.   We are moving to Florida and would love to purchase one of your Mezuzah for our new home.  Please let me know how you wish to handle this?

In closing, while not religious your Father and his life’s story was moving and inspirational.  I am so sad that he passed but know he made a real difference in this world.  Hope you are safe in Israel and some day we will return.  Enjoy the photos and I will send a few of Dad’s work in our home.

Jerry & Jeri Cibley

Dear Marit,

My Parents visited Israel in the early eighties and came across your Father’s Gallery.  Immediately there were transfixed with the beauty and artistry of your Dad’s work.  They returned from Israel with his Wall hanging moveable Camels and bought 4 Safer Torahs for each of the Grandchildren’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.  They also had a couple of the Klezmer sculptures as well.  My Wife, whose name is also Jeri,  was asked to teach in Israel for 40 days back in 2003 or 2004.  We had never been to Israel and of course we were captivated by the Country and the people.

While walking down the street from our Hotel in Tel Aviv we passed your Dad’s Gallery and made it a point to go back there when it was open.  We had a wonderful experience with his Woman Manager (Malka) and she remembered my Parents.  Your Dad was in Israel and we set up a meeting to have Tea at the Gallery a few days later.  I am attaching a few pictures from that wonderful day and it is a day we will never forget.  Your Father was gracious, kind and an amazing human being.  His zeal for life was only eclipsed by his infectious smile.

We left the Gallery with Shabbat Candlesticks as well as the Menorah conversion.  We were absolutely in love with Noah’s Ark but it was not in our budget.  At some point in time, I found Noah’s Ark for sale on Craigslist and the owner had fallen on some hard times financially.  She sold it to me for only $2,500.00 and it was like new.  As time went by, I was able to purchase a few more pieces on Ebay for some great prices.  We now own about 6 original Meislers as well as 4 original wooden designs.

When my Mother was failing she asked me what art of hers I wanted.  I told her that the Camels would be amazing to have in my home and she agreed that I would inherit them on her passing.  When she ultimately passed, my Brother … gave the Camels to his Son or Daughter and I was told too bad.   Here is where the story gets interesting.  After receiving the news, I saw on Ebay the Camels, and I spoke to the owner in Brooklyn.  For some reason he took a liking to me and was obviously Jewish.  This man sold me the Camels for $2000.00 and they arrived in pristine condition.  The number I believe is 187 out of about 225 pieces produced.  What are the odds of me getting my beloved Camels from a Stranger when there were less than 250 produced?

To me, that was amazing and I cannot help but think that this was more than a coincidence.  Today, they proudly hang on our wall and that and the Ark are our most favored pieces of art.  The picture of the Ark that I sent was taken at the Gallery.   We are moving to Florida and would love to purchase one of your Mezuzah for our new home.  Please let me know how you wish to handle this?

In closing, while not religious your Father and his life’s story was moving and inspirational.  I am so sad that he passed but know he made a real difference in this world.  Hope you are safe in Israel and some day we will return.  Enjoy the photos and I will send a few of Dad’s work in our home.

Jerry & Jeri Cibley