As Reconstructionists, we experience Judaism not only as a religion, but also as an evolving cultural civilization. Jewish art, music, humor, food, languages, literature, ethics, and so much more give all of us the opportunity to express our Judaism in diverse ways.
It’s also essential to be reminded that Israel is much more than its politics du jour. It’s a vibrant society, composed of people from around the world, who have used their imagination and creativity to fashion new ways of being Jewish.
Israelis have learned to deal with danger and stress – both domestic and international – and are now trying to promote democracy and a more secular modern Jewish identity in a country where Ultra-Orthodoxy and chauvinism have too much power. Israelis, while aware of the desirability of living in a more just and peaceful Middle East, don’t know how to achieve those goals right now and sadly no one else does either.
One way of understanding their past, present and future is through the inspiration of art, an art that doesn’t hide, but poignantly reveals the tensions and frustrations, as well as the hopes and dreams of today and tomorrow.
So, please join us this Friday evening, May 12, at 7:00 p.m., when “Exploring Contemporary Israeli Art” will be the topic of Shabbat services. Our guest speaker will be Israeli artist and art historian, Shirel Horovitz, who will show a PowerPoint presentation, as she examines Israeli art as a window to Israeli history and collective memory. Her presentation will be a fascinating look at the Israeli art scene and the relationship between Jewish and Israeli identities and more.
Tel Aviv-based artist, Shirel Horovitz, is best known for her performances and installations incorporating etchings, sculptures, video, and sound. Her artistic practice explores cities, communities, and the relationship between humans and their physical surroundings. She earned her BFA from the prestigious Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem and her MA from The Interdisciplinary Art program at Tel Aviv University.
Ms. Horovitz has exhibited in major galleries, museums, and art festivals in Israel and the United States. She is the recipient of the Rabinovitch Foundation Artist Prize in 2018 and worked on a series for the Contemporary Print Festival in Jerusalem in March 2023. Alongside her art practice, Ms. Horovitz teaches art, lectures, gives art tours, and is an art consultant to various private groups and institutions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to understand Israel, now 75 years old, in a new and more profound way, far deeper than just the headlines. As we all know, art reveals hidden truths, reflects shared discomfort, and gives us empathic ways of dealing with reality and promoting a better future.
Click here to RSVP for our in-person services. If you want to watch on Livestream, there’s no need to RSVP.
Please also RSVP for University Synagogue’s Annual Gala on Saturday, evening, May 20 (click here).
It will be a wonderful night of great fun, music, fellowship, auctions, food, free childcare, and a celebration of our congregation’s 36th (double chai) birthday. We need you and we want to be at the Gala to join in rejoicing in all that University Synagogue provides for each of us and to help shape our future. Happy birthday to University Synagogue and Israel. Let’s celebrate both.
One more thing. If you haven’t yet written an email of support to Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, imprisoned in Russia and falsely accused of espionage, please do so now to freegershkovich@gmail.com.
Each week at Shabbat services, we have remembered Evan, the son of Russian Jews, and we will continue to do so each week until he is free by dedicating our “Elijah’s Chair” to him. Draped in a tallit, our Elijah’s Chair has always been on our bima as a reminder to work for “Tikkun Olam,” the improvement of the world. The chair served for many years as a way of working to free Soviet Jewry and then took on a broader meaning. Evan’s imprisonment reminds us that Russian anti-Semitism and totalitarianism are still a great threat, and, along with Russia’s war in Ukraine, must end.
So, support our “brother” Evan and please send him an email today.
Shavua Tov/Have a joyous and thoughtful week,
Rabbi Arnie Rachlis
