Unless we actively fight back, we are at risk of losing the vital Diaspora culture that has made the West hotbeds of innovative Jewish creativity during the last hundred years.
What a brilliant idea it is to start new arts funds, grants, projects and spaces especially for Jewish and Israeli creators! You have inspired me. You also gave me an idea of what to bequeath my funds to when I pass away, since I’m child free.
I’m sorry you lost your magazine Hal. There are so many insane people raging at the moment. I have a strong feeling that you will do even bigger and better things in time.
Great post and I’m so sorry this happened to you and other Jewish writers and artists. I’ve taken to writing for either the independent or conservative press. In the US, the less noisy majority of normal people support Israel and hate wokeness. I write for Splice Today and would be happy to introduce anyone to my editor. I also just started writing for an actual conