Vayakel/Pikudei 5772

Some folk have a knack for drawing—they can see something, or even imagine it, pick up a pencil and render it on paper.  Others learn new languages easily.  Since we cannot fathom why this one was imbued with a particular skill and that one wasn’t, we call it “God-given,” which is to say, at once special and incomprehensible to the human mind.  It is beyond our capacity to understand why people have certain talents, and in what quantity.

Still, talent alone is seldom sufficient for greatness.  It must be matched with a disciplined practice that results in the acquisition of technique.  It also helps to have passion—that is, drive and joy in pursuit of a certain endeavor.  When talent combines with discipline and passion, genius may result.  Genius sees the world in new ways and shares that vision with the rest of us.

In the Jewish tradition, Bezalel is the paragon of talent.

Moses said to the children of Israel, “See, God has called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.  God has imbued him with the spirit of God, with wisdom, with insight, and with knowledge, and [the talent for] all manner of craftsmanship to do master weaving, to work with gold, silver, and copper, with the craft of stones for setting and with the craft of wood, to work with every [manner of] thoughtful work.”  (Exodus 35:30-33)

Why did it matter that the Mishkan be built beautifully, masterfully?  Because artistry makes things special.  Because creativity shows us new aspects the world.  Because beauty takes us out of the realm of the mundane, uplifts and inspires us.  Wouldn’t you have loved to see the work of Bezalel’s hand, heart and mind, the products of his talent and skill?

At this Friday's KabbalART Shabbat, members of our community are sharing their artistic talents with us.  The nosh takes place outdoors, in a (very!) temporary gallery presenting select pieces of art (some on Jewish themes, some not).  We hope the art will inspire conversation, connection and creativity, and put you in the mood for a beautiful Shabbat.  Tonight, let’s experiment together with fresh ways of seeing, feeling and being.  Isn’t that what Shabbat—and art—are all about?