“art is spirituality!”: practice, play, and experiential learning in the jewish renewal movement

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis essay explores the art world of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal—in order to better understand the role of particular material practices in creating a distinctive religious experience and community. One attractive characteristic of Jewish Renewal is its invitation to play artistically with Jewish canonical texts, practices, and traditions. While some might argue that play leads necessarily to a limited and fragmentary Judaism, and that more rigorous study and practice is required, others see both practice and play as routes to a deeper religious experience. Artistic play with Jewish texts and traditions is seen by Renewal Jews as experiential learning, a variety of midrash (biblical interpretation). Artistic adornment of ritual objects and garb may also be understood as hiddur mitzvah (beautifying the religious precepts). Through an examination of the work of five artists (two painters, two fabric artists, and a weaver), the essay engages the concept of “handmade midrash” (artistic works as interpretations of sacred texts); creative reinterpretations of such traditions as counting the Omer and celebrating the New Moon; and the meaning of Torah and of prayer. This essay argues that through artistic engagement with Judaism, Renewal Jews practice play.