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Mina Ahrenthal • A fascinating life story of creativity, action and dedication

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Mina Ahrenthal, an impressive and highly talented woman, has created a unique and different way of life for herself. From her complicated childhood in the city of Gorky in the Soviet Union to her winning the title of 'City Darling' in Kiryat Bialik - Mina never ceases to surprise with her impressive achievements in diverse fields.

From a family story, as a descendant of the poet "Hatikva", which sounds like an extraordinary story, to the realization of her creativity and relentless curiosity - every detail of her life is a testament to passion and dedication.

Mina Ahrenthal - in her well-equipped kitchen (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – in her well-equipped kitchen (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal House - Gardens full of vegetation (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal House – Gardens full of vegetation (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

Childhood in the city of Gorky

Mina Erhantel was born Lyudmila Imberman in the Soviet city of Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod), a second generation Holocaust survivor. Her parents, who grew up as children during the war, went through difficult experiences, but managed to recover and start a family in Gorky. Mina remembers her childhood in this city, where she grew up until the age of 9.

In her memoirs from this time, Mina describes a wintry, pastoral place, where for most of the year white snow covered the spaces between the buildings. In the courtyard, which was built in the shape of an H, was a small lake, which froze in the winter and became a skating rink.

In the winter, children would take advantage of the ice to skate and enjoy the unique view, while in the summer the place became a quiet meeting point. The adults would sit around the lake on benches, enjoying drinks from hot samovars and pastries from cookie jars. There was a great commotion in the air, as young boys and girls ran and circled around the lake, creating a vivid picture of a vibrant and wonderful childhood.

Mina Ahrenthal - Childhood photo (Photo: Private album, Ahrenthal family)
Mina Ahrenthal – childhood photo (Photo: Private album, Ahrenthal family)
Mina Ahrenthal - Father and Daughter - Childhood Memory (Photo: Private Album, Ahrenthal Family)
Mina Ahrenthal – Father and Daughter - Childhood Memory (Photo: Private Album, Ahrenthal Family)

The dream of traveling to the Land of Israel

Her father Meir Imberman, called Max by his friends, is actually a descendant of Naftali Hertz Imber, the writer of the lyrics to the anthem "Hatikva" (whose name was also Imberman). Naftali Hertz Imberman was born in Galicia in a town called Zolochiv, Ukraine, where Mina's father was also born.

Her mother was born in Belarus in Vitebsk to a traditional Jewish family. During World War II, after the occupation of Belarus, her mother came to Gorky when she was only 12 years old, after an experience from Vitebsk. On the other hand, her father came to Gorky after his discharge from the Red Army, and there he met her mother.

In 1958, the family immigrated to Israel and here they turned a new page.

Mina Ahrenthal - Picture of her father Meir Imberman (Photo: Private album, Ahrenthal family)
Mina Ahrenthal – a picture of her father Meir Imberman (Photo: Private album, Ahrenthal family)
Mina Ahrenthal - Childhood photo before immigrating to Israel (Photo: Private album, Ahrenthal family)
Mina Ahrenthal – childhood photo before immigrating to Israel (Photo: Private album, Ahrenthal family)

The Crossing, Kibbutz Neve Yam and the Givat Nesher Neighborhood – A New Beginning in Israel

Her father, who was born and raised in a Zionist family, dreamed of immigrating to the Land of Israel. When she was 8 years old, the family immigrated to Israel and settled on Kibbutz Neve Yam, where they lived for a year. They then moved to a shack in Kiryat Haim. The mother, who had worked as a veterinarian in Russia, began working in Israel as a kindergarten teacher. The father, who had been an aircraft technician in his homeland, found work as a laborer in the Shemen factory. After a while, they sold all their possessions, collected money, and through loans managed to purchase a small house in Givat Nesher, where Mina grew up.

Mina, whose neighbors in Givat Nesher were mostly Moroccan families with many children, says that since childhood she always wanted to have siblings. At the age of 11 and a half, she received as a "birthday present" her brother Zeev, who is now an electrical contractor living in Eilat. Mina testifies that Zeev, who is a central figure in her life, is not only a brother, but also a close person and soulmate.

Her childhood and early youth in Israel were full of changes and challenges. She completed her elementary education at the 'Ganot' school, then studied at the 'Nesher High School' in the real-world major, and from there she transferred to the 'Technikum' in Haifa, where she completed her studies with a 'mechanical technician' certificate.

