Jewish learning Newly Endowed Arts Initiative Brings Vibrant Vision to
Hebrew College
Recognizing the transformative power of art, Hebrew College recently established a new arts endowment to support our Arts Initiative. This dedicated funding stream will enable the Initiative’s leadership committee to continue expanding their reach, programming ambitious seasonal exhibits, and developing innovative educational initiatives. (Above: “Prayer in Blue”, Silvina Mizrahi, on display at Hebrew College through December 20, 2024.)
At the heart of Hebrew College’s fine art programming is the Arts Committee, chaired by Hebrew College Trustee Deborah Feinstein, a passionate arts advocate with a resume spanning decades in the museum world. As the driving force behind the committee, Deb is leading the charge to integrate art and Jewish learning in innovative ways.
“Hebrew College is open to many different ways of learning. Music, dance, text study, art,” Deb explains. “Art can open eyes.” With a master’s degree in Jewish Studies from Hebrew College and a background in art history, she is uniquely positioned to bridge the two disciplines. After retiring from a 30-year career as one of the first female museum directors in the country, Deb felt called to share her expertise with the Hebrew College community. A few years ago, Deb helped form the Arts Committee, inspired by President Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld’s vision for a more integrated approach to education. “It was very this, this, this and this,” Deb recalls, dividing the air with her hands. “Now we’re not in silos anymore.”
Centennial Exhibit “Eight Approaches” by Joshua Meyer (2022)
The committee, composed of artists, art collectors, and Jewish studies scholars, has curated a vibrant series of exhibitions that bring Jewish identity and values to life through diverse media. From thought-provoking contemporary pieces to historical works, each show is crafted to complement the college’s curriculum and engage the community. “We try to tie it all together,” Deb says.
The art committee’s commitment and experience shines through in the visioning, planning, and execution of the college’s seasonal exhibits. “Exhibitions take a great deal of time,” Deb notes, explaining that in order to maintain a consistent level of quality, relevance, and coherence with the school’s broader efforts, “the committee begins planning shows two years in advance.”
One such initiative is an upcoming labyrinth installation by artist Shirah Rubin. Set to grace the College’s front lawn from April through October of 2025, the immersive work will invite visitors to embark on a meditative journey, tracing the winding path with their feet. “The labyrinth as a symbol can represent inner soul discovery,” Deb explains, noting its deep roots in Jewish mysticism as a symbol for the search for inner truth and connection. The project will also serve as a learning tool for rabbinical students and other Hebrew College learners, along with outside groups and visitors.
“Seeing Torah” Exhibit featuring works by Anita Rabinoff-Goldman (2021)
The committee’s professional approach has earned the Hebrew College Arts Initiative a growing reputation, attracting visitors from other institutions to learn from their model. “I couldn’t possibly do this alone,” says Deb, although her career directing museums makes her an ideal chair. Other members shape the committee with their experience as artists, collectors, and active members of Greater Boston’s Jewish community. Susan Schechter, an avid art collector with an impeccable eye, lends her discerning perspective to the selection process. Architect Dorothea Buckler, tapestry artist Anita Rabinoff-Goldman, painter Josh Meyer, quilter Carol Targum, Mosaicist BettyAnn Libby, and ceramicist Shirah Rubin envision innovative ways to integrate art with the college’s academic programs. All committee members use their expertise to ensure that the committee’s work resonates deeply with Hebrew College’s diverse constituencies.
Faith in Isolation Exhibit (2021)
The committee’s hope is that the new endowment will make ambitious exhibits like Rubin’s labyrinth the norm. But the Committee’s true north remains the enrichment of the College community itself.
“It’s opening up horizons for so many people,” Deb says, describing how the art exhibitions integrate with the Rabbinical School and other Hebrew College programs. Looking to the future, the committee envisions an ever-evolving arts landscape that reflects the college’s values of lifelong learning and community. With their leadership and creative vision, bolstered by an endowment to allow for sustained success, Hebrew College’s Arts Initiative is poised to inspire and enlighten for years to come.