About the project
The North American-Israeli Bet Midrash for artists explored issues of identity, through the creation of art projects that deal with Jewish-Israeli identity boundaries: inclusion and exclusion, new or old American immigrants, Israeli expatriates, dual citizens who grew up in both countries, and children of immigrants. It brought to the center stage the issues that preoccupy the participants, and offered a unique, supportive framework to develop new artistic expressions that touch on these issues.
The Bet Midrash gave these local-foreign artists, many who are still finding their place within the tapestry of Israeli society, a way to connect to the community and find strength in sharing their common experience with those who have been on a similar journey. It also served as an outlet of creativity and camaraderie for coping with the immense challenges during this time of uncertainty and devastation for Israelis and Jews worldwide.
The Bet Midrash Faculty
Elliot Glassenberg – a highly experienced American-Israeli educator with an extensive background in Jewish education. Elliot has worked in numerous pluralistic Jewish institutions where he has taught both American and Israeli students.
Yael Biegon-Citron – Neve Schechter Artistic Director.
Graduated with a B.A. in Theater Studies from the University of Haifa, studied at the Director's Laboratory, Lincoln Center (New York), and is the recipient of a 2008 scholarship of excellence on behalf of the Wolf Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Art for the Benefit of Humanity.
Michal Vaknin – Artistic Consultant
Michal is the co-artistic director at the Israel Festival, Israel’s biggest performing arts festival. She has also worked as artistic director at Mekudeshet and Onat Hatarbut festivals in Jerusalem, alongside her work as a theater creator.
About Sapir
The Sapir Center for Jewish Education and Culture was founded in Jerusalem in 1974.
The center’s main goals are to connect different groups and sectors within Israeli society, and to strengthen Jewish culture and heritage as a common foundation of knowledge and values.
About Neve Schechter
Neve Schechter is Tel Aviv's "go-to" home for encountering the intersection of art and Judaism as a spiritual, emotional and intellectual experience, Since 2012. Located in Tel Avivʼs historic Neve Tzedek neighborhood, the center holds space for a learning community, art exhibits, literary events, and more – all revolve around the fresh experience of pluralistic, lively, self-renewing Jewish culture.
About the artists and the art
Elana Rozenfeld
Our Paradox Is*Real
Music production: Nir Rosenbaum
Michal Berman
Michal is an Israeli-American artist whose oil and acrylic paintings explore her emotional journey between Israel and New York. Two works reflect her time in New York, two depict Tel Aviv, and two serve as hybrids—grappling with the challenge of merging her dual identities. She was struck by the contrast between the dark tones of her New York pieces and the light, airy quality of those inspired by Tel Aviv. Through her work, she continues to explore, merge, and deepen her understanding of identity.
Subway love, 2024 | Gordon Beach of Liberty, 2024 | Jazz in the subway of Dizingoff, 2024 | Hanging uniform, 2024 | Jaffa port playing, 2024 | Pretzel cart, 2024
Ori Lenkinski
The Bat Mitzvah Triangle
A reading
Roshni Sharma
The Terrarium Project draws inspiration from the myth of Daphne and Apollo, where Daphne transforms into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s pursuit. In these works, the artist embeds personal fears within glass containers, alongside plant and insect life—living prayers calling for the return of those who are missing. While the terrariums are sealed off from the world, they remain self-sustaining, thriving ecosystems, symbolizing both isolation and resilience. This ongoing project balances darkness and hope, holding the possibility of renewal within its fragile enclosures.
Terrarium I: Field observers | Terrarium II: Survival 457 | Terrarium III: A Mother Negotiates with Death
Paintings: Daphne’s Daughters | The Ecstasy
Jacob Dickerman
Mediterranean Homesick Blues
A Reading
Saxophone: Bryan Oren
Shany M Cohen
BIRJIL
The artist's search for identity is rooted in a deep sense of belonging. Woven from the past and knitted into the present, the fabric of her being—along with the legacy of those who came before her—forms an heirloom to be passed on. She carries the imagination of what was left behind, a collection of memories gathered through movement, disguised as her gold.
Yonatan Kaplan
Wing (Ramat Bet Shemesh IV)
In this piece, the artist reflects on the past decade – since the photograph was taken and the years spent living in Israel. The composition creates a deliberate imbalance, with a vast negative space interrupted by an abrupt window into a construction site on the right. This contrast evokes a sense of absence, questioning what is missing or out of place.
Michal BenJakob
“I made my hands with the materials that made my hands made by my hands”
This project presents sculptural nail extensions crafted from a mix of traditional nail materials like acrylic and plastic, combined with materials that symbolize pivotal moments in the artist’s personal history. By merging her dual identity as both an Israeli-American and an artist-turned-nail artist, the work explores the duality of her identity. These sculptures/nails, simultaneously made by her hands and worn on her hands, embody the narrative of identity as a craftsman.
In identities on fire, Becky Portman explores identity, community and symbols of solidarity through the lens of flags. She interrogates the significance we put on symbols of identity by setting them literally and symbolically on fire.
A single spectator experience, offering an inner-home away from home.
