Shabbat Shalom and Safe Weekend to All ✡️🙏☮️
After a dry winter spell we finally had rain in Southern California last night🌧 It's a beautiful fresh morning ⛅️ Sending love from my Inland Empire 😍🎶❤️💐🏡
The rain has come
soft drops dance
the dust is gone
fresh new expanse.
Leaves stretch wide
gray skies now bright
a nature song
of pure delight
*
2/7/25 Citrus Hill, CA
#kirafulks #kirasart #yakirashimonifulks #shabbatshalom #happyweekend #poetry #California #nostr #nostrpoetry
January 1st: A Day of Double Blessings 🙏❤💐
Today, I celebrate the beginning of a new year and the birthday of my one and only darling son, Asaf David Fulks. While the world popped champagne, I welcomed an incredible gift that keeps on giving.
Asaf’s creativity, sharp mind, and loving heart continue to uplift all who know him 🎶💝🌹
May this year bring him—and all of us—growth, joy, and success. Happy Birthday, Asaf, May God shine his light upon you now and always ✡🌞🙏
We pray for peace in our beloved Israel and the return of the hostages soon ☮
Happy New Year to All 🥂🕊💐
#happybirthday #happynewyear #newyear2025 #peace #iloveisrael #kirafulks #kirasart #yakirashimonifulks #nostr #nostrart
Happy Holidays to our friends and family around the world 🕎🌲☮
This year, on the rare occasion that Hannukah and Christmas fall on the same day, we are reminded of our common roots and shared hopes.
Hannukah is a story of faith, resilience against overwhelming odds. The Maccabees' battle was not just a military victory, but a spiritual triumph. Today, that same spirit fuels the hearts of our brave men and women who protect Israel and the right of our people to live and thrive in their ancestral home.
Christmas, too, is a celebration of light and hope. May the light of these holidays—Hannukah’s flames and Christmas’ star—guide us in our pursuit of unity and peace.
We pray for the return of the hostages, the safety of our soldiers, prosperity and lasting peace around the world.
So long ago and far away
on starry night on bed of hay
a child was born and so it’s told
to save our world to shine as gold.
So many moons have passed since then
the earth has turned yet once again
and still our world is dark with madness
full of cry and hate and sadness.
For we forgot we all are sparks
here from Heaven to light the dark
each child is born to keep the flame
aglow, eternal and in His name.
It’s up to us to make the change
to bring together the good and strange
to make the most of who we are
a world full of shining stars.
Love yourself and love your neighbor
always try to make life better
do it now and don’t delay
make tomorrow a better day.
*
©Yakira Shimoni Fulks
December 23, 2021 | OC, California
#HappyHolidays #HappyHannukah #MerryChristmas #PeaceOnEarth #Hannukah2024 #Christmas2024 #Peace #kirafulks #yakirashimonifulks #kirasart #nostr #nostrart #poetry #nostrpoetry
Happy 90th Birthday to my beautiful mother, Shulamit Shimoni 🌹👑💝
Today, we celebrate a wonderful milestone and the life of a woman of incredible strength, love and true devotion. My mother is the very embodiment of Eshet Chayil, “A woman of valor whose worth is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). Her resilience and optimism have been our source of strength and inspiration, guiding us through happy and very challenging times.
In Kabbalah, the number 90 symbolizes wisdom and peace, and in gematria, it is associated with the letter 'Tzadi', representing kindness and generosity—qualities that describe my mother perfectly, and are beautifully reflected in her name. Shulamit is derived from the Hebrew root Sh-L-M, meaning peace and wholeness. In Song of Songs, Shulamit appears as King Solomon’s beautiful beloved. According to Kabbalistic interpretations, Shulamit also symbolizes Jerusalem, which shares the same root and stands as our eternal symbol of peace and unity.
