Gil Badiccini

Memorial CandleI

Recently heard of the departure of a dear man

Jan Menzes is the Dutch painter
Jan was an old man now,he has been through an interesting and creative life cycle

First he established a family and was living in different countries in the globe

Every Sukkot I used to go to the sukkah of his house which is in the Old Safed Artists' colony

The trajectory of his life and the goals in which live brings the story of Tineke
(life of the deceased mother ) happen to meet him by chance on a bench in a public urban garden

They both were born at the same village in The Netherlands
My mother's life was full of fun & experiences, Jan became good neighbor and at every meeting we took a photo on a standard pocket camera.

Jan is an immensely talented painter, his paintings are displayed in about 120 galleries around the world

Jan and Rachel came to jewdisem
And even studied the secrets of kaballa
became an Orthodox rabbi

My friendship with him was something I remember very well

In his knowledge in the scriptures and his way of conversations I had many funny and fluid conversations over a cup of tea or with some chilled local beer

We have been sitting in the sukkah every year for many years

We would share with each other in matters of the day the hour and the place

Jan the painter was also great Dutch sailor, with many years at sea.

Also large body size, white beard and sharp green eyes

His wife Rachel would budget him a daily ration of drinks and cigarettes
In this way Rachel loved and cared for him
Otherwise he would have been exhausted

I miss the dear old man very much
A few months ago I heard of his departure from the world

I  am currently at a crossroads that will last for several years

And my longing for the dear wise and responsible man kindness

 The unique painting technique that gave him a place in the world

Exhibited in permanent exhibitions in galleries and museums ~in
Canada,
Netherlands,
Japan
U.S,
And Europe
Maybe even South Africa
He is very big

A devout and precious man and therefore says to the exaltation of his soul blessings

Attached is a link to the site that his grandson created for him when he arrived
The age of- 80

P.S

www.janmenses.com

 incidentally Jan said goodbye to us at a very old age

Something around the 96 - 90 years