Netivot Shalom, a Modern Orthodox Shul in Pikesville, is known for its focus on congregant-centered learning. With its weekly parsha class and monthly Rosh Chodesh class, furthering understanding of Judaism is important to the shul’s community.
The congregation is also starting regular drawing classes.
“We look to have art projects as a way to both build community and give interesting experiences, but also to enhance the shul,” said the congregation’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Elliot Kaplowitz.
Congregant Daniel Goldman led the first art class on Oct. 26.
“I’m a product of yeshiva day school. I even went to Yeshiva University,” Goldman told Baltimore Jewish Times. Art was not emphasized or even encouraged at those places, either as a career or as a hobby, he said, but he believes that drawing and art can be part of the learning process in Judaism.
“There’s a famous phrase … where if someone interrupts their learning to examine a flower, that’s considered not appropriate,” explained Goldman. “So, the rabbis ask, [and] many commentators say, what do you mean that’s not appropriate? Of course, it’s appropriate to revel in God’s creation. So, what can this mean? It means that they’re looking at the flower that was not incorporated in their learning when it should be. … Reveling in God’s creations is part of the learning process.”
The once-per-week class will be held for 10 weeks, focusing on contour drawing and other techniques.
“It’s a symbolic language. We remember almost everything that we see, but [our] brain filters and creates symbols. So, the nose becomes a triangle,” added Goldman. “If you’re watching someone drawing, it seems like magic.”
Although the drawing class is new to Netivot Shalom, beading classes have been a congregant-led class for years. Congregant Anne Solomon hosts the classes at her home every Sunday.
“The highlight is taking someone from a place of worry and lack of self-confidence into a spot of sheer creativity,” said Solomon.
Solomon added the act of making the jewelry “transforms them but in a very meaningful way because they are making beads to wear for Shabbos or for the holidays.”
“It helps recover a sense of malchus (kingship),” she said.
Through programs like the new drawing class and the long-running beading sessions, Netivot Shalom is continuing to foster a creative learning environment within its community.
