The CANVAS Compendium: Dispatches from the New Jewish Renaissance
“If you believe breaking is possible, believe fixing is possible.” —Rabbi Nachman of Breslau
Many of us are living in a state of perpetual worry. There’s so much going wrong right now, it seems hard to imagine when and how things will go right. But looking through my inbox, I noted something encouraging—the Jewish arts and culture sector is thriving. All over the world, Jewish arts and culture networks are fostering an explosion of creativity, and we realized we should share these exhibitions, readings, discussions, happenings, and other events with Compendium readers.
The list below isn’t comprehensive, so we invite you to learn more about the organizations we support and what they’re up to. And if you take part in anything below, whether online or in person, by all means let us know on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.
The world may be broken. But art can be a way of reassembling it, one piece at time. We’re looking forward to this beautiful selection of Jewish arts and culture—and to hearing from you. —Ed.
Alliance for Jewish Theatre continues its important work of connecting Jewish theatre to the world. They’ll soon be opening up its regranting program; keep an eye on its website for more information.
Also AJT member theatres are putting up performances across the nation, including a re-imagining of Merchant of Venice and plays by David Alex and Donald Margulies. Check out the events calendar here.
The Ashkenaz Foundation celebrates global Jewish culture through the arts, including its renowned Ashkenaz Festival in Toronto. While they put together next summer’s lineup, they’re still providing opportunities to hear incredible music.
The Ger Mandolin Orchestra with Marcin Masecki
Ashkenaz and Warsaw’s POLIN Museum present the Ger Mandolin Orchestra for the first time in Toronto since 2013. The international string supergroup will be joined by Polish pianist/composer Marcin Masecki for the live premiere of his Ger Suite, co-commissioned by Ashkenaz and POLIN.
March 28 @ 8pm EST
Glenn Gould Studio | Toronto, CA
Tickets here.
Asylum Arts is a global network of Jewish artists under the umbrella of the Neighborhood, a vibrant, Brooklyn-based center for the Jewish community. They have a bunch of great events lined up to celebrate the month of Adar.
RYE: Bread, Whiskey, and Jewish History
Rye bread, rye whiskey, and a panel of bread experts and Jewish historians are on the menu for this special gathering, which includes conversation and rye tastings (both baked and distilled). Presented in collaboration with The Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History and New York Distilling Company.
February 29 @ 7pm EST
New York Distilling Company | Brooklyn, NY
Tickets here.
Where Do We Go From Here? with Max Czollek and Rachel Mars
Two acclaimed Jewish artists discuss the landscape of Jewish art today. Max Czollek (Germany) and Rachel Mars (UK) will both share their practices and invite us to wrestle with the challenges, and the opportunities, that have emerged for Jewish artists following the events of October 7.
March 3 @ 4pm EST
South Oxford Space | Brooklyn, NY
Register here.
Ayin Press is an independent publishing house and production studio rooted in Jewish culture and emanating outward. They’ve got a number of exciting upcoming books.
The Place of All Possibility: Cultivating Creativity Through Ancient Jewish Wisdom by Rabbi Adina Allen. A paradigm-shifting work by the founder of the Jewish Studio Project that reframes the Torah as a contemporary guidebook for creativity. Pre-order now.
The Lost Princess by Jessica Tamar Deutsch. When a powerful King banishes his beloved daughter, the entire kingdom is turned upside down. Jessica Tamar Deutsch’s poetic retelling and stunning visual interpretation of Rebbe Nachman’s classic tale is for readers of all ages. Buy it now.
The Moonstone Covenant by Jill Hammer. A new fantasy novel from this celebrated author, scholar, rabbi, and poet. Pre-order now. Ayin Press is also offering a re-issue of Hammer’s stunning Omer Calendar of Biblical Women. Pre-order in time to count the Omer.
The Braid brings Jewish storytelling to life, creating, curating, producing and preserving stories grounded in Jewish culture and experience. Don’t miss these upcoming performances in LA. And check the calendar for more performances in LA and the Bay Area.
Out Loud
Powerful stories and songs on the beauty, heartbreak, and homecoming of being queer and Jewish. Co-presented by the Braid and Los Angeles LGBT Center.
March 2 @ 8pm PST
Renberg Theatre | LA, CA
Tickets here.
Yearning to Breathe Free
Stories about the drama of making a life in a new country. See America through fresh eyes.
March 17 @ 12pm PST
Skirball Cultural Center | LA, CA
Tickets here.
CO/LAB examines issues of personal meaning and social change through a Jewish lens in Portland, Oregon. You can see the full list of programs here. A couple of highlights:
Art/Lab
Art/Lab is a 9-month creative laboratory for Portland-area Jewish artists. Each year, a cohort of artists explore the intersection of Judaism, creative expression, and contemporary culture in order to inspire new works. Read about the artists from past cohorts here, and sign up at the bottom of the page to be notified when applications open for 2024/2025.
