We offer two distinct types of workshops geared towards building community and fostering individual creativity. All of our programs blend the rich tapestry of Jewish history with the world of art, fostering a profound connection to Jewish knowledge and culture. In every workshop, we start with a clear history of the ritual object to understand the origins and evolution of Jewish practices. Then, we move to the specific examples that give insights into different historical and cultural periods of Jewish life.  These combined informational presentations ground the journey of the object in both time and space. This is followed by the creative component of the workshop, where participants are guided to design and create their own versions of the object that reflect their personal experiences.  

Community Building

Our community building programs are lead by Ellen Alt, who has facilitated community art projects around the world, including high tension conflict zones. Building on her years of experience, Alt plans projects to meet your specific community dynamics, and directs them for success. 

• Kehila Canvas: Create indoor or outdoor large format banners around a specific theme, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their voice to the project. As with all our programs, Olam Arts incorporates Jewish history and culture as a springboard for creative learning and expression.  The specific topic and process are determined in consultation with Olam Arts staff. Appropriate for fourth grade and above. (View the Kehila Canvas sample project) 

Fostering Individual Creativity 

The high school, college, and adult workshops are facilitated by dedicated members of our team who bring all the necessary materials to your institution. Workshops take place over one or several sessions, depending on the goals and the complexity of the project. 

• Seder Stories: The Seder is an opportunity to share personal and communal histories. Passover celebrations have always been reflective of local traditions and national experiences. The Seder plate brings these stories into the home, making Jewish history personal to each family. (View the Seder Stories sample project). 

• The Menorah and Hannukiah: From the Temple to Today: Uncover the history of the most prolific marker of Jewish identity. Since its use in the Temple, the Menorah has adorned synagogues, homes, and coins throughout the Jewish world. Discover the transformation of this ancient symbol into the Hannukiah lamp, the most publicly seen expression of Jewish life.                                                                              Project: Using a two-part overlay drawing technique, transform the seven-branch Menorah into the nine-branch Hannukiah. 

• Demarcating Shabbat in Time: Shabbat is a central aspect of Jewish life demarcating a day of rest every week. From ancient community gatherings to modern labor movements, Shabbat has played a pivotal role in the formation of the structure of Jewish time. In this session explore the tools used to bookmark sacred time from Kabalat Shabbat through Havdalah.                                                                              Project: Design a challah cover drawing the story of how to create sacred time through ritual objects.

• Trees Imagined in Text and Image: Trees are a consistent motif throughout Jewish literature. As seen with the creation story, the Garden of Eden, and Tu Bishvat, trees regularly drive biblical narratives and are the objects of celebration. Subsequently, trees have become crucial to Jewish visual culture and iconography in synagogues, manuscripts, and mosaics.                                                                                            Projects: Explore techniques of manuscript or printmaking incorporating trees, nature, and texts. 

Through all our workshops, we aim to inspire a deep sense of Jewish identity, empowering students on their journey of self-discovery while nurturing a vibrant understanding of Jewish heritage. Join us in unlocking the transformative power of creativity in Jewish learning and expression.