Esther Lavi was abandoned a few hours after she was born in the Arab part of the open market in Nazareth.
She was adopted by a Jewish family, although because nothing was known about her background she underwent a conversion to Judaism at the age of 12.
Now, many years later, as part of her graduation project at the Emunah college for arts, Esther presented an exceptional work of art which tells the story of her life.
At one point, she tells of the moment when, at 18, she found out about the circumstances of her adoption.
“I wasn't happy to hear that it was in the market of Nazareth, but I was ready,” she says in a video of Emunah College. “Other than that I didn't receive many details there was no significant information."
Remaining philosophical, Esther explained how she coped with the revelation.
"I understood that it was for the better - I am a faithful person and understand that it is important to believe that if that's what was in the portfolio - that's what I have to know.”
Since its inception, the Emunah College has been recognized and respected throughout Israel for its pioneering and award winning work in educating religious young women in Torah and the Arts. Its graduates have gone on to become gifted artists, graphic designers and Jewish educators contributing to all aspects of Israeli society. The College grants a Bachelors of Education degree and is recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Education as an institute of higher academic learning.”
Emunah v’Omanut strives to help its students live inspired religious lives "through the development of multiple modalities – mind, heart and expression – students can bring all of their youthful vitality into the service of Hashem,” according to the college’s website.