WHAT:  What should artists expect to do in this fellowship?

• Learn a Torah portion with a rabbi. 

• The rabbi-artist pair meet at least twice over zoom to prepare, then once more to present – the artist presents an artwork while the rabbi presents a sermon. 

• The artist can choose whichever means or medium to create the visual art piece; past mediums have ranged from sculpture, instillations, painting, embroidery, comics, etc.. 

  The artist is encouraged to create art that is either explanatory, abstract, or subversive. They should draw from their own life experiences and should freely interpret the text, regardless of traditional interpretations. 

  Thus, the goal is not to create representational art but rather visual midrash [re-imaginged subtext], thus catapulting the narrative further and illuminating a new, unique interpretation to the narrative. 

• It is precisely the meeting of two disciplines that leads to stronger discourse. Together, they work through important theological and spiritual questions that emerge from the Biblical text and support each other in the creative journey. 

  It is a natural and expected outcome that each is moved by the other’s perspective: both the rabbi and the artist leave the silo of their discipline and are invited into each other’s view. 

• Upon the completion of the year’s cohort, all rabbi-chevruta pairs will come together one last time for the end of the year Color Commentary Art Gallery. Here too, the artist and rabbi share a highlight of their learning then artists can sell the work they created through the fellowship, if they so choose. 

WHY: Why is it called the Jewish Artist of the Week (J.A.W) Fellowship?

LITERAL MEANING:  

Each artist in the fellowship will be honored with the title “Jewish Artist of the Week” leading up to their Final Presentation. This is a celebration of the artist and their career. The Institute commits to promoting the artist in the following ways: 

1. Promoting other pieces from the artist's portfolio – to familiarize the public with the artist’s repertoire and style, to create opportunities for sale, and garner excitement for the Final Presentation.

2. The Institute will also promote the artist’s new piece and piece description on several social media outlets: 

   • Instagram 

   • Facebook 

   • The Institute’s weekly email 

   • The Institute’s website

   3. The Institute will distribute the artwork to The Amen Network, a collection of over 40 synagogues across North America who have committed to sharing the artist’s artwork with their communities. 

Finally, the artist will culminate in being The Jewish Artist of The Week by co-presenting their artwork with their rabbi-chevrutah pair. The artist is highly encouraged to invite their community and family to join this culminating moment. 

DEEPER MEANING:

In the Passover Seder, we are told of 4 children whom we tell the story of our rescue from Egypt. The most misunderstood and controversial child is the the רשע, meaning, “The Evil Child”. Through their question is nearly identical to the Wise Child’s, their question illicits a visceral reaction from their parents – to the point where they decide to “הכה את שיניו – blunt him teeth,” knocking the jaw of their child. 

In this artist fellowship, we aim to ironically do just that. We see it urgent and necessary to present jarring perspectives and incite reactions, thus halting the status quo. Art is, itself, a form of discourse that reflects and changes society. In amplifying the voice of artists — people who have much to say but often not invited to the table of discourse — are elevated in the Amen Institute to share your voice, whatever it is that you have to say.

Finally, the word “jaw” is also a Hebrew pun. This fellowship invites divinity [Yah] in opening pathways that haven’t been opened before, much like God is infinity. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE: 

This fellowship is unique in that we simultaneously want to guide you in connecting to your Jewish identity, providing the support to engage with Biblical texts – all while promoting your art as well. We want to invite you into a larger community of Jewish creatives. 

The intention of the fellowship is to give you honor and respect in spotlighting you as the “Jewish Artist of the Week.” It is meant to celebrate your career accomplishments – thus building your platform, brand, and message to wider Jewish audiences.

Note that past fellows have ranged greatly in their prior Jewish knowledge: some were professors doing literary analysis through artwork while others felt invited to learn holy text for the first time. Regardless of the artist’s previous Jewish knowledge background, all have been nurtured and supported in this fellowship. 

Participation in all other Amen Institute happenings, such as the weekly artist circles, retreats, and the various other fellowship opportunities are not mandatory but encouraged.