Saturday, March 12 at 7 p.m. please join Phil Levine and Linda Grant for Havdalah, refreshments, discussion and art in their home as they present Handmade Midrash – A Creative Judaica Art Workshop.
“Turn it, turn it, for everything is in it…” say our sages about the Torah. From rabbinic times forward, we have stories and commentaries that record the rabbis’ explorations of and reactions to sacred texts. Termed Midrash (investigation, searching out), these teachings, a form of art in themselves, turn the text inside out, exploring all of its nuances and commenting on its meaning by answering unanswered questions found in the text.
In the last several decades, many artists, clergy, educators, and scholars have been creating what they refer to as “contemporary midrash.” Their work uses the process of investigating biblical and other sacred texts to draw out meaning for people today; to re-animate biblical stories and characters, give new life and meaning to ritual objects, and to add contemporary voices, visions, and concerns to the legacy of commentary.
Using Midrash you can create your own unique hamsah, Seder plate, Kiddush cup, candle sticks, or mezuzah using glass, cardboard, clay, or wood, while learning more about Jewish holidays and traditions. We’ll be eating and creating, so please bring a dairy appetizer or dessert to share. Please RSVP to Laurie Raccuia at leibaesther@aol.com and let her know what you will bring.
