Art Exhibit and Events Carry ‘Pure Joy’ of Judaism Into the Year

By Karen Schwartz October 1, 2013 4:44 PM

Less than a block from where crowds danced in the streets of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, in celebration of Sukkot, an art exhibition showcasing Jewish artists and a series of events highlighting the joy of Jewish life is now underway.

Called “Pure Joy,” the exhibit focuses on Sukkot, a holiday referred to as “the time of our joy.” The show, which opened Sept. 21 and runs through Oct. 13, has welcomed a few thousand visitors so far, according to Rabbi Yitzchok Moully, co-founder of The Creative Soul, the Jewish artists group featured in the pop-up gallery, and editor of the Jewish Art for the Soul blog on Chabad.org.

“The Creative Soul is a group dedicated to fostering the relationship between art and Judaism,” says Moully, who hopes the show helps visitors see the connection between creativity and Judaism. “To inspire a greater connection with G‑d through art, that’s what it’s all about—celebrating our uniqueness and our ability to share in our unique ways, to celebrate life and the joy of Judaism.”

The work on the walls—prints, photography, sketches and digital media—is all for sale, and so far, has been selling well, says the 35-year-old rabbi.

The idea came about a few years ago after an artist in Venice asked Moully to represent him in New York. Moully sought approval on a rental space—an empty storefront at 425 Kingston Ave.—and put out a call to various artists he knew. In less than a week, 15 artists were on display; by the end of the show, that number had grown to 30. Since then, community interest has continued to grow.

Moully’s goal is to create a space “where young and old can experience and interface with creativity.” Along those lines, the gallery will host a series of events over the next two weeks, including women’s programs, open-mic and improv nights, a spotlight evening on Chassidic writers and a Moshe Hecht live concert on Oct. 10. For more information, visit The Creative Soul web site

The gallery is open daily, beginning at noon; it is closed on Shabbat.