‘Meaning Within the Letters’ papercut exhibit to open April 1

A decorative papercut of the Hebrew letter Pei in brown over a cream-colored background — “Pey means mouth, which is used as a vehicle or messenger,” writes artist Nancy Schwartz-Katz. “It allows us the power to be in the here and now as we do not know what a person is thinking until they speak. This means that what we say matters. We are all connected by what we say, how It affects us, and how we internally interpret meaning from what someone says to us or us to them. The flowers in this piece, anemone, and pansies, represent fragility and intention as our words need to be spoken carefully and thoughtfully.”

A new art exhibit, “The Meaning Within the Letters: A Framework for Connection,” will open at the Levite Jewish Community Center on April 1. The exhibit, which will be free and open to the public, features intricate papercuts of letters of the Hebrew alphabet as created by Ohio-based artist Nancy Schwartz-Katz.

Events on April 1 will begin with an artist-led workshop from noon to 1:30 p.m., and the exhibit opening will begin with an artist talk at 7 p.m. (RSVP for both here).

The show will run through the end of May.

“Hebrew is not just Israel’s language,” says Director of Jewish Life Tzlil McDonald. “It’s a crucial element in the fabric of Jewish identity as it weaves connections across generations and places. I’m thrilled that this exhibit will show our community how Hebrew is a gateway to such a rich culture.”

RSVP FOR WORKSHOP AND ARTIST TALK

Twenty-two letters

The exhibit is the result of Nancy’s research that was spurred by a request from the Temple Museum of Jewish Art, Religion, and Culture in Cleveland. The resulting project prompted her to study each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet in detail. She delved into Sefer Yitzerah, an ancient book in Jewish literature on creation, plus commentaries on the Hebrew alphabet from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist sources. She even read non-Jewish views on the letters.

“Though mostly used in today’s world in a mechanical way, each letter is more than a medium to write text,” she says. “The Hebrew alphabet has a depth of meaning and a mystical connection to the larger universe around us.”

What she thought would be just a three-month project turned into three years.

“I am not providing my own critical commentary as much as I am expanding on the letters as an art experience, a way of thinking and exploring our presence in the world,” Nancy says. She considers her approach to not only bring a modern approach to traditional art, but also to create a new awareness and understanding of the Hebrew alphabet.

*Artist Nancy Schwartz-Katz, courtesy of* Cleveland Jewish News. “The depth conveyed by her works is so moving,” wrote one exhibit viewer. “The details and the descriptions are inspiring on many levels.”

About the artist

A Parsons School of Design alumna, Nancy considers Judaica to be the perfect confluence of her artistic talent, love of learning, people, storytelling, and Jewish heritage. Her art is in the collections of synagogues, hospitals, foundations, and the homes of hundreds, along with exhibiting in shows nationally. She received an Ohio Arts Council Ohio Heritage Award in 2023. She lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio.