ARTS AT THE 2018 CONFERENCE
This year’s arts exhibits at Ohalah feature a new look. Integrating collaborative offerings with a number of participating artists, there is an emphasis on portraying some of the history of Jewish renewal through Judaic arts. Papercuts by Judith Hankin, from the original Or Chadash siddur are on display, as well as photographic images of Scribal Arts showing Torah scribing by R. Kevin Hale, and newer expressions of Hebrew living letters by artist R. Linda Motzkin. Kevin will be giving a Tuesday afternoon workshop on writing a sefer Torah and teaching a rare Czech script, bringing life forward from a lost community as he repairs and renews Torahs.
The origins of Jewish Renewal Sacred Garments is reflected in an array of early tallitot from the 1970s through 1990s. Evolving styles of woven, sewn, appliqué and painted shawls and robes, especially for women, show the evolution of creative ideas of sacred adornment, which was revolutionary at the time. Several artists shared their work for the display, including weaver R. Hanna Tiferet Siegel, seamstress Charlotte Sutker, and silk painter Shonna Husbands-Hankin and others.
The Reb Zalman Room has been transformed into a broader Legacy Room, Makom haYerusha. Reb Zalman’s legacy extends through the life inspiration and work of his beloved students and the evolving consciousness of the Jewish Renewal community of souls. In the Legacy Room we honor the memory of Reb Zalman z’l and his students/ musmachim who have passed from this world. Here you can experience some of their core works and reflect on their inspiration and dedication to bringing forth the light. This year we honor the memories of R. David Wolfe-Blank z’l, R. Aryeh HIrschfield z’l, Cantor Susan Wehle z’l, R. Nomi Oren z’l, R. Bonna Haberman z’l and R. Shoni Labowitz z’l. Audio soundtracks and video recordings will be shown from the archival documentary collection by R. Sarah Leah Grafstein.
This year’s OHALAH theme, Bahom Hahu: Judaism in an Uncertain World, is reflected in offerings inspiring Social Justice efforts. The dining hall table centerpieces reflect meaningful Biblical quotations encouraging us to speak and work for justice and tikkun olam. R.P. De Herman has prepared quotations sourced from her own sanctuary parochet for your reflection and has partnered with R.P. Sandra Wortzel to create the centerpieces.
To continue the social justice theme, in the hallway, you will find a table of inspiring ideas to aid the homeless/unhoused, including model ideas for building “Opportunity Villages” of tiny homes, and Blessing Bags with recommended handouts (warm socks, mittens, soft proteins, etc.) you can teach your communities to use for our neighbors in need. A Scroll of Justice offers blank paper and pens and an opportunity for you to record your Commitments for Change and your Ideas for Hope, so the Ohalah community can engage with each other about these important issues.
Main hall and dining room colorful banners include works of artists E.H. Jackie Olenick, Sandy Pond and new works by Shonna Husbands-Hankin.
This year’s Arts Team was coordinated by E.H. Shonna Husbands-Hankin, with deep participation by R.P. De Herman and R. Yitzhak Husbands-Hankin.
(R. = Rabbi R.P. = Rabbinic Pastor E.H. = Eshet Hazon)
The origins of Jewish Renewal Sacred Garments is reflected in an array of early tallitot from the 1970s through 1990s. Evolving styles of woven, sewn, appliqué and painted shawls and robes, especially for women, show the evolution of creative ideas of sacred adornment, which was revolutionary at the time. Several artists shared their work for the display, including weaver R. Hanna Tiferet Siegel, seamstress Charlotte Sutker, and silk painter Shonna Husbands-Hankin and others.
The Reb Zalman Room has been transformed into a broader Legacy Room, Makom haYerusha. Reb Zalman’s legacy extends through the life inspiration and work of his beloved students and the evolving consciousness of the Jewish Renewal community of souls. In the Legacy Room we honor the memory of Reb Zalman z’l and his students/ musmachim who have passed from this world. Here you can experience some of their core works and reflect on their inspiration and dedication to bringing forth the light. This year we honor the memories of R. David Wolfe-Blank z’l, R. Aryeh HIrschfield z’l, Cantor Susan Wehle z’l, R. Nomi Oren z’l, R. Bonna Haberman z’l and R. Shoni Labowitz z’l. Audio soundtracks and video recordings will be shown from the archival documentary collection by R. Sarah Leah Grafstein.
This year’s OHALAH theme, Bahom Hahu: Judaism in an Uncertain World, is reflected in offerings inspiring Social Justice efforts. The dining hall table centerpieces reflect meaningful Biblical quotations encouraging us to speak and work for justice and tikkun olam. R.P. De Herman has prepared quotations sourced from her own sanctuary parochet for your reflection and has partnered with R.P. Sandra Wortzel to create the centerpieces.
To continue the social justice theme, in the hallway, you will find a table of inspiring ideas to aid the homeless/unhoused, including model ideas for building “Opportunity Villages” of tiny homes, and Blessing Bags with recommended handouts (warm socks, mittens, soft proteins, etc.) you can teach your communities to use for our neighbors in need. A Scroll of Justice offers blank paper and pens and an opportunity for you to record your Commitments for Change and your Ideas for Hope, so the Ohalah community can engage with each other about these important issues.
Main hall and dining room colorful banners include works of artists E.H. Jackie Olenick, Sandy Pond and new works by Shonna Husbands-Hankin.
This year’s Arts Team was coordinated by E.H. Shonna Husbands-Hankin, with deep participation by R.P. De Herman and R. Yitzhak Husbands-Hankin.
(R. = Rabbi R.P. = Rabbinic Pastor E.H. = Eshet Hazon)