In addition to growing up in a new and challenging environment, her love for culture and creativity also intensified. She joined the youth movement, where her education was combined with Zionist and community activities.

Mina Ahrenthal - in a childhood photo (Photo: Private album, Ahrenthal family)
Mina Ahrenthal – in a childhood photo (Photo: Private album, Ahrenthal family)

Love for the Arts, IDF Recruitment and Military Service in the Navy

The next significant step in her life was in 1967 when she enlisted in the IDF. Mina served in the Navy, and this was an important period for her in terms of her personal development and professional training. During her military service, she also studied at the Gordon Seminary, which was located directly across from the military base where she served. Upon her discharge from the army, Mina did not abandon her studies and progress, but chose to continue building her future in a variety of fields.

At Mina Ahrenthal's house - gold-colored ornamental leaves (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – gold-colored ornamental leaves (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

Personal and family life – from Eilat to the coastal city

In 1969, Mina married Zvi Ahrenthal, and they moved to Eilat, where their two daughters were born: Inbar (born 1970) and Rinat (born 1975), and for 11 years they lived in the southern city.

In Eilat, Mina worked in teaching and technical positions, where she experienced life with her young family, while combining career endeavors. Over time, the family moved to Kiryat Bialik, where Mina took the next significant step and began studying mechanical engineering at the Technion. 

Mina Ahrenthal - with B.C. Zvi, on their wedding day (Photo: Private album, Ahrenthal family)
Mina Ahrenthal – with B.C. Zvi, on their wedding day (Photo: Private album, Ahrenthal family)

Family, work, and career – every area requires investment, Mina did it all

After moving to Kiryat Bialik, Mina decided to take her academic training one step further. She graduated from the Technion with a degree in mechanical engineering, while also working in various engineering positions. She worked at several places, such as Rafael, Soltam, 'Tom Engineering', and managed the locksmith shop 'Sela Engineering'. In addition to her work, Mina did not give up on her family, fulfilling her role as a mother to her two daughters and grandmother to five grandchildren.

At Mina Ahrenthal's house - photos from family life (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – photos from family life (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - a mural in the bedroom (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – a mural in the bedroom (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

The never-ending curiosity – Mina follows her dreams

Ahrenthal did not stop her personal path only in the fields of engineering. Since she was a curious woman, she studied a variety of other fields. She acquired an education in astrology at the University of Haifa, attended a variety of interior design courses and took part in cosmetology studies. In addition, she did not give up on her dream of creating and expressing herself artistically, and then she studied stained glass at the College of Art, a field in which she found a creative way to feel alive and breathing.

At Mina Ahrenthal's house - silver and gold ties and frames (Photo: Racheli Orbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – silver and gold ties and frames (Photo: Racheli Orbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - during the creative process (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – during the creative process (Photo: Racheli Orbach)

Engineer and TV reporter – Mina builds her own path

Alongside her artistic creations, Mina has built her career in the media. She is currently a writer, editor and interviewer at Kiryat Bialik Community Television. She also manages the production studio of the city's community television, and hosts a Zoom program called 'Artist' within the framework of the M.T.G. This activity is part of her diverse activities, in which she invests all her talent and willingness to help the community. Mina is not only involved in productions and writing, but also volunteers at the 'Psagot' school, where she reads stories in her humorous way and with great pleasure. 

Mina Ahrenthal - on the balcony of her home where she can create (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – on the balcony of her home where she can create (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal - next to the mirror with the closing doors (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – next to the mirror with the closing doors (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

Art and commemoration – Mina reinvents herself every time

Beyond her work in the media, Mina does not forget her artistic love. She has created documentaries, one of which, 'Memories in the Shadow of the Holocaust,' was shown at the Yad Vashem museum. She also provides guidance at the museum and prepares various films, including lectures for the elderly and helping new immigrants from the Soviet Union.

In other words, Mina not only creates but also helps those in need. Her works have been exhibited in various places in Israel and around the world, such as the Nagler House, the Solomon's Hall in Jerusalem, and the MIIT Museum in Turin, Italy.

Mina Ahrenthal - in the room designated for stained glass work (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – in the room designated for stained glass work (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - stained glass lampshade and other works (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – stained glass lampshade and other works (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

An impressive achievement – ​​the darling of the city of Kiryat Bialik

In 2021, Mina Erhantel was awarded the title of 'City Darling' of Kiryat Bialik, in recognition of her extensive work and blessed impact on the local community. This is just the beginning of a long and impressive journey for a woman whose personal and professional development is a story full of inspiration, creation, and contribution.

At the time of her win, it was mentioned that: "Mina Ahrenthal - volunteers in the police and even received the rank of sergeant major. Mina volunteers on community television and invests her time and energy. In addition, she volunteers in schools and teaches Hebrew to Ethiopian immigrants, and has also volunteered to instill Israeli culture in new immigrants from the Commonwealth. Ahrenthal continues her activities within B'nai B'rith as a regional computer manager and secretary."

Mina Ahrenthal - next to the railing, the fruit of her design (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – next to the railing she designed (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - stained glass works at the top of the stairs (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – stained glass works at the top of the stairs (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - the dining area and decorative objects (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – the dining area and decorative objects (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

An intuitive creation that connects the past and the present and reveals the mask of our lives.

Mina Ahrenthal (Imberman) She is a truly unconventional artist, who has now established herself as one of the leading and most intriguing artists. Throughout her life, she has been drawn to creativity in all its aspects, which led her to establish a studio in her home in Kiryat Bialik, where she continues to create to this day.

Each of her works, each creation and each style, carries within them the deep intuitive urge to create and express. Her works tell a personal story that touches on a variety of fields, where each creation is born from an intuitive process and involves several techniques and layers.

At Mina Ahrenthal's house - a tree and a mask - in silver and gold (Photo: Racheli Orbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – a tree and a mask – in silver and gold (Photo: Racheli Orbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - the story behind the mask (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's House – The Story Behind the Mask (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

The Connection Between Mystery and Reality – Creating a Dialogue Between the Worlds

Mina Ahrenthal's works convey a sense of connection between different worlds: between the mysterious and the fantastic, and the real and everyday reality. The artist succeeds in creating works in which past and present are intermingled, and they touch on themes of personal stories related to different and diverse cultures.

The image she creates is a dialogue, a free and intuitive connection of art that connects the viewer to the depths of their soul. Through her visual language, Mina creates an experience that makes each viewer experience a personal and unique adventure.

At Mina Ahrenthal's house - 'Here they are and they will not speak' (Photo: Racheli Orbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – 'Here they are and they will not speak' (Photo: Racheli Orbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - the blocked mouth (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
In Mina Ahrenthal's house – the blocked mouth (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

Colorful and bold works that combine realism and fantasy

In her works, Mina Ahrenthal presents figurative 'ready-made' works, which include the use of strong and bold colors such as gold and silver, which give the works a sense of royalty and grandeur. The seam line between realism and fantasy is one of the most prominent elements in her works. Mina is not afraid to combine different styles and experiment with innovative techniques, while creating a physical and emotional interaction with the viewer. The intensity and visual expression of the colors blend harmoniously and invite the viewer to come closer, ask questions, and experience her creative world.

Recycling objects into art has become the essence of Mina's art. She sees it not only in an ecological sense but also in aesthetics and creativity. The use of found or discarded materials not only reduces waste, but also gives new life to old items. Mina, inspired by ideas of sustainability, reexamines the meaning of objects – materials that seem worthless are transformed into installations, sculptures and unique works.

For her, every material, whether metal, wood, plastic or glass, carries a story and the ability to be reinvented in an innovative and impressive way. In many cases, the new form of the objects reveals the beauty of simplicity, the ability to create feelings of wonder with everyday objects. This is a process in which art not only brings to light the powers of creation, but also provides an answer to contemporary environmental questions, with recycling constituting not only a solution to saving resources, but also a means of personal expression for the creator.

About 5 years ago, at the school next to her home, there was a large stockpile of human mask stencils that were candidates for disposal. Mina, an artist committed to the issue of sustainability, did not hesitate for a moment and took the stencils with open arms. In addition, a stockpile of old and broken watches came into her possession following her appeal to volunteers at the Eshkol Pais Regional College in Kiryat Bialik, requesting that they transfer old or broken watches to her for the purposes of her works.

Mina Ahrenthal - with her works on the subject of masks and more (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – with her works on the subject of masks and more (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - behind time and behind the masks (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's House – Behind Time and Behind the Masks (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

The Mask in Our Lives – The Truth, the Lie, and the Revelation

Throughout history, the mask has been used in many cultures and throughout time as an object loaded with symbolism and was often used to transition between worlds or transcendental experiences.

