This month’s Oculus selection is a sculpture, titled “Samurai,” by Graham Diamond, a member of the shul’s Judaism and Art group. The medium is buff clay that has been glazed and twice fired. The artist has acknowledged a particular interest in Japanese culture, philosophy, history and the centuries-long military influence of the Samurai warriors. Samurai, Diamond said, known particularly for their courage and expertise with weapons, were also educated, cultured, and often were writers and artists, such as this Samurai, who is holding a brush.

Photo by Graham Diamond