Arts & Torah Teachings

"The primary talent of an artist is his ability to step away from the externalities of the thing and, disregarding its outer form, gaze into its innerness and perceive its essence, and to be able to convey this in his painting. This is how an artist can serve his Creator." — The Rebbe

Can an appreciation for artistic creativity bring us closer to the divine? 

How can art be used as a medium for spiritual development?
I express my spirituality through the ARTS.  - Joy Krauthammer

Adin Steinsaltz offers: Bezalel's Creativity: Art as an Expression of the Divine

God chooses Bezalel to build the sanctuary in the desert because he was filled with "the spirit of God."

Explore God's role as creator and its implications for humankind, as we are created "in the image of God." 

~ ~ ~ 

My beloved Jerusalem chareidi Reb Yosef Ben Shlomo Hakohen, z"l, formerly known in NY as Jeff Oboler, wrote on Torah and the Arts.  In his zechut/merit I include some links and excerpts to view.  - Joy Krauthammer

Blog I created for Reb Yosef:  http://yosef-ben-shlomo-hakohen-myrebbe.blogspot.com

http://hazonarchives.blogspot.co.il/2013/02/a-jewish-perspective-on-arts.html

'My Search for the Soul of Zion – 43b : A Jewish Perspective on the Arts Part Two')

A Jewish Perspective on the Arts,   excerpts

 Dear Friends,

The artist expresses the desire and the potential within the human being to be creative. What is the source of this desire and potential? The beginning of the answer can be found in the Torah’s teaching that the human being was created in the image of the One God Who created the universe (Genesis 1:27). We were created in the image of the Creative One, and we therefore have within us the desire and potential to be creative.

... Through the process of creation, the Creator gave life to the world, and we, who are created in the Divine image, are to “go in His ways” (Deuteronomy 26:9). The artist therefore has a sacred responsibility to emulate the Life-Giving One by engaging in creative forms of artistic expression which increase and/or enhance life; moreover, the artist is to avoid all forms of artistic expression which diminish and/or degrade life. 

The artist can gain a deeper understanding of this sacred responsibility through the following Torah message: After describing the Divine creation of the human being, the Torah reveals the Divine mission of the human being:

“Hashem God took the human being and placed him in the Garden to serve it and to guard it.” (Genesis 2:15)

... “Everything bestowed upon you – mind, body, fellow human being, material goods, other creatures, every talent and every power – all are merely means to action, l’avdah u’l’shamrah, to further and to safeguard everything.” (The Nineteen Letters – Letter 4)

... What is important is that you have the intention in mind to help others with your actions, as well as earning money.” (Cited in “Consulting the Wise” by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Aish HaTorah Publications)

We can apply this teaching to the creative work of artists, for there are various ways in which their work can benefit others; in fact, the very beauty of their work becomes an act of chesed, as it brings pleasure, joy, and inspiration to others. If artists start their day with the kavanah that they wish to do the mitzvah of chesed through their work, then their work becomes a sacred service, even if they get paid for their endeavors.

All of the above insights can help us to understand the sacred service of Betzalel, the spiritually-enlightened artist who served as the leader of the artists who were involved in the building of the Holy Tabernacle during the period when we were journeying to the Land of Zion. Regarding this leader of the artists, the Torah states:

“Hashem spoke to Moshe, saying: ‘See, I have called by name: Betzalel, son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with a Godly spirit, with wisdom, with understanding, and with knowledge, and with talent for every type of creative work.” (Exodus 31:1-3)

“I have called by name: Betzalel.” – The name “Betzalel” means, “In the Shadow of God.” This name alludes to his spiritual ability to emulate God. According to the noted sage, the Maharal of Prague, the Name of God which appears in this artist’s name refers to the Divine compassion which leads to overflowing Divine goodness and chesed. (Gur Aryeh on Exodus 34:6)  

The name “Betzalel” therefore reveals that this spiritually-enlightened artist had the ability to emulate the Creative and Life-Giving One Whose compassion leads to overflowing goodness and chesed.

May we be blessed with a Shabbos of life and shalom.

Yosef Ben Shlomo Hakohen 

Hazon – Our Universal Vision:  www.shemayisrael.com/publicat/hazon