In African cultures, for example, the mask was a tool for connecting with the souls of ancestors, and was associated with religious and social rituals. It was also used as part of spiritual liberation or connection to higher worlds, with mask wearers receiving 'superpowers' during the rituals.

In ancient Greece, masks were used in theater, especially in tragedies and comedies, and were a means of heightened expression of emotions, while changing the identity of the characters. In Chinese culture, the most popular mask is the 'painted face' mask that appears in opera ceremonies, in which each character is depicted with colors and patterns that convey its character and characteristics. In Japanese culture, masks are evident in their subtle aesthetics and connection to Zen principles, using an expressionless veil to deepen inner excitement and drama.

In each of the cultures, the mask served not only as a decorative object but as a form of spiritual and cultural expression, behind which stand deep ideas about identity, power, and a sense of belonging.

As mentioned, one of the central themes in Ahrenthal's work is her focus on the subject of the mask. Mina uses masks not only as a cultural or symbolic element, but as a way to deal with everything that is hidden, false, or unspoken. For her, the mask represents the transition between the external image and the internal truth, between exposure and concealment. Each work opens another window for observing the depth of life, the internal struggle of revelation and falsehood, essence and hypocrisy. For the viewer, the experience of observing these works is an invitation to decipher the meaning of their own personal mask.

Mina Ahrenthal - in her home studio (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – in her home studio (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal - and her hand at glassmaking (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – and her glass creation (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

Working with layers and materials – creation as artistic intuition

Mina Ahrenthal's works are characterized by the use of many layers of materials and mixed techniques. She builds her works intuitively, without prior planning, while allowing the artistic medium to take her to new and surprising realms. In the different layers she builds, Mina creates an image in which each element joins a larger whole, but each detail offers a glimpse of its own exciting layer. Her work is a free artistic language that develops from the connection between emotion, material and technique.

Mina often splashes the color gold in her works, a color that represents luxury, wealth, and divinity, which carries with it deep and ancient symbolism in many cultures. In the Bible, for example, gold is considered a symbol of holiness and divine power, and it was used to decorate temples and religious utensils. In Judaism, gold denotes inner light and spiritual radiance, while in Eastern cultures it carries with it the idea of ​​enlightenment and connection to high spiritual energy. In everything related to art, the color gold was used to emphasize beauty and importance.

During the Renaissance, for example, painters used it to enhance religious imagery and portray saints and gods with superhuman power. Even in the modern era, gold remains a hallmark of success and prosperity, appearing exclusively on prestigious awards such as the Oscar or Olympic medals.

Furthermore, gold symbolizes stability and eternity, as its timeless color does not fade over time, and it is a reminder of spiritual wealth and high goals. The power of the color gold lies not only in its shiny appearance, but also in the depth of meaning it gives to everything it touches, from important documents to religious or personal symbols.

At Mina Ahrenthal's House - The Dimension of Time - Gold and Silver (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's House – The Dimension of Time – Gold and Silver (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - one of her works in the studio (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – one of her works in the studio (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

The implications of this exhibition and the way forward for contemporary art

Over the years, Mina Ahrenthal has built her unique artistic voice, and she is not stopping. Her work is a personal and cultural statement about inner and outer worlds, about the concealments and repetitions of life, about the things we hide and the need to find the truth even if it hurts. This exhibition reflects her unique path as an artist who challenges the boundaries of traditional art and tries to offer the world a new and refreshing work.

Her next exhibition, 'Revealed and Hidden', will be a solo exhibition - which will take place at 'Eshkol Pais' in Kiryat Bialik and will open on February 3, 25 - in preparation for the holiday of Purim, and inspired by the Masquerade Carnival that is scheduled to take place at this time in Venice - events that stimulate creativity, imagination, and breaking the routine among us.

Mina Ahrenthal - Looking at the fruit trees (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – Looking at the fruit trees (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal's house - a view of the living space (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal's house – a view of the living space (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

Every room and living room tells a story.

Zvika Ahrenthal, who worked as a diesel mechanic and foreman at the Timna Mines, was forced to look for a new job due to the closure of the mines in 1980. He found employment at the Northern District Electricity Company, and as a result, the Ahrenthal family moved to Kiryat Haim. About a year later, they moved to Kiryat Bialik, and they have lived in their current residence since 2000.

