Meet the Soviet Artist Who Revived Jewish Heritage Through Art in Israel

We enter a studio in Kiryat Gat, where dozens of stunning paintings captivate us. These are the works of the late artist Chaim Bachel, who passed away just a month ago.

Behind the artist and his paintings lies a fascinating life story. Yitzhak Almakaies, who managed the studio alongside Bachel and continues to sell his paintings, shares Bachel's remarkable life journey with us.

Almakaies resides in the city of Kiryat Gat. Approximately 48 years ago, he was a young scholar at a religious study hall, and after his father's passing, he began organizing Torah lectures for youth in the afternoons.

At that time, he taught in schools across the southern region as part of the independent ultra-Orthodox education system. He initiated quizzes for the youth on the weekly Torah portion and prepared boys for their Bar Mitzvah.

Almakaies explains, "At the school where I taught, I met a young, talented art teacher named Chaim Bachel, who had just immigrated from the Soviet Union. Hashem blessed me with the opportunity to meet him and guide him towards Judaism. Through the paintings he created, he connected with the spiritual leaders and the entirety of Jewish life. We shared a special bond with much divine assistance. I became his support system, referring everyone interested in his paintings to me."

Almakaies continues to share about the talented artist: "Bachel began painting at the age of five. After immigrating to Israel, he created over 400 paintings. For most of his life, he painted works related to the holiness of Jewish saints until his recent passing at the age of 74.

"He was an exceptional artist. In Russia, he was invited to restore ancient church paintings. The Soviet regime requested him to paint portraits of its leaders, including Stalin. His talent was extraordinary, and they wanted to send him to major countries. However, he drew a line and decided to come to Israel.

"When I met him and discovered his immense talent, I traveled to the Steipler, Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, of blessed memory (the father of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, of blessed memory). He blessed me excitedly, telling me, 'In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.' Indeed, I began engaging in Jewish art and promoting Bachel's paintings to the public."

"I prayed that none of our work would lead to error, that the paintings would have a positive impact on the clients to whom we sold them."

Can you tell us about interesting people who bought his paintings?

"The Abu Hatzeira family purchased paintings of the Baba Sali from us. Various rebbes from Jerusalem and Bnei Brak also requested his works. Additionally, the newly elected mayor browsed the catalog and wishes to acquire a painting."

What did Bachel mainly paint?

"Mainly portraits of saints like the Baba Sali, Rabbi Ovadia, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, Rabbi Meir Baal Haness, as well as authentic depictions of Jewish life. He felt a deep connection to the spiritual and inner realm of Judaism."

Almakaies goes on, illustrating that the sale of these paintings was not important as a "business": "Every time someone bought a painting, we felt it was a life-giving tree to those who uphold it, and those who support it are happy. That's how we felt, that's how everyone who bought his paintings felt."

Apart from his magnificent paintings, can you tell me more about his personality?

"He loved listening to Rabbi Zamir Cohen. He has CDs and cassettes containing Rabbi Cohen's lectures. Additionally, he had a fondness for Jewish Hassidic music."

What was his last painting?

"His last painting spanned two years," Almakaies reveals. "At first, he painted a bride and groom, reflecting the essence of the Land of Israel and unity among the people. After the Simchat Torah celebrations, he added seven angels to the painting. When I asked him why, he replied, 'That's what I feel.'"

Almakaies concludes our conversation, "A little before he passed, I had the merit of reciting the Blessing of Trees with him."

If you're looking to adorn your living room or office with one of these paintings, contact Almakaies to grace your wall with the stunning artworks of a righteous and pure Jewish artist.

You can order the paintings through Yitzhak Almakaies | Address: P.O. Box 148, Kiryat Gat | Phone: 050-582350

May these words serve as a memorial for the artist Chaim Bachel, of blessed memory, who left this world a month ago. Blessed be his memory.