The MJCCA Presents an Exhibition entitled Making it Personal - Torah Text Study Reflections
“Making it Personal – Torah Text Study Reflections,” the exhibition currently on display in the MJCCA’s Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery, features the works of 20 students in the pilot program of the Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning, studying the “Shiv’im Panim: The Seventy Faces of Meaning”curriculum. The exhibition examines what it is about the Biblical text that has inspired people throughout the generations to create artistic interpretations. The exhibition will be on display at the MJCCA (5324 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody) through August 18. For information, call Kim Goodfriend at 678.812.4071, or visit www.atlantajcc.org.
“Shiv’im Panim: The Seventy Faces of Meaning”
The “Shiv’im Panim: The Seventy Faces of Meaning” curriculum, developed at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem for the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, seeks to encourage adults to encounter classical Biblical texts from a variety of perspectives; all leading the student to find relevance and meaning for herself. Over two learning semesters, adult students of Rabbi Pamela Gottfried and teaching artist-in-residence Flora Rosefsky collaborated to introduce and teach this innovative approach to the study of Torah.
Rosefsky says, “The challenge of this pilot program was to create a risk free environment where one could experiment freely with a new art process while expressing a contemporary view of the Torah. My main task was to bring out the best within each participant. I was never disappointed in the results and neither were most of my students.”
Each art session was developed to relate to a particular Biblical text. Students were encouraged to come up with their own concepts and, when possible, write a statement. As part of the session exploring the expulsion of Ishmael, Rabbi Gottfried set the stage by considering the power dynamics of the relationship between Sarah and Hagar. The art session, with monoprint as the medium, broadened the theme as students used the entire text to reflect women’s perspectives and influence.
This exhibition is organized by the Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning and the Arts & Culture Department of the Marcus JCC of Atlanta. Shiv’im Panim classes will continue this fall in several locations in metro Atlanta, and will include classes conducted as text study and discussion only in addition to classes with the creative component.
The MJCCA’s Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery: Location and Hours
The Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery is located at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.
Gallery hours: Mondays – Thursdays, 6:00 am – 10:00 pm; Fridays 6:00 am – 6:00 pm; Saturdays 8 am – 6 pm; and Sundays, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. Admission is Free.
About the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA)
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is committed to strengthening the quality of life in Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly-regarded Jewish community centers in the nation. From preschoolers and teens, to young adults and seniors – the MJCCA offers unique and engaging programs, events, and services for every member of the community.
About the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning
The internationally-recognized Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning is the largest pluralistic adult Jewish education network in the world. With 50 locations in North America, Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Hong Kong, the Melton School sets the standard for high-quality, text-based, interactive Jewish study by offering world-class curriculum that informs and inspire adult learners from all knowledge-levels and backgrounds. The Atlanta School, housed at the Lisa F Brill Institute for Jewish Learning at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, is the largest school in the United States, the recipient of the 2014 Florence Melton Award for Outstanding Achievement.
More Information
Ø Media inquiries: call Lora Sommer, MJCCA Public Relations Manager at 678.812.4078, lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org.
Ø For information about the exhibition: contact Kim Goodfriend, Gallery Manager at 678.812.4071, kim.goodfriend@atlantajcc.org.
Ø To register for Melton Adult Jewish Learning classes, contact Laurie Finkelstein at 678-812-3723; laurie.finkelstein@atlantajcc.org.
Ø Visit on-line at www.atlantajcc.org.