This week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah (חיי שרה), recounts the life of our matriarch Sarah, who, miraculously, gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90, and lived to 127—a story of hope, faith, resilience and renewal. Just like our maternal grandmother, Savta Sarah, who lived to the ripe age of 99 and had 99 offspring when she departed. The timing of this Haftora readying with Mom’s birthday is a beautiful message from Savta and a blessing for a long and fruitful life 🎂🥂🎈✨
On your birthday Ima, I wish you continued vitality, happiness, and much nachat 💝 We pray for peace in our beloved Israel, for the safety of our soldiers and the return of the hostages ✡🙏☮
Through highs and through lows
In sunshine or rain
You are my mom, my sister, my friend—
lifting me up through joy and through pain.
I love you so dear
I wish you were near
I think of you always
each day of the year.
*
Yakira Shimoni Fulks
November 24, 2024
#happybirthday #kirafulks #yakirashimonifulks #kirasart #love #ilovemymom #nostr #nostrart #poetry
Shanah Tovah U’Metukah – Wishing a sweet and peaceful new year to all 🍎🍯❤שנה טובה ומתוקה לכל עם ישראל והעולם
The year 5784 has been challenging and difficult for the State of Israel and Jews around the world—a year of complex existential struggles that have taken a heavy toll. May the new year bring peace, healing and unity. We pray for strength to overcome the challenges ahead, for the return of the hostages, the healing of the wounded, the safety of our brave soldiers, and the security of Israel.
May He who makes peace in Heaven make peace on earth, soon in our days. ✡ עושה שלום במרומיו הוא יעשה שלום עלינו ועל כל ישראל
FOR YOU JERUSALEM
And for you Jerusalem
I sing you a song
for your bright blue sky
and your light that is strong
may God fill you
with a cheerful delight
and may peace be yours
.all our days and our nights.
ולך ירושלים
אזמר שיר מזמור
על שמי התכלת
הפריחה והאור
וישים לך האל
שלווה בחיקך
במהירה בימינו
עוד שלום נברך
*
©Yakira Shimoni Fulks
June 14, 2018 | Har Adar, Israel
Photo: Sunrise over Jerusalem, view from my parents' house in Har Adar.
#ShanahTovah #Israel #Hope Peace #NewBeginnings #Jerusalem #istandwithisrael #love #kirafulks #yakirashimonifulks #kirasart #happynewyear #nostr #nostrart #poetry
On this last Shabbat of a year marked by deep loss and hardship, faith and resilience of Jews in Israel and around the world, we find comfort in the Haftarah reading and the words of Isaiah:
"בְּכָל־צָרָתָם לוֹ צָר וּמַלְאַךְ פָּנָיו הוֹשִׁיעָם בְּאַהֲבָתוֹ וּבְחֶמְלָתוֹ הוּא גְאָלָם"
"In all their affliction, He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His compassion, He redeemed them." (Isaiah 61:10–63:9)
Isaiah reminds us that God does not abandon us in our suffering. He shares our pain and will guide us toward redemption. This message resonates with Parashat Nitzavim, where Moses speaks to the people of Israel about their renewal of the covenant with God, with the promise that they will be His people, and He will be their God:
“לְעָבְרְךָ בִּבְרִית יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, וּבְאָלָתוֹ, אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, כֹּרֵת עִמְּךָ הַיּוֹם. לְמַעַן הָקִים אֹתְךָ הַיּוֹם לוֹ לְעָם, וְהוּא יִהְיֶה-לְּךָ לֵאלֹהִים”
“You are entering into a covenant with the Lord your God, and into His oath, which the Lord your God is making with you today, in order to establish you today as His people and He will be your God.” (Deuteronomy 29:11–12)
As we approach the High Holidays in these challenging times, despite the pain, we carry with us the timeless hope for a brighter future, with everlasting faith that God’s will protect us and bring us healing and peace.
