In Jewish traditions, religion and artistic creativity are complimentary forms of spiritual enrichment. They both serve a similar purpose, which is to attach the self to G_d as manifested in human experience. Creation is a manifestation of G_dliness. “In the beginning G_d created” (Genesis 1:1). When human beings create, we experience awe and shame. We are in awe of G_d when we realize the amount of thought and energy it takes to create something from something else. Imagine creating something from nothing—it’s beyond human comprehension. Only G_d creates from nothing because G_d is everything, the ultimate Creator. In this way, an artist is humbled and ashamed of his puny accomplishments. Yet he is also thankful that G_d gave him the capacity to glimpse the Divine experience.
The act of painting or drawing combines the spiritual with the physical. When a painter squeezes paint out of the tube, he exerts physical effort. When he dips his brush in the appropriate colours and applies it to the surface, he is fusing thought and action. In this moment. In this moment of fusion, the soul is awakened. It is taught in Chassidus that a person’s thoughts influence his actions. If a painter’s thoughts are connected with the Divine will, G_dliness will be manifested in the work of art. But if a painter’s mind is in the gutter, his work will express it. This is why it is important for an artist to dissolve his ego before he begins to paint. The character of an artist is reflected in his work. If the artist is reflected is in a good spiritual state, the work will bring light into the world.
In some Jewish thought, the fusion of the spiritual into the art object has great potential to communicate Divinity. The subject of a painting can be religious or arbitrary and the form can be figurative or abstract. For example, a painting of light and coulurs that awaken a feeling of goodness might represent an abstract spiritual feeling o Moses receiving the ten commandments. There are many ways for the painter to express spirituality, but ultimately his own spiritual state is manifested even in figurative work. That is why a painter needs to have knowledge of G_d and be in a healthy spiritual state. Religious observance that celebrates life through creativity brings light into the world. In this way creative artist can help make the world a dwelling place for G_d.
Another activity that helps us connect with G_d is music. For example, when the Jews left Egypt, Moses’ sister Miriam played a tambourine. In fact, most prayers in the book of psalms were musical compositions. Music arouses the heart, the sense organ of the soul. Any healthy culture incorporates music into spiritual life.
Singing is one of the most unifying human activities. It is a Chassidic teaching that G_d “blew” into Adam, the first man. When we breathe it is our life source, a miracle. But to sing—such a wonder to carry a tune, to blow our souls into the world, to sway the souls of others!
Singing a happy tune is also a powerful medicine against spiritual malaise, and a great way of dealing with anger as it releases tension. Chassidus teaches us to transform the “animal soul” to do the will of our Maker. Singing can uplift anger, transforming wrath into joy. In this way music can serve the highest purpose, changing darkness into light. When a religious community sings to G_d, their bond and commitment to doing G_d’s work is strengthened. This is why prayers were written as psalms. Reaching out to G_d through song brings us closer together, which is what God wants. When we sing together, in diversity we are united. Each unique voice can sing the same tune, uniting us all in one voice. Imagine the whole world singing the same song at the same time—what a miracle!
In architecture we can see how three-dimensional space interacts to create a spiritual reaction. The idea of using art to teach spiritual concepts is a fundamental way of keeping those concepts in practice. However, the danger inherent in manifesting the spiritual in the physical is that the object threatens to replace G_dliness. The danger of placing too much emphasis on form is that it can become more important than the content, which can lead to idolatry. Therefore, it is important to remember that art and music are manifestations of G_dliness. The essence of G_d on the other hand, can only be found in acts of kindness (mitzvahs). This is why, in Judaism, we need the Torah, first and foremost.
Originally published in April 2002 Vol.2 Issue 5 of Radix
