Launched in 2021, the Artist Beit Midrash of Hebrew College & campus partner JArts brings together Jewish creators to study Jewish text, reflect on their creative process, and build community. Our members include poets, memoirists, painters, installation artists, photographers, singers, theater directors, textile artists, potters, podcasters and more. We have artists whose work has hung in world-class museums, and creatives who share work with friends and family. (Right, Spiral, The Law of the Universe and All Livings, Acrylic on canvas, Giti Ganjel, 2023)
Artist Beit Midrash members’ work may be Jewishly themed, but does not need to be. All mediums, themes, and levels of artistic and textual ability are welcome. Commitment to creative living as Jews is what brings us together.
(Top image: Going Forth, Acrylic on Canvas, Carol Daynard, 2023)
Elena Stone (Visual Artist)
The Artist Beit Midrash has made me feel less alone on my creative/artistic path, and given me a sense of being part of something larger than myself where I actually fit. It has helped me feel more integrated as an artist and a Jew.
Registration for 2023-2024
We are now open for registration for program year 2023-2024. This year qualified participants will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
When you participate, you receive:
A community and network of local Jewish artists and creators, with periodic in-person gatherings organized by members and alumni
Guided study of rich and accessible contemporary and classical texts that connect creativity to Jewish spirituality
Opportunities to reflect on your creative process in a small group setting
A place where your work and thoughts are received as sacred gifts
(Sunflower Series, Digital photo montage inkjet print on vinyl, Lisa Link, 2023)
Jesse Garlick (Theater Artist)
The Artist Beit Midrash informed what kind of artist I want to be, what kind of Jew I want to be and how I can blend those two together to create a meaningful impact in the communities in which I work and live.
Artist Beit Midrash Courses
Year Course 2023-2024
Who: For Boston-area creators only
When: Nine Monthly Wednesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Dates: Oct. 11, Nov. 15, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 7, March 6, April 10, May 8, June 5 Location: JArts offices 1320 Centre St, Newton Centre 02459 Tuition: $324 Registration:Register now
In the Artist Beit Midrash Year Course you will form deep connections with local Jewish creatives as we explore questions such as: What is Torah? (It’s more expansive than you think!)? How does Torah illuminate our creative process? How might our creativity be a form of Jewish prayer and study? Each session will include an introduction to the month’s theme, small groups discussion of classical and modern Jewish texts, and ample time for personal reflection and sharing. Small groups will stay the same throughout the year to promote depth of connection.
English translation is always provided. All levels of text skills are welcome.
If you are able to help sponsor a participant who needs financial assistance, or if you need financial assistance, please email abmregistration@hebrewcollege.edu
Fall Intensive
When: Five Thursday evenings, 6-7:30 p.m. EST Dates: Oct. 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9 Location: Zoom Tuition: $180 Registration: CANCELLED. Please email abmregistration@hebrewcollege.edu if you would be interested in a rescheduled Zoom course this winter.
In the Artist Beit Midrash Fall Intensive you will form new connections with local Jewish creatives as we connect Jewish understandings of Torah to our own creative process. We will explore questions such as: What is inspiration? What is Torah? (It’s more expansive than you think!)? How might a broader understanding of Torah illuminate and uplift our personal creative process?
Each session will include an introduction to the month’s theme, small group discussion of classical and modern Jewish texts, and ample time for personal reflection and sharing. Small groups will stay the same each week to promote depth of connection.
English translation is always provided. All levels of text skills are welcome.
Past Exhibit: “The Spiral That Reconnects”
In the spring/summer 2023 exhibition, members of the Artist Beit Midrash asked: How might The Work That Reconnects, and specifically The Spiral That Reconnects, inspire and deepen our creative work, and help it speak to the social and ecological crises we face? Curators: Shirah Rubin, coco rosenberg, and Deb Feinstein. (Pictured l-r: Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman, Shirah Rubin, and Laura Mandel of JArts)
Leah Abrahams, Visual Artist
The Artist Beit Midrash introduced me to a cohort of other Jewish artists in two ways: intellectually, during our group discussions of Torah, and emotionally, when we shared our work, our inspiration and ourselves with each other. I hope to deepen friendships with these artists and find ways to collaborate in the future.
Centering Judaism around creativity is exhilarating, so the conversations between artists in the Beit Midrash are both resonant and invigorating. But the best part of the Artist Beit Midrash is taking that energy back into my studio and painting through it.
Launched in 2021, the Artist Beit Midrash of Hebrew College & campus partner JArts brings together Jewish creators to study Jewish text, reflect on their creative process, and build community. Our members include poets, memoirists, painters, installation artists, photographers, singers, theater directors, textile artists, potters, podcasters and more. We have artists whose work has hung in world-class museums, and creatives who share work with friends and family. (Right, Spiral, The Law of the Universe and All Livings, Acrylic on canvas, Giti Ganjel, 2023)
In the spring/summer 2023 exhibition, members of the Artist Beit Midrash asked: How might The Work That Reconnects, and specifically The Spiral That Reconnects, inspire and deepen our creative work, and help it speak to the social and ecological crises we face? Curators: Shirah Rubin, coco rosenberg, and Deb Feinstein. (Pictured l-r: Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman, Shirah Rubin, and Laura Mandel of JArts) 
