“Bright, colorful scenes don’t usually come to mind when contemplating Chasidic life. But one look at Michoel Muchnik’s paintings is enough to change that perception.”

—Steven H. Pollack,
The Baltimore Times, 5-29-98

“Describing the popularity of Muchnik’s works, Miriam Schlam of Amil Gallery, Forest Hills, New York, says, “We sell his paintings to a wide cross-section of people, and those who buy one Muchnik invariably come back for another. He evokes a response that’s necessary for the 90’s. In these turbulent times, people need something peaceful, or a little whimsy. His work takes you back to another time, to what home and family are and what religion means in life. They tell a story, a lesson about Jewish family life.”

—Judith Broder Sellner
Chai Magazine November 1997

Dear Michoel,
I hope this note finds you well and in high spirits. It is my pleasure to write you and report on the overwhelmingly positive impression your Art Exhibit, sale and presentation left on our Jewish community.
As you saw for yourself, there was a very nice crowd in attendance and very few individuals were able to resist buying something.
Most importantly, the event drew a very eclectic crowd of participants, many of who are on the very periphery of Jewish life ands involvement. All were touched by your art, at once whimsical and yet deeply mystical. All felt that deep connection to Yiddishkeit, which your particular medium so expertly elicits.
For all this I thank you. It is obvious that Binghamton cannot get enough of Muchnik and so I look forward to hosting you here once again, very soon.

With blessings for much success,
Rabbi Aaaron Slonim
June 15 1990

Dear Michoel,
I am writing to let you know about the great success of the recent Art Show & Sale. There was an excellent turnout of people. In a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere they were absorbing the Yiddishkeit values that your art so beautifully portrays. Your presentation exposed the audience to the totality of the Jewish experience and it certainly made an impact.
In fact now that your work is displayed in numerous Rochester homes, the visual Yiddishkeit impact continues.

May you go from strength to strength,
with best wishes,
Rabbi Nechemia Vogel
March 22 1988

“On one level his paintings are very simple- a garment, a kiddush cup, a meal etc. But to read them purely on that level alone would be to miss the point of these paintings. He weaves worlds within worlds. The more one looks at his paintings the more they open up, they need time for contemplation and to be understood.”

“His paintings are a feast for the eyes, a festive meal for the brain, a picnic for the brain and a soft bed for the soul.”

Victor Mayzner
The Australian Jewish News
July 8 1998


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