A home for the modern person is not only a physical place to live, but also a personal space that represents a person's identity, values, and needs in advanced social, economic, and technological conditions. A home combines the need for comfort and privacy with the influences of technological innovation, sustainability, and modern design.

In the Ahrenthal family home, which spans several floors, every room and living room tells a story. In every corner, the unique personality of Mina is evident, who invests in every detail of the home's design, down to the smallest levels. Every decision, every color, every piece of furniture is carefully chosen, and together they create a perfect harmony that reflects her delicacy and refined taste. Here, in this home, design is not just a function – it is an expression of love, attention, and a creative spirit that runs throughout the space.

Mina Ahrenthal - In a Tortured Living Room (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – In a Tortured Living Room (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal - in her living room (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – in her living room (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - a view from the living room up the stairs (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – a view from the living room up the stairs (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

A functional, unusual and elegant residence

As a result of her great investment and attention to detail in designing the home, Mina has created a personal space for her family that is full of magic. Therefore, every corner of the house is her favorite, not only the rooms but also the two gardens filled with lush vegetation, which attest to her 'green fingers'.

When Mina talks about the house, her eyes shine especially when it comes to the living room – the most intimate and private place for her, where every detail speaks to the heart. The kitchen is not spacious, but it is incredibly functional and invites pleasant and orderly work. In the shower, the special black color dominates, an unusual and elegant color – creating a design that is full of willingness and respect for the small details that make up the entire creation.

Mina Ahrenthal - in her kitchen (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – in her kitchen (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
In Mina Ahrenthal's house - the glass wall between the living room and the kitchen (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
In Mina Ahrenthal's house – the glass wall between the living room and the kitchen (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - a view from the living room to the kitchen (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – a view from the living room to the kitchen (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

'Repeated Photography' – Itzik Schukel

In the Ahrenthal family home, among the many bookshelves, there is one book that stands out and is especially beloved by Mina – it is the book 'Repeated Photography' by the photographic artist Itzik Shukel – a book that deals with Shukel's exciting and unique project. This album is not just a collection of photographs, but a document of memories, changes and times.

For many years, Schickl has documented men and women from the world of advertising and glamour, alongside ordinary, everyday people. Some are well-known celebrities, others have been forgotten from the public eye. The project was born from a moment of new observation of the artist's vast photographic archive, after he discovered his longing for the era of analog photography – that era of film and manual exposures, which seems to no longer exist in the digital age.

Mina finds in this book not just a collection of photos, but a story of change, both in the photographs themselves and in the subjects. The look in the eyes of the characters in the photos changes, and it seems as if time is flying over their faces, leaving behind the imprint of moments that changed the course of their lives. Each photograph is living evidence of their personal development, a kind of 're-photograph' of those moments that passed, were forgotten and became a private and moving history.

Mina Ahrenthal - with the book 'Photography Repeatedly' (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – with the book 'Photograph Repeat' (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - author Itzik Schukel in his book 'Photography Repeatedly' (Photo: Racheli Orbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – author Itzik Schukel in his book 'Photography Repeatedly' (Photo: Racheli Orbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - the cover of the book 'Repeated Photography' - Itzik Shukel (Photo: Racheli Orbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – the cover of the book 'Repeated Photography' – Itzik Shukel (Photo: Racheli Orbach)

The print 'In the Land of the Dwarves' – Nachum Gutman

In Mina's apartment, between the walls of the living room, hang two reproductions by the painter Nahum Gutman. One of them, and the one she particularly loves the most, is the print of the painting 'In the Land of the Dwarves' – a print that has become an inseparable part of her world.

In 1990, during a tour of the Gutman Museum in Tel Aviv, a sale of Gutman paintings was held at a 50 percent discount. Mina remembers well the moment she purchased the work, as she and her partner were not in a financial position at the time that allowed them to spend money on such luxuries. But for her, the story behind the work was worth any price. Despite the difficulties, she insisted and purchased the print, which she placed in a prominent place in the living room, but no less so, in a position of honor within her heart.