An Oral History of the Jewish Future
CO/LAB, in partnership with the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (OJMCHE), is documenting how 21st century Jews are creating the Jewish future. They want to hear your thoughts, ideas, challenges, and hopes for your Jewish life. More info here.
International Women’s Day Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon: Jewish Women Artists
CO/LAB Artistic Director Shoshana Gugenheim Kedem and Wikipedia editor Raymond “Peaceray” Leonard will honor International Women’s Day by guiding participants through the creation of Wikipedia pages for Jewish women artists. In partnership with OJMCHE. Online participation is available and encouraged.
March 10 @ 11am PST
OJMCHE | Portland, OR
Sign up here.
Hadar’s Rising Song Institute cultivates Jewish spiritual life through song. Their events are a joyous way to connect with Jewish music for anyone and everyone.
Rising Song Melava Malka with Hadar DC
A participatory gathering of heart-opening communal song rooted in traditional texts, contemporary melodies, and the meditative power of the nigun. Facilitated by R. Deborah Sacks Mintz, R. Yosef Goldman, and guest musicians. The event is part of Hadar DC’s In Town Shabbaton: register for the weekend or the melava malka below.
March 16 @ 9pm EST
Tifereth Israel | Washington, DC
Register here.
Jewish Arts Collaborative, or JArts, curates, celebrates, and builds community around the diverse world of Jewish arts and culture for the Boston area and beyond. They’re involved in a number of innovative projects, including Kolture, a Jewish arts and culture hub, and these fascinating programs.
The Community Creative Fellowship
Currently on its fourth cohort, the fellowship inspires Boston-area creatives—visual artists, performers, writers, chefs, coders, and more—to explore their Jewish identity through arts and culture and to create meaningful engagement with the local Jewish community. Click here to learn more about the fellowship and how to support it.
Secrets of the Tarot
This innovative project from JArts, Jonathan Prince Studio, and author Stav Appel blends history, art and Augmented Reality to reveal the 400-year-old lost, forgotten and secret Judaic origins of the world-famous Tarot de Marseille. More info and downloads here.
Jewish Art Salon (JAS) is a global network for Jewish visual art, connecting artists, scholars, and curators. They always have something interesting brewing.
ACTIVATE: JAS at the Jerusalem Biennale
An exhibition comprised of the work of six female, Jewish artists. Spanning secular and religious backgrounds, different national origins, and generations, ACTIVATE serves as a convergence point between feminism and the art world, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts impacting Israel and Jewish communities globally.
Opening March 15 @ 1pm IST
Koresh Gallery | Jerusalem
More info on the gallery here.
More info on the Biennale here.
Jewish Book Council is the longest-running organization devoted exclusively to the support and celebration of Jewish literature. (Cool job alert: they are currently seeking a COO.) Here’s a taste of upcoming events.
Bruno Schulz: Art, Murder & the Hijacking of History
Isaac Bashevis Singer described Schulz as “one of the most remarkable writers who ever lived.” Benjamin Balint’s book, Bruno Schulz: An Artist, a Murder and the Hijacking of History, is this year’s winner of the Biography category for the 73rd National Jewish Book Awards. For BookWeek24, the UK’s Jewish literary festival, Balint will appear in conversation with writer and editor Toby Lichtig.
March 10 @ 2pm GMT
Kings Place | London, UK
Tickets here.
73rd National Jewish Book Award Celebration
A joyous literary celebration of this year’s winners hosted by authors Alison Rose Greenberg and Bess Kalb.
March 26 @ 6pm EST
Bohemian National Hall | New York, NY
Tickets here.
Jewish Film Institute (JFI) is the premier curatorial voice for Jewish film and media around the world, illuminating the full diversity of Jewish experiences.
2024 Completion Grants
JFI Completion Grants provide finishing funds to emerging and established filmmakers for original stories that promote thoughtful consideration of Jewish history, life, culture, and identity. Applications accepted through March 1. More info and guidelines here.
44th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
JFI’s San Francisco Jewish Film Festival is the largest and longest-running festival of its kind and a leader in the curating new film and media exploring the complexities of Jewish life. Click here to dig into the archive and become a JFI member for advance tickets—it’s not too early to mark your calendar for this popular event.
July 18 – August 4
San Francisco Bay Area
The Jewish Studio Project (JSP) cultivates creativity as a Jewish practice for spiritual connection and social transformation. Their seminars will nourish your creativity and refresh your spirit.
Creating with the Moon: Rosh Chodesh Adar II
Rosh Chodesh offers an opportunity to refresh our dreams and desires. During this 90-minute, virtual session, attendees can reweave themselves into the cycle of Jewish time and nourish their creative spirit.
March 3 @ 10am PST
Zoom
Register here.
Have You Made Art About It Yet? Purim Edition! with Rabbi Adina Allen
On this holiday we let go of everything we think we are, and, in celebration and joy, turn it upside down for the day. This virtual session will flip our regular ways of being and drop us into the playful, sacred spirit of this upside down holiday.
March 21 @ 9am PST
Zoom
Register here.
