The Arts as a Pathway to Chassidus: Rabbi Yossi Paltiel on Art Contest

Artists from around the Chabad world and beyond are sharpening their pencils, washing their paintbrushes, and creating new canvases on Procreate. The Chassidus in Color Art Contest in conjunction with Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s ChassidusApplied.com is truly underway, with the submission deadline just a few weeks away. Organiser Rabbi Menachem Meltzer met up with renowned Mashpia and Competition judge Rabbi Yossi Paltiel to garner some inspiration for the participants and followers of this exciting new venture.

Can you share some unique ways you personally connect with Chassidus?”

As someone privileged to grow up here in Crown Heights, the profound impact of growing up in The Rebbe’s presence cannot be overstated. One teaching of Chassidus that truly resonates, is the importance of serving Hashem with Joy. Despite being intellectually inclined, I find immense value in the simplicity and sincerity of this teaching. I’ve made it my life’s mission to share the intellectual depths of Chassidus Chabad with others, but we must always remember to do so with joy and positivity.

What are some creative methods that can be employed to spread Chassidus and Mitzvot?

I firmly believe that there are no limits to the tools we can use. As long as these methods are in accordance with Jewish law and prove to be effective, we should explore every avenue. This might involve utilizing various forms of media, organizing events, or engaging in outreach programs tailored to different demographics. Young people especially have a knack for finding exciting new methods, which is truly the future of ensuring Chassidus stays relevant and relatable. They also tend to be most impacted by it’s teachings, hence the importance of ensuring youth are taught it correctly.

** Ahem, quick commercial break: For Chassidus ideas about Pesach to incorporate into your art submisson, please check out Chassidus in Color Art Contest-Resource Page . Good luck, and with that, back to the interview:)**

What do you think the new ‘Chassidus in Color’ art contest will bring to the table?

This contest presents a unique opportunity, enabling more creative people to relate to Chassidus in new ways. Often Chassidus Chabad can be presented as a solely intellectual pursuit, which can feel isolating to some. But in truth, its majesty can be made available in so many other formats too. We can make Chassidus available to so many more souls simply by providing the opportunity to think outside of the box, embracing creativity and innovation.

What does Chassidus itself have to say about the use of The Arts?

One of the most under-represented ideas in Chassidus, is the arts or “Chushim”. All of Chassidus talks about G-d and gives a person the tools to bring G-d into their life. The classic idea is the mind-heart process. First, one uses their mind to study and contemplate, then this feeds to the higher emotions which respond to that understanding, and then to the lower emotions which guide your actions and way of life.

What’s not often discussed is the 5 senses; Sight, Hearing, Smell, Touch, and Taste. These 5 senses correspond to the arts: visual arts, music, dance, poetry, literature etc. Chassidus explains that the 5 senses are a ‘shortcut to the soul’ so if a person uses any of these arts as a medium for connecting with G-d, seeing G-d in visual arts, or hearing G-d in music, this instantly connects them with G-d, bypassing the classic mind-heart-action model. It goes straight from their senses to their neshama.

The ultimate proposition of Chassidus is to combine these two methods. The experience of the senses and the arts is often too quick and easy, and thus temporary and unsustainable. The inspiration from the arts can come and go fleetingly. That’s why the classic, dare-I-say old-fashioned intellectual model of Chassidus must be incorporated too. “Chassidus in Color” contestants are encouraged to do just that; learn a piece of Chassidus properly, explain it in writing, and also find your voice using an artistic medium.

Prizes Have Been Added: The Minsky Family’s ArtToFrame has added a $500, $250, and $100 gift card to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place of Professional Tier.

Contest Update: Due to popular demand, 2 submissions per person will now be allowed.

Resource sheet of Chabad Chassidus Ideas about Pesach :  Chassidus in Color Art Contest-Resource Page

For more information or to submit a piece please visit: http://chassidusapplied.com/chassidusincolor

The deadline for submissions is Shushan Purim / March 25th 2024

Written by Yaacov Brooks