Below are images from my award-winning “Art Scroll Project”— an immersive experience for communities to tap into issues of Jewish identity and unity.
The Art Scroll was inspired by the Baal Shem Tov’s concept of “A Letter in the Scroll.” It’s said each person is his or her own unique and indispensable letter in the Torah scroll.
“Art Scroll Project” North Shore Congregation Israel
These photos are from my time with the community at North Shore Congregation Israel outside Chicago. I was leading their annual weekend arts retreat on the beautiful grounds of a local Jewish overnight camp. The air was filled with so much excitement and possibility. One couldn’t help but be inspired by simply being in the presence of these bright-eyed and enthusiastic high school and college students.
A swing to a startling reality.
When I look at these photos, I can’t help but think of our Jewish students now on the grounds of college campuses. They are front-line to a dangerous and toxic mix of twisted thinking, hatred and vitriol chanted by emboldened crowds — many of whom are unwitting pawns in an internationally orchestrated game with nefarious ends. Astonishingly, this is broadly supported by unfettered faculties, administrators and outsiders either directly or by turning a blind eye.
With perverse ideologies taking hold of so many minds and socially conscious young men and women, it feels like a darkness is descending into our world. In a prominent place in my consciousness, I have forever held images of the Holocaust and stories of how it came to be. Since October 7, these lessons of danger are more real and palpable. It has ignited in me a drive to get involved in ways I hadn’t before.
Light dispels darkness!
With an image of a small flickering candle light in a large darkened room, I know it takes only a small amount of light to dispel a great amount of darkness. The Jewish People, in unity, have the capacity and strength to channel a great amount of light into our world.
“A Letter in the Scroll”
This brings me back to “A Letter in the Scroll.” We are each our own unique and indispensable letter in the scroll of the Jewish People. With each of our letters in our respective places, we have the power to overcome all obstacles. Ours’ is a power to connect — to be Jewish, to channel truth and light and thereby dispel the great amount of darkness being thrust upon our world. My mission is to find my letter and be it.
Ferne, Thank you for your kind words!
You, your work and your words are amazing and so meaningful Barry!