Avner Moriah – Best known for his striking on-site paintings of Israel’s landscapes and his inspiring interpretations of biblical themes— is among the first generation of Israeli-born artists. Moriah’s works, which reflect his roots in Western art as well as the atmosphere and inspiration of the Middle East, can be found in the collections of major museums and libraries in the United States and abroad, as well as in private collections around the world. Born in Jerusalem in 1953, Moriah holds a B.F.A. from the Bezalel Academy of Art and Architecture, and an M.F.A from Yale University’s Graduate School of Art and Architecture. His most recent artistic accomplishment is completing his Illuminated Five Books of Moses, a monumental project of 15 years to illuminate the entire Pentateuch. This monumental work has already been acquired by the world’s leading museums and libraries, among them the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Vatican, The Library of Congress, Harvard University, Yale University, UCLA, the Jewish Theological Seminary Library, and private collectors. Moriah has also illuminated the Passover Haggadah and the Scroll of Esther as well as other biblical themes. His public works include murals placed in leading institutions, among them the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and AIPAC headquarters in Washington…