Michael came to us with a longing that had been shaped over time, a desire not just to make something visible but to give form to something he had carried for years. The words he chose were a kind of compass, a reminder that even when we are lost, we are never truly alone.

The verse that held this truth came from Deuteronomy, a line that felt like both a promise and a lifeline:

אם יהיה נדחך בקצה השמים משם יקבצך ה׳ אלוהיך ומשם יקחך

Even if you are scattered at the ends of the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and take you

Deuteronomy 30:4

This verse spoke to the experience of distance, both geographic and internal, and to the quiet strength it takes to keep going without knowing how or when reunion will come. It held within it the memory of a journey through uncertainty, a time when staying grounded became an act of faith. It reminded him that no matter how far we feel from safety, connection, or clarity, there is something that still knows how to bring us back.

Gabriel imagined a design that would reflect this sense of movement, not as a return to what was but as a becoming. At the center of the piece is a Star of David, placed on the inner forearm just below the elbow, a symbol of identity and resilience. One side of the star is strong and clearly defined, anchoring the design with presence and intention. But as the eye moves across the form, the edges begin to loosen, the lines fray slightly, the shape becomes softer, almost as if it is still forming. It is not a finished object but a living symbol, caught in the act of becoming what it is meant to be.

This piece is about gathering what was scattered. It is about holding space for uncertainty while still moving forward. It is about remembering that belonging is not something we earn or prove but something we return to. Slowly, quietly, step by step.