By Carl Zebrowski
Editor
“In every work of art, something divine reveals itself,” said the 20th-century Jewish theologian and philosopher Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. “Art is the partnership between the divine and human in the service of unity.”
It’s fitting, then, that at this trying time for the global Jewish community, three artists from Yoav, the Lehigh Valley’s Partnership2Gether region in Israel, are coming to visit the Valley the week of September 9-13. Emphasizing the unifying power of art and in-person human connection, they’ll lead workshops that week with our synagogues, agencies, and affinity groups, engaging with community members of all ages.
Monday night, September 9, is a big event at the JCC to begin their week of presentations. Yoav’s artist-in-residence, Romina Opel, will host an art therapy session with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s Women’s Philanthropy at 7 p.m., after the group’s first board meeting of the new fundraising year. Opel, who uses a range of textures and colors in her art as means of expression, identity, and resilience, will facilitate a discussion delving into the question, “What is it for me to be a Jew today during these difficult times?”
“We will explore the transformative power of art as therapy in this session, where introspection meets creativity,” she said. “Set against the rich cultural backdrop of Israel, our Jewish identity and values, participants will engage in guided artistic practices that uncover personal narratives and heal.
Discover how expressive techniques foster self-awareness and deepen connections to love and identity. It is ideal for those seeking to integrate art with personal growth and connection with Israel.”
Opel, an artist and art therapist, who was born in Argentina and is “Israeli by option,” as she put it. “I find immense joy in creating new and inspiring works of art, and my heart truly lies in helping others connect with art on a deep emotional level. My goal is to nurture both artistic expression and emotional well-being, blending my love for creativity with a commitment to making a positive impact in people’s lives.”
Other programs on the artists’ itinerary include a JCC Friendship Circle, a Jewish Family Service Schmooze and Schmear meeting with retired men of the community, the Jewish Day School, the JCC Early Childhood Education, and the Jewish group home Tikvah House. They will also be at the Evening with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus on September 10, which is open to all members of the community who have donated $365 or more to the Federation’s 2025 campaign ($180 for NextGen, ages 30-45).
Idit Porat and Sunny Versano are the other two artists coming from Yoav. Porat comes from Kibbutz Revadim, where she lives with her husband and daughter. After serving in the Israel Defense Forces, she went to work at an airline in Eilat, as a stewardess and filling other roles, and started studying graphic design.
Over the years she has studied art and ecology. She taught art at a high school. For 13 years she’s been working for the printing company Indigo, now in the human resources department. She does work these days in ecological building and preservation of traditional crafts.
“The most exciting thing about my profession is the communication and personal connections that are made with the help of the earth!” she said.
Versano lives in Kibutz Kfar Menachem with her husband and three kids. She is a full-time artist these days.
“Twelve years ago I decided to dedicate my life to my passion and founded my studio called Sunnykah,” Versano said. She works with a variety of materials and techniques and teaches art to older adults.
“I combine painting and design to create everyday products (notebooks, bugs, cups, etc.),” she continued. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to take part in this project.”
All of the artists told Hakol they’re eager and excited about their coming visit, and they look forward to meeting everyone here.
Registration is required for the Women’s Philanthropy art therapy session with Romina Opel on September 9.