Category: Jewish Text Art Challenge Galleries

The galleries feature art inspired by a selected Jewish text or tradition. Texts are selected monthly. Artists of all media are encouraged to submit their work for inclusion in the galleries. Password protected galleries can be created for classroom use.

Av - Nachamu

Needlepoint Comfort – Chaim Parchi

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We were mesmerized by the colors and fluidity in Chaim Parchi’s needlepoint design. With the words of “Nachamu – comfort” surrounding images of Jerusalem, Parchi’s design embraced us. We couldn’t help but wonder how the completed needlepoint would feel under our fingertips, magnifying how our sense of touch is connected with the idea of comfort and safety.

Thank you to the artist, Chaim Parchi, for his permission to use this image, and to Doreen Finkel at www.artneedlepoint.com for connecting us. More information and his other work can be found at http://www.artneedlepoint.com/artists/parchi-chaim.

Av - Nachamu

Nachamu – The Power of The Words

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Israeli-artist Michael Sgan-Cohen created this acrylic and oil pen work in 1978. The street sign and emphasis on the words highlight the prophetic nature of the verse. It is a direction and call to action underlining the power of words to bring comfort.

By Michael Sgan-Cohen (מיכאל סגן-כהן) (Ktavim) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Av - Nachamu, Jewish Text Art Challenge Galleries

Nachamu Nachamu Ami – The Music

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Follow the links below to hear recordings or watch videos of musical arrangements for this month’s Jewish Text Art Challenge. We are always looking to increase the diversity of the art that we showcase. If you have original compositions or can connect us with someone who does, please be in touch!

We will add to this page as our collection grows. Let us know when you hear something that is especially meaningful or moves you.

  1. Pizmon (Co-ed Jewish A Cappella Group – Columbia University, Barnard College, Jewish Theological Seminary) Performs at Edgar M. Bronfman Memorial at Lincoln Center 1/28/2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGyLErU34Sw&feature=youtu.be
  2. Chai Notes (Co-ed Jewish A Cappella Group – Cornell University) Chai Notes alumni song Spring 2016 concert. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hWw4imCV44&feature=youtu.be
Av - Nachamu

Nachamu – Be Comforted My People

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Inspired by the words of Isaiah 40:1, the verse begins the haftara on Shabbat Nachamu, the “Shabbat of Comfort” immediately following the 9th of Av. It is the first in a series of texts of consolation, moving from the darkest day of Jewish history as the community seeks comfort, strength, the vision to rebuild. Join BooksAndBlintzes all through the Hebrew month of Av as we share inspiration for finding solace in the arts.

If you have original work you would like to contribute, please be in touch! We would love to hear your thoughts, feelings, and feedback about the images and music that we showcase on this site.

Jewish Text Art Challenge Galleries, July/Tammuz "Ma Tovu Ohalecha Ya'acov" How Goodly Are Your Tents O Jacob

Celebrate Our Artists

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Thank you to the following artists for sharing their creativity and inspiration during the July/Tammuz Jewish Text Art Challenge:

Featured musicians: Rick Recht, Danny Maseng

 

Jewish Text Art Challenge Galleries

Ma Tovu – The Music

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The words of the blessing have inspired countless musicians to compose melodies which evoke the meaning of the text.

Follow the links below to hear some of our favorites.

  1. Danny Maseng  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdOevovE3lk&feature=youtu.be 
  2. Rick Recht https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvlbz_GjE5U

BUT…

We need your help to fulfill our mission of highlighting the diversity of Jewish art and being more inclusive of the artists we showcase. Please share the names of musicians (instrumentalists and vocalists) you are familiar with who deserve to be celebrated here on Books and Blintzes. We can’t wait to discover new Jewish voices.

 

July/Tammuz "Ma Tovu Ohalecha Ya'acov" How Goodly Are Your Tents O Jacob

Balaam’s Perspective – A Blessing From Above

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Darius Gilmont’s painting “Parshat Balak” is all about perspective. We get to share Balaam’s view of the Israelite camp, and wonder if such a sight would also lead us to pronounce the words of “Ma Tovu“. Are the people aware that Balaam stands above them? Can they hear his blessing? With bright colors and simple shapes, Gilmont focuses on Balaam and provides a sense of order and intention to the text.

Darius Gilmont is a painter based in Ra’anana, Israel who connects his work to the “naive art” and “symbolist art” genres. To see more of his paintings, including others that depict Torah texts, please visit his website at www.darius-art.com.

Books and Blintzes thanks the artist for his permission to use this image. Please do not share, copy, distribute, etc. without his consent.