Kultura Collective is a network of Jewish arts and culture organizations enriching lives across Toronto and beyond. Here’s what’s coming up:
Ontario Jewish Archives 50th Anniversary Exhibition
For half a century, the OJA has been gathering, preserving, and sharing stories of Jewish life in Ontario. Each week, they unveil a collection and the story behind it online.
View the exhibition.
Arts and Culture Schmooze: A Gathering for Jewish Artists
Artists and cultural workers are invited to convene, connect, and view the exhibition DECADE, at Artscape Youngplace, a community hub for artists, arts groups, and audiences.
March 4 @ 6pm EST
Koffler Centre of the Arts | Toronto, CA
Register here.
The First Jew in Canada: A Trans Tale
The story of Jacques LaFargue, the young transgender man who set off from France to Quebec, determined to make a new life. A Jewish journey of optimism, faith, and joy written and performed by S. Bear Bergman.
March 31 @ 7pm EST
Al Green Theatre | Toronto, CA
Tickets and more info here.
LABA is a groundbreaking network of artists who convene to study Jewish texts and draw inspiration from a theme—this year’s is NIGHT. LABA has hubs in New York, Berlin, Buenos Aires, the Bay Area and Barcelona. Keep an eye on the hub near you; LABA events are always fun and interesting.
Recent LABA news includes the launch of its current Bay Area cohort—learn more about its exciting mix of culture-makers here. A new twist is the inaugural social practice fellows, who will find new inspiration for their work in engaging people through human interactions and discourse.
LABA New York also has a fresh cohort of artists; learn more about them here. LABA is also thrilled to announce the official launch of LABA Barcelona; the selection process for its first cohort is underway.
The Museum of Jewish Montreal is redefining what it means to engage in Jewish life. Here’s what coming to the museum.
Doikayt, On Being Here and Loving It: A Writing Workshop with Karl Ponthieux Stern
An interactive writing workshop centered around the Yiddish concept of doikayt (“hereness” or “diasporism”). The workship is part of the Microgrants for Creative or Cultural Exploration Program, funded in part by CANVAS. Presented in partnership with the Yiddish Book Center.
Feb 28 @ 7pm EST
Museum of Jewish Montreal | Montreal, CA
Tickets and more info.
Nuit Blanche au Musée du Montréal juif
As part of the Montreal’s annual citywide arts event, the Museum will be open late for guests to visit the Sonia Bazar’s exhibition Back River. Refreshments and musical performances throughout the evening for this annual citywide arts event. Presented in partnership with Nuit Blanche à Montreal and Montréal en Lumière.
March 2 @ 7pm EST
Museum of Jewish Montreal | Montreal, CA
More info.
Book Launch and Musical Celebration with Jessica Roda and Jeremiah Lockwood
A discussion with author Dr. Jessica Roda (Georgetown University) and author and musician Jeremiah Lockwood (University of Pennsylvania) on their new books about Hasidic music. Moderated by Dr. Miranda Crowdus (Concordia University), with a performance by cantor Yoel Kohn. Presented by the Institute for Canadian Jewish Studies at Concordia University.
March 10 @ 4pm EST
Museum of Jewish Montreal | Montreal, CA
More info.
Reboot’s network of pre-eminent creators, artists, entrepreneurs, and activists are reimagining and reinforcing Jewish thought and traditions. Here is just a sampling of the varied, provocative, and enlightening projects from the Reboot Network.
Israel Therapy
This new column in the Forward—a CANVAS media grantee—is helping people grapple with personal dilemmas and emotional issues around Israel. Read it here. It’s also a forthcoming podcast produced in partnership with Reboot Studios.
Just the Tip
This new documentary from comedian Jessie Kahnweiler and Reboot Studios explores the controversial (for some) topic of male circumcision. Watch the trailer here.
Yetzirah fosters and supports a community space for Jewish poets, nourishing writers and readers of Jewish poetry now and for generations to come.
Yetzirah Book Club: In the Hour of War: Poems from Ukraine
A reading and conversation with eminent poets Carolyn Forché and Ilya Kaminsky, with host Yerra Sugarman.
March 3 @ 1pm EST
Zoom
Register here.
March 10 (Wildness): Jake Marmer, Lisa Richter, Leslie Ullman
Delve into the theme of wildness with these gifted Jewish poets.
March 10 @ 5pm EST
Zoom
Register here.
Bonus: quality content from media grantees!
Hey Alma—”Jewish, feminist, and full of chutzpah”—continues to provide entertaining, informative stories about Jewish culture, like this piece on the exhibition honoring the Jewish designers who made London a fashion capital, this advice column about Jewish dilemmas, and this list of 15 books to read to better understand the history of Israel-Palestine.
The Forward remains a go-to source of news and commentary for American Jews. It also remains a valuable outlet for coverage of Jewish arts and culture. We recommend browsing the culture tag, this piece on Rob Reiner’s new doc about Christian nationalism, and this piece on legendary guitarist Elliot Steinberg.
Support Jewish arts and culture. Donate to CANVAS today.