We pray for the safety of our brave soldiers, the return of the hostages, and peace in Israel, soon in our days 🙏 עם ישראל חי
Shanna Tova U'Metooka to all 🍎🍯💝
#shannatova #shabbatshalom #istandwithisrael #happynewyear #kirafulks #yakirashimonifulks #kirasart #peace #love #israel #hope #nostr #nostrart
https://youtu.be/s_PD8q3lS2c?si=2KhbsSiYICcWQb0f
Today, Friday the 13th is not considered unlucky in Judaism. On the contrary, the number 13 symbolizes a higher realm beyond the material world, embodying divine attributes, unity, and faith. On Friday, God created Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden💐
1. Thirteen Attributes of Mercy: God revealed 13 attributes of mercy to Moses in the Book of Exodus (34:6-7). These attributes represent divine compassion and are recited during prayers on Yom Kippur.
2. Thirteen Principles of Faith: The Jewish philosopher, Maimonides, outlined 13 core Jewish beliefs, which include the existence of God, the uniqueness of God, the coming of the Messiah, and the resurrection of the dead.
3. Gematria of 13: In Jewish numerology, the Hebrew words for "One" (Echad) and "Love" (Ahavah) both have the numerical value of 13, reflecting the divine unity and love.
4. Bar Mitzvah: A Jewish boy becomes a Bar Mitzvah at the age of 13 assumes adult responsibility and is obligated to observe the commandments.
5. Tefillin Knots: The tefillin straps form letters that spell "שדי" (Shaddai), totaling 13, representing one of God's names.
For me, the number 13 holds special meaning, as my father was born on January 13, 1933 and passed away on July 13, 1994💙
Below is "13th Sphere" a song I wrote with my dear son @Asaf Fulks,inspired by a dream I had in 1999. In the dream, I was walking on a dark night with my cousin, Judge Shimoni, on a hill in Jerusalem, when I saw the Temple Mount glowing brightly in the darkness, filling me with tears and hope for a glorious future. 🔯🙏🕎
#peace #love #kirafulks #yakirashimonifulks #kirasart #Jerusalem #israel #hope #nostr #nostrart #songwriting #faith #dreams
Last night, I enjoyed another wonderful evening with friends at the ‘Rejoice in Hope’ banquet, an annual fundraising event for Horizon Pregnancy Clinic, held at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, California.
Horizon Pregnancy Clinic, a licensed medical facility in Huntington Beach with new locations in Long Beach and Santa Ana, is led by Debora Tous, the dedicated Chief Executive Officer and driving force behind the clinic. The clinic offers a comprehensive range of services provided by compassionate, licensed professionals to support those facing unplanned pregnancies. Services include pregnancy testing, onsite ultrasounds, pregnancy options education, adoption information, maternity and infant supplies, parenting education, post-delivery and post-abortion support, and resources for men. Between September 2022 and August 2023, Horizon helped bring 566 babies to term. The evening was made even more special by some parents who shared their heartfelt stories, accompanied by their children. It was a truly beautiful and moving experience.
“We cannot diminish the value of one category of human life—the unborn—without diminishing the value of all human life.”
— President Ronald Reagan
#ProLifeSupport #ChangingLives #nostr #nostrart #kirafulks #yakirashimonifulks #kirasart
I have epic dreams lately, some good, some not so. I woke up this morning to more sad news from Israel 💔 Praying this real nightmare will be over soon 🙏💙🔯
IN THE QUIET OF THE NIGHT
In the quiet of the night, where my thoughts softly stream
I drift to distant lands, a place of endless dreams—
where whispered echoes and fantasies take flight
a world unseen by daylight, yet vivid and so bright.
Stars gleam like diamonds and moonlight paves the way
through corridors of wonder where time begins to sway—
I dance on silver cloud tops, a swirling magic ride
I soar through endless realms on wings of hopes has died.
Faces from the past and those yet to be
I meet in twilight moments where I roam so free—
a lover’s gentle whisper and friends’ forgotten smiles
found in places not yet traveled, in journeys without miles.
There, sadness finds comfort, and joy begins to weave
a tapestry of moments I never wish to leave—
for in this silent haven where time bends and twists
each dream is my keepsake, a precious little gift.
