ART FOR TORAH’S SAKE: Unique Art Show Showcasing the Work of Twenty Orthodox Women 11/19/07

What a difference a generation can make! When Chaim Potok wrote “My Name is Asher Lev” -- his searing portrait of the lonely artist in the orthodox world – there was no outlet for the creativity, no venue for the expression, of a gifted person wishing to integrate his talents and Torah. Indeed, there was little respect rendered -- and not much acceptance, either -- for such a struggling individual. Happily, this situation has radically changed in the thirty-some years since “Asher Lev” was first published, and EMUNAH of America now finds itself in the forefront of the revolution with the opening last year of “Emunah V’Omanut” -- an innovative program in Israel for post-high school women from English-speaking countries. Although there are many high-caliber “seminaries” and prestigious institutions that cater to foreigners seeking an intensive year or two of advanced Torah learning in Israel, the concept of “Emunah V’Omanut” is unique: It currently offers a dual-track program that combines an in-depth Torah curriculum with an equally rigorous course of study in various modalities of the Arts. “Up until now, orthodox young women with artistic interests and talents had no recourse but to attend schools like Parsons, FIT, and the School of Visual Arts,” explains Rabbi David Debow, director of Emunah V’Omanut. “Our program integrates Torah and Art into a single religious pursuit. We provide an environment imbued by religious Zionism where Torah learning is informed by art and art is infused with Torah. By means of Torah study and a developing aesthetic sensibility, our students will deepen their appreciation of G-d’s world.” In the Fall of 2008, the scope of “Emunah V’Omanut” will be broadened and enhanced by the addition of a music program that will offer music studies parallel to the afternoon art program. Both programs are housed in and affiliated with the fully accredited EMUNAH College for Women in Jerusalem -- recipient of many prestigious awards in Israel, including the “Israel Prize for Excellence in Education,” and the “Religious Education Prize for Innovation and Excellence.” Because of its affiliation with the EMUNAH college, the “Emunah V’Omanut” program will offer transferable college credit and the opportunity to utilize all of the College’s resources. Housing is available either in the EMUNAH College’s dormitories or in near-by apartments. An Art Show showcasing the achievements -- in various modalities -- of the first graduating class of the “Emunah V’Omanut” program will be held on Motzei Shabbos, November 10th, at 8:30 P.M. at the M2L Showroom on 58th Street in Manhattan. Prospective students and their parents are warmly invited to attend the show which will give them the opportunity to interact with the recent graduates and learn first-hand about the program. Rabbi Debow is also currently touring the United States, Canada and Europe to recruit students for the Fall 2008 program. For further information about both the upcoming Art Show and/or the application process, please call Emunah at 212-564-9045 ext. 315.