Holy Sparks Exhibition in Indianapolis
The Holy Sparks exhibition, celebrating 50 years of women in the rabbinate, is opening in Indianapolis on November 7th.
The Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC) is hosting the exhibition in partnership with Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, JCC Indianapolis, the Heller Museum at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York, and The Braid.
The opening includes the participation of Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso and Lynne Himelstein.
My artwork Mem was inspired by Rabbi Gesa Ederberg of Berlin’s Oranienburgerstrasse Synagogue. In this painting the shul’s golden dome, representing German Jewry’s past splendor, morphs into a scroll featuring the letter Mem for Masorti. Rabbi Ederberg is the leader of Masorti Germany. The scroll seems to be lit from within, illustrating how this rabbi, as the first female pulpit rabbi in Berlin, has brought new life and spirituality into the German community. She is bringing the Berlin Jewish community, that previously pioneered the liberal Judaism movement, into the Berlin public life and into religious dialogue.
“Mem”, acrylic and metal leaf on canvas.
Jean Rosensaft, co-curator: “The exhibition presents 24 ground-breaking women rabbis who were "firsts" in their time. Portrayed by 24 leading contemporary female-identifying Jewish artists, this exhibition illuminates the profound impact of women rabbis - from the pulpit to the seminary, from military and healthcare chaplaincy to community organizations, and from the U.S. to Europe and Israel. It is particularly meaningful to honor their journeys as we recognize the challenges and harms they have faced, and as we seek to ensure sacred and respectful environments imbued with Judaism's highest ethical values.
The exhibition offers an unexpected approach to what a "portrait" can be, ranging from representational to conceptual depictions. The works are displayed chronologically by the year of ordination, conveying how each decade of trailblazers has provided the foundation for the next.”
On view through November 7-November 30, 2022.
Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC)
1100 W 42nd St. Ste. 125 Indianapolis, IN. 46208
(317) 268-5300