Name: Noam Sienna
Bio: Noam Sienna is a Hebrew calligrapher, scholar, and manuscript artist, with degrees in religion, anthropology, education, and history from Brandeis University, the University of Toronto, and currently in progress at the University of Minnesota. His work explores the relationship between text, image, colour, and light, inspired by the tradition of Jewish books throughout the centuries, and with a particular focus on Jewish communities of the Middle East and North Africa. He has taught about Hebrew calligraphy and Jewish manuscript illumination to groups and individuals of all ages in both academic and hands-on settings. His graduate work in Jewish History and Museum Studies provides his art with deep roots and a commitment to seeing the past come alive again in the process.
Website: http://siennajewisharts.com
Profile Link: https://opensiddur.org/profile/noam-sienna
Name: Shlomo haPaytan
Bio: Shlomo "Ḥazaq Amats" (שלמה חזק אמץ, Solomon "for strength and courage") was a paytan and author of a beloved piyyut for Sukkot, "El Ram Ḥasin Yah" (G!D on High, Mighty Yah) on which he added his signature as an acrostic. Unfortunately, little else is known of him. As the piyyut was popular in Afghanistan and is thematically concerned with the archetpal Ushpizin of kabbalistic lore and mystical sukkot custom, we may cautiously assume that Shlomo was a paytan in Afghanistan in the 17th or 18th century, after which the piyyut spread to other communities.
Website:
Profile Link: https://opensiddur.org/profile/shlomo-hazaq-amats
