Why I Paint Jesus This Way

I was stunned to learn how much I didn’t know—Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, had a Bar Mitzvah, kept kosher, and was a rabbi. Suddenly, my Savior became more real than ever.

I paint so others can learn what I’ve learned—through my artwork and the simple explanations in each description. No prior knowledge is needed—just an open heart, ready to love Him more deeply.

Most paintings of Jesus overlook a sacred truth: He was Jewish. As a Christian artist, I highlight this not just for historical accuracy, but because understanding His identity can deepen our love for Him.

My work incorporates recognizable Jewish symbols—even modern adaptations—to proclaim His Judaism. This matters deeply. When Scripture is used to justify hatred toward Jewish people, His message of love is tragically reversed. The Christ I follow called us to love—not to hate or condemn—the people He called His own.

These prints open a door to Jesus’ Jewish world. As Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:22, “True worship flows from true knowing.” May this glimpse into His Judaism lead you to know and love Him more deeply.

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Publication as Author

2009 – The Missing Paintings of Jesus as a Jew: Jesus, Tell Us About Your Judaism
Foreword by Lawrence S. Cunningham, John A. O’Brien Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame

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Words of Recognition

Lawrence S. Cunningham, John A. O’Brien Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame (2009)

“…we can applaud Goldstein’s reading of Jesus as a Jew, for that is exactly what He was.”

Rabbi Benjamin Blech, Professor of Talmud, Yeshiva University, New York (2009)

“To remind Christians—as well as the world—that Jesus was a Jew is to bring about greater understanding and even love between our faiths. For accomplishing this holy task, the author is to be highly commended.”

Sonia C. Solomonson, Managing Editor, The Lutheran; Executive Editor, The Little Lutheran (2009)

“Clara Maria Goldstein is doing beautifully what she set out to do: educate people about Christianity’s roots in Judaism and cultivate respect among Jews and Christians. Her glimpses of the historical Jesus have gained positive attention in Lutheran circles. Her work is healing and inspiring!”

Sister Mary Ann Gschwind, FSPA (2009)

“Clara Maria Goldstein clearly highlights the Jewish religious and cultural tradition in which Jesus was born, lived, and died. And her art beautifully portrays His life.”

Father Mike Tegeder, Church of St. Edward, Bloomington, MN (2009)

“Her stunning paintings gave our parish a new appreciation of the Jewish Jesus whose birth we were preparing to celebrate. A picture can speak a thousand words—Clara’s evocative paintings are worth a month of sermons.”