Visual Midrash

From Torah scribal designs, ritual items, biblical scenes of the masters to contemporary photography…

Midrash, or the process of meaning mining sacred text, has evolved and expanded visually despite the prohibition against “graven images”.

The aspects shown below are but some of the many themes developed over the thousands of years of Jewish experience.

These aspects of Visual Midrash should be approached as invitations towards Creativity, Innovation and Transformation by and for all participants in Jewish Life.

Visualizing Text -Torah Calligraphy and Talmud Pagination

Exploring traditions of adding meaning to the text itself.

From hand Lettering, columns, to Printing Press page design. Pages of the Talmud are ingenious works surrounding verses with centuries of commentaries as dynamic timeless living pieces.

Ritual Art, Sacred Spaces

Artisans have dedicated their skills to enhance the beauty of ritual items, kiddish cups, candle holders, Torah covers, etc

Jewish worship as environmental theater; ‘Klai Kodesh’ or ritual items as props, prayer space as inclusive stage.

Dura

Murals of the Synagogue at Dura Europos, 2nd/3rd century C.E.

This site provides ‘shocking’ evidence of Visual Midrash as a community’s spiritual resource

Eternal Echoes, Biblical Scenes

Jonah as seen through the eyes of a pre-teen retablo artist

Rembrandt and many others have been inspired by Hebrew Scriptures

Degenerate Art and Midcentury Modernism

Poster from Neue Galerie in New York 2014 exhibition

Hitler’s depiction of “jewish art” as degenerate yielded midcentury explosion of Jewish creativity

And Technology… – Ya’akov Agam

NerTamid or “eternal light” of the Agam ark in Palm Springs, CA reflects his colorful exploration of colors and shapes

Agam is a pioneer of kinetic art and viewer ‘participation.

Photography

Tzelum Hebrew for Photography -Tzelem image of the creator

This photograph yields deep meaning when explored through the four aspects of “PaRDeS” – Literal, play on words, lessons to be derived, and special gleanings for the viewer

Jewish Museums

Resources for Visual Midrash

Museums for the Jewish Virtual Tourist ? Morgues for Jewish Life or Lechayim experience? Global and Time Travel

Synagogue Websites and Art Programs

Portals to Contemporary Spirituality?

Synagogue websites – medium as the message. indicators or stimulators? Is spirituality inviting or hidden behind passwords?

Creative Jewish Arts Programs

Independent Initiatives

Many are the initiatives to bring the Jewish creative experience alive emphasizing our partnership with God in the daily renewal of creation!