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| Nahalat Shalom: The Place for Art and Artists - Hershel Weiss Artists have always held a place of honor at Nahalat Shalom. Contrary to how artists are marginalized by the wider society, here we have been placed at the center. The more I think about this, the more profound it seems. I'll always remember the first time I saw a woman hold the torah, here at Nahalat Shalom. It brought tears to my eyes, the rightness of it, and the sadness of the other unjust, yet deeply enculturated way. Although this space has been made for the artists, for the most part we remain a scattered gang of creative energy, used to working in our studios on our own. We have been brought up in a culture that elevates a few artists, creating superstars, and leaves the rest believing we have to compete with each other for the crumbs that remain. No wonder, then, that we are hesitant to come out of our studios and join forces. And yet the opportunity is here for us to break free of the old structures and create something new. How rare and precious this is! In this spirit I moved to Nahalat Shalom shortly after Sukkot. My woodshop is in the northeast corner of the 'L' building, and I am sharing the residence with Burt Lopez. I can't tell you how blessed I feel to be a part of the development of this treasure in the North Valley. I hope you had a chance to see the Sukkot art show. I was amazed to see the commonalities between the works. So many pieces reflected the themes of compassion, peace, unity, and justice. But this should come as no surprise. Aren't these themes the foundations of our faith? Our gallery is one place of great potential at the synagogue. With a new floor and better lighting and the talents of Jewish artists it will grow into something even more marvelous. The sanctuary is another area of rich possibility. Already it is adorned with art. But imagine the columns decorated; perhaps they become trees of life joining at the peak of the roof. Or carved with Hebrew, or covered with handmade tiles. A larger bima with an inlaid pattern. A built in ark, beautiful entry doors….so many possibilities. There has been talk of a bookstore, a Judaica shop. There is room for more art/craft studios. Under Nicole's care, Desert Sage is becoming more a journal and less a congregation's newsletter. Artists: Send her images of your work, photographs, and drawings. And this property we own. Much of it is still raw space, begging for beautification and sanctification by the touch of the artist. I hope you will poke your head in my woodshop and see what I'm up to. And be sure to check out the art at the Funky Hanukkah Freylich. | |||||||||
