"When we create something beautiful, we are emulating God, who created the universe and imbued it with beauty." - Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, "The Sabbath"

Providing opportunities for our students to engage in creating art and music, and appreciating its worth and place in the Jewish experience is an important part of our Schechter values.  Our upcoming “Night of the Arts,” on Wednesday, May 31, will showcase the talents of our 3-8 Kehillot Jewish artists by providing them with an outlet to express their talent and spirituality in a meaningful way that demonstrates its value and brings the beauty and diversity of Jewish Art and music to life. 

We will be highlighting dance, instrumental, vocal, and the visual arts. There will be an art gallery and a wonderful concert that will serve as a reminder of the importance of creativity, community, and connection in our pursuit of a deeper understanding of God and the role spirituality can play in our lives through the beauty of music and art.

While Jews have long been recognized as “the people of the book,” adept at creating beautiful imagery through words,  art and music have also been important elements of Jewish culture and spirituality for thousands of years. From biblical times to the present, Jewish artists and musicians have used their talents to express their beliefs, tell stories, and create beauty. These forms of expression are not only appropriate and beautiful, they can deepen our connection to God and provide moving spiritual experiences.

There are so many ways art and music touch our souls and bring us closer to God and our ancestors. Many of the Psalms, for example, are written as songs and express a wide range of human emotions, from joy and gratitude to sadness and despair.  While not easily accessible to some, it is truly spiritually moving for others.

Music and art can also serve as a form of prayer. Jewish melodies used in synagogue services can move us and create a sense of community through  singing and harmonizing together. When I am at synagogue and my fellow congregants are fully engaged in singing beautiful melodies of prayer, complete with harmony, I, too, can be truly moved by that experience.

I also find the beauty and diversity of God's creation both in the natural world and in the art and music created by people. The natural world is full of breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary views, which all reflect the creativity and awesomeness of God. From the  peaks of the Grand Tetons to the harsh beauty of the Negev, the natural world is witness to the creativity of God.

We intuitively know, and studies have shown that exposure to natural environments, such as parks, forests, and oceans, can have a positive effect on our mood, reducing stress and promoting feelings of well-being. Similarly, exposure to art and music has been shown to have a calming and uplifting effect on the mind and spirit. Jewish art and music help us connect with our fellow humans and with the broader tapestry of God's creation.

In Judaism, the concept of hiddur mitzvah (the beautification of a mitzvah) is an important value. It suggests that the performance of a mitzvah (a religious commandment) should be done in the most beautiful way possible, as a way of honoring God's creation and elevating our own spiritual experience. This idea extends to the use of art and music in Jewish worship and prayer, as a way of enhancing our connection with God.

Whether experiences with beautiful art or music help you connect to God or simply moves you deeply to the core of your soul, it is evident that they play a central part in our culture and tradition. And that is why we, at Schechter Bergen, want to ensure that our children have meaningful opportunities to explore and engage with art and music and then share their knowledge and talents with the community.