The second annual exhibit opening of “Community Canvas at The J” will offer an opportunity to connect with local nonprofits while fostering a sense of community inspired by Jewish values. The event, at the LJCC on Wednesday, December 11, 5:30-7 p.m., will be free and open to the public (ID required at the door for non-LJCC members). Refreshments will be provided.
“I’m excited to see how the different organizations, all with different missions and histories, visually display their versions of hope,” says Zoe Weil, director of special projects at The J.
Tikvah | Hope
This year the artworks will focus on the value of tikva, the Hebrew word for hope. Except like many Hebrew words, tikvah’s definition is not simple and not singular. Tikvah’s primary definition is “a stretched cord of rope” which, like the act of hope, strains to hold on but does not break — a beautiful reminder of the strength it requires to hope.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks goes further to better define hope as an active choice, rather than a simple optimistic feeling. As he notes, “Optimism is the belief that the world is changing for the better; hope is the belief that, together, we can make the world better.”
“Without giving too much away, I’m so impressed with this year’s artistry and even more moved by the artists’ statements behind the pieces,” Zoe says. “I hope the exhibition generates discussions on how we can actively create the good we wish to see in the world while bringing beauty and joy to everyone in attendance.”
Participating organizations include:
- Alabama Holocaust Education Center
- Birmingham Jewish Federation
- Birmingham Jewish Foundation
- Cohn Early Childhood Learning Center
- Collat Jewish Family Services/CARES
- Exceptional Foundation
- Girls Inc.
- Girl Scout Troop 26104
- Hand in Paw
- Knesseth Israel
- Legacy of Hope
- N.E. Miles Jewish Day School
- Red Mountain Theatre
- Studio by the Tracks
- Temple Emanu-El
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Honors College
- WBHM Radio