The print, like the poem "In the Land of the Dwarves" by Shachum Gutman Iyer, not only alludes to a fantastical world, but also carries with it a moving personal story. The poem was written by the poet Amitan, who served as a soldier in the British army and "one evening" she happened to arrive at a friend's house. There, she encountered a very young child who walked with amazing confidence, unlike babies his age. The adults captivated her with their story - and even added that if war had broken out in the Land of the Dwarves, this child would surely have been the commander of the army. The poem, published in 1940 in the newspaper "Davar for Children", became a resounding success, leaving a mark on many hearts.

The additional print by Nahum Gutman, hanging to the right of the work "In the Land of the Dwarves," was until recently awaiting its bitter fate, in a deserted alley on the street, as if destined for destruction. But Ahrenthal, in her natural and sensitive way, recognized the missing and damaged work of art without hesitation, and within a few moments embraced it into her bosom, ensuring that the object that faced oblivion or loss would remain forever in its safe haven.

At Mina Ahrenthal's house - the print by Nachum Gutman, 'In the Land of the Dwarves' (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – the print by Nachum Gutman, 'In the Land of the Dwarves' (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - Nachum Gutman, 'In the Land of the Dwarves' and to his right another print (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – Nachum Gutman, 'In the Land of the Dwarves' and to his right another print (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - prints and decorative details in the living room (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – prints and decorative details in the living room (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

Porcelain bowl from the Art Nouveau period

Another item that carries deep sentimental value for Mina is a porcelain bowl from the Art Nouveau period, which belonged to her mother-in-law's grandmother.

Zelda Ahrenthal-Schwarz's grandmother, who was known for her incredible beauty, was given special recognition at the end of a beauty contest in Bratislava (now in Slovakia), when Emperor Franz Joseph presented her with this prestigious gift. The porcelain bowl, which became a symbol of an entire generation, passed down through her family over the years, but with the outbreak of World War II, its traces disappeared.

In 1945, when Mina’s mother-in-law escaped from the Auschwitz concentration camp and returned to her home, she discovered that all the family’s belongings were lost and gone… except for the porcelain bowl, which seemed to have chosen to remain. An Art Nouveau porcelain bowl given to her by Emperor Franz Joseph found its way back to Zelda Ahrenthal-Schwarz – waiting as a food bowl in the chicken coop, where it had been kept during the dark days.

In Mina Ahrenthal's house - a porcelain bowl from the Art Nouveau period (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
In Mina Ahrenthal's house – a porcelain bowl from the Art Nouveau period (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
In Mina Ahrenthal's house - the porcelain bowl that was given to her by Emperor Franz Joseph (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
In Mina Ahrenthal's house – the porcelain bowl that was given to her by Emperor Franz Joseph (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house - a cupboard of precious things (Photo: Racheli Orbach)
At Mina Ahrenthal's house – a cupboard of precious things (Photo: Racheli Orbach)

Haifa is like a magnet for everyone who visits it.

Although Mina lives in Kiryat Bialik, she carries the city of Haifa in her heart – a city that holds a place of honor in her memories and great love. Her connection to Haifa is deep, especially to the alleys of the lower city and the Hadar neighborhood, where she lived in her youth with her parents. She writes poetry and recalls the 'Herzl Street of old', when it was at the height of its glory, full of luxury stores with storefronts filled with products that seemed to her like dreams in her youth.

Between the words, Mina doesn't forget to point out what's important to her today - she hopes, deep in the hearts of the city's residents, and especially the city's mayors and decision-makers, that they will enhance Haifa's unique beauty and do everything possible to preserve it. Especially the magnificent architecture that stood here in the past, the beloved corners like 'Photo Brenner' and the small cafes, and even the mythical casino on the Bat Galim Promenade.

She believes that if they do this, Haifa will continue to enlighten the eyes of all those who have fallen in battle and will be like a magnet for all who visit it.

Mina Ahrenthal - in her garden are fruit trees and rich vegetation (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – in her garden, fruit trees and rich vegetation (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal - In her home (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
Mina Ahrenthal – In her residence (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
In Mina Ahrenthal's house - the glass wall between the kitchen and the living room (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)
In Mina Ahrenthal's house – the glass wall between the kitchen and the living room (Photo: Racheli Auerbach)

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Racheli Orbach
Racheli Orbach
Engaged in special education, art and music. Volunteers in deaf clubs. Engaged in painting and guided listening to classical music.

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8 תגובות

  1. Thank you very much, dear Ilana, for the moving response, and thank you to Rachel Orbach, an impressive journalist!

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