As dawn breaks the sky and night begins to fade
my dreams drift to shadows, within my mind they wade—
I treasure every nightfall, each fleeting star-lit flight
For in the world of dreams, I soar to endless heights.
*
©Yakira Shimoni Fulks
August 29, 2024 | Orange County, California
'In the quiet of the night' –Pencil on paper
#poem #poetry #nostrpoetry #art #nostr #artstr #nostrart #kirafulks #yakirashimonifulks #kirasart
GOLDEN REINS
The golden reins that bound us tight
in love, sweet love, through day and night
though far apart, still fire burns
with every thought, at every turn
in dreams we meet, two shining stars,
eternal light is this love of ours.
©Yakira Shimoni Fulks
August 27, 2024 | Orange County, California
#poem #poetry #nostrpoetry #art #nostr #artstr #nostrart #kirafulks #yakirashimonifulks #kirasart
TAKERS AND GIVERS
There are takers and there are givers
some give love some give shivers
some spread warmth like summer light
some cast chills as winter’s night.
In this world of give and take
we choose the paths we want to make:
to heal or harm to build or break
to lift up hearts or make them ache.
So be a giver not a taker
live with honor not as faker
for in giving love will grow
and hearts will bloom before you know.
Let kindness be the path you tread
with every word let love be spread
caring lifts the spirit high
and soothes each heart that pains and cries.
Seek to sow with gentle hands
the seeds of love that ease all pangs
for in this dance of life you’ll find
the joy of giving frees the mind.
*
©Yakira Shimoni Fulks
July 26, 2024 | Orange County, California
Reflections -- art made with #ISKN
#poem #poetry #nostrpoetry #art #nostr #artstr #nostrart
Shalom Abba 💝 In Memory of my father, Haviv Shimoni 🙏🌹🔯
Today, the 5th of Av, marks 30 years since my father, Haviv Shimoni, passed away at 61. Haviv, meaning "the beloved one," was admired by all who knew him. As a member of the Jerusalem City Council, member of the Knesset, and a leader of the Kurdish community in Israel, he confronted the ethnic inequality between European and Middle Eastern Jews in Israel, and was respected for his unwavering commitment to equality and justice. He envisioned an Israeli society where cultural diversity was cherished, and all Jews could pursue their dreams.
During the nine days of Av, Jews mourn the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem with hope for the coming of the Messiah. The literal meaning of this day is "God consoles father." Though my father had much more to give, on this day, God soothed him and comforted us. The mantra of his life, "Do good and pursue peace" עשה טוב בקש שלום ורדפהו resonates with the promise of this significant day. In his own way, my father brought us closer to a time when sorrow will turn to joy, mourning to celebration, and darkness to light.
My father's headstone, is a rough boulder found in a Jerusalem field. His chiseled poem reflects the passion that guided him throughout his life:
"...and wide green expanses are sweeping here and up above, and the wonderment of life will continue to beat in the heart, forever..."
ומרחבים ירוקים פרושים מפה ומעל ותמיהת החיים עוד תפעם בלב לבאות
This week, on the 2nd of Av, we also remembered my father's sister, our dear Aunt Zadika, who like her name was a righteous woman. Her kindness, her laughter, warm hugs, wise advice and delicious food are cherished memories that will always live in our hearts.
May their memory be blessed 🙏🔯💙
#inmemory #father #love #nostr
I AWAKE
I awake in the morning
so upset and distressed
to a world full of mayhem
so confused and so messed.
The sun through my window
so bright comes to heal
but the weight of the chaos
is all that I feel.
Each step feels uncertain
each breath heavy sigh
as I wander in shadows
under our earth troubled sky.
I pray that the turmoil
will soon take its flight
for a whisper of hope
for a glimmer of light.
I rise in deep sorrow
seek calm from the storm
and wish for infusion
of new hopes to be born.
*
Yakira Shimoni Fulks Art and Poetry
July 28, 2024 | OC, CA
Depressed and Upset | Pencil on Paper
#poem #poetry #nostrpoetry #art #nostr #artstr #nostrart
A MAN IS HIS WORDS
A man is his words and his actions that follow
in passage of time his deeds he will swallow
the whispers of truth or the lies that he weaves
his essence revealed in the life that he lives.
Promises spoken in the dark of the night
may turn to gifts in the dawn’s early light
or vanish like mist in the warmth of the sun
unseen and forgotten when all’s said and done.
In kindness or wrath in wisdom or jest
a man’s heart is known by the paths that he sets
not just in speaking but in what he has shown
in quiet reflections where true self is known.
For words are blown in the winds of our fate
but actions reveal what those words truly state
in echoes of acts both the grand and the small
a man finds his worth in his rise and his fall.
So let not your speech be a hollow refrain
but a promise sincere with honor regained
for a man is his words and his actions that follow
in the passage of time he will find joy or sorrow.
*
Yakira Shimoni Fulks Art and Poetry
July 25, 2024 | OC, CA
The Rabbi -- Pencil drawing on paper
#poem #poetry #nostrpoetry #art #nostr #artstr #nostrart
ALONE AND SLIGHT
Day is breaking
it is light
the sky
in shades of butternut
autumn leaves fall
and rut
on moss green patch
a flower sprouts
pure white
alone and slight.
*
Yakira Shimoni Fulks Art and Poetry
September 28, 2022 | OC, California
#poem #poetry #nostrpoetry #art #nostr #artstr #nostrart
GOLDEN FIELDS
In golden fields my soul has roamed
and grassy hills she called her home
in endless summer days she flourished
on dreams of lasting love she nourished.
*
©Yakira Shimoni Fulks
July 23, 2020 | OC, California
#poem #poetry #nostrpoetry #art #nostr #artstr
CALIFORNIA SUMMER SUNDAY
Ocean waves caress the shore
herring seagulls keow and soar
palm trees sway in gentle breeze
and bathing babes–-a summer’s tease.
Golden rays kiss the sand
lovers stroll hand in hand
kids fly kites along the pier
in sky so blue, so vast, so clear.
California summer Sunday
where time and worries fade away
a sparkling place I call my home
where I love to live and roam.
*
Yakira Shimoni Fulks
July 10, 2024 | OC, California
#nostrart #nostrpoetry #drawing #art #poetry
Check! My book THE BOY IN THE BOX is now on playing on my YouTube channel. Enjoy and Subscribe.
“The Boy in the Box” is an engaging rhyming tale in English and Hebrew, about a sad little boy who sits in a box, paralyzed by fear of the outside world. His existence is interrupted by a lively Bee who invites him to play outside. The story captures the essence of loneliness and the sudden opportunity for friendship from the very first verse.
The illustrations vividly depict the boy’s emotional journey, a rollercoaster between hopelessness and joy. The poem concludes with a powerful message about how the thoughts and choices we make affect our lives. A timeless story which invites readers to reflect, confront their fears, and embrace life.
When at times life seems harsh and a bit scary
and it’s so hard to laugh to sing and be merry
when deep down inside you feel ever so lonely
and you say to yourself: “Oh, I wish, Oh, if only . . .
”What if your wish became suddenly true
and you could step out with your hat and your shoes
would you stay in your box and play the blame game
or kindle your spirit with a bright glowing flame?
♥
#Art and #Poetry: Yakira Shimoni Fulks
#AudioEngineering: nostr:npub1zete4tgtqyfns5zavpa882ej9tt2gfhhd97rursq0crztzt2hyhsk4n8ys
The OC Recording Company
Copyright 2022 | Yakira Shimoni Fulks Art and Poetry | All Rights Reserved
The printed copy contains both English and Hebrew versions. Available on my website The Boy in the Box https://kirasart.com/product/the-boy-in-the-box/
https://youtu.be/Kqn-zasy2j4?si=yEzQfnKOdCIMG2N1
#nostrbooks #nostrart