The Torah repeatedly refers to the artisans who crafted the Tabernacle (Mishkan) as the wise-hearted men and women. These were the men and women who made the curtains, employed their handicraft and even dyed and spun the yarn. We read that “Moshe summoned Bezalel, Ohaliab, his deputy, and every wise-hearted person whose heart Hashem endowed with wisdom, everyone whose heart inspired him to approach the work, to do it” (Shemot 36:2). Bezalel was only 13 years old at the time (Sanhedrin 69b). Bezalel was said to be a highly gifted master workman, showing great skill and originality in engraving, wood carving and weaving. The Torah continuously refers to artisans with respect and noted that their work was highly appreciated.
We read how Hashem commands Moshe to consult with the artisans of the generation and create textiles, weavings and jewelry for the kohanim. They also created the furnishings, the altar and the curtains that adorned the Mishkan (tabernacle). The Gemara (Pesachim 117a) also reminds us that architecture and the building crafts were essential in the Temple service. Music was an important element in the Temple service as well and was typically seen as an aid to attaining prophetic inspiration.
The Talmud (Yoma 66b) stated that the greatest form of wisdom for a woman was in her handiwork. In another instance, the Talmud tells us that the creation of the world was accomplished with ten attributes, first of which was wisdom (Chagiga 12a). What is it about artisans that made their work stand out and receive special approbation?
Perhaps the greatest form of wisdom is creativity. When one experiences the world around them and reformats it imaginatively in an unique artistic expression, it provides the creative medium through which the Divine presence can be experienced. Hence, creativity is dependent on wisdom of the heart.
Jewish tradition is often filled with art. The Jewish holidays and cycles of life are especially filled with symbolism and artistry. Most traditional Jewish homes have a decorative challah cover with the Hebrew words embroidered: “In honor of the Sabbath and Yom Tov.” We find additional symbolism in play throughout the holidays and the ceremonies throughout the year. We decorate our sukkot during the holiday. We utilize ornamental seder plates on Pesach. We use decorated Torah mantels and embroidered “perochet” curtains for the aron kodesh in shul. We have colorful “atarot” on our talleisim. We have decorated Megillat Esther scrolls. Many of us have seen beautiful chuppahs at weddings. Even our yarmulkes come in all sorts of colors and fabrics.
Artistry and craftsmanship are important to Hashem and are well represented throughout the Torah, the holidays and the symbolism of our people. In fact, the Torah begins with the words “Bereishit bara Elokim.” This can be translated as “in the beginning, God created.” We need to value the creativity that artistry embodies and appreciate how it contributes to the furtherance of our culture, heritage and religion.
This spirit of creativity is most clearly seen in artistic endeavors but is not limited to art. It is there when we wake up with the fresh eyes of a child and take in the wonders of each and every day. It is there when we apply our creative abilities and address our challenges with a fresh, healthy perspective, whether they be at work or at home with our relationships. It is there even when we study Torah and come up with a “chidush,” a fresh and novel perspective. These are all expressions of creativity that are associated with a wise heart.
We need to value the inspiration and wisdom that creative artisans bring to our lives. May we similarly be inspired with a wise heart to further our own individual talents, potential and creativity.
By Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic clinical psychologist in private practice. He is president of the Chai Riders Motorcycle Club of NY/NJ. He leads the Summit Avenue Shabbos Gemara shiur and minyan in Fair Lawn, NJ, and is a member of the International Rabbinical Society. He can be reached at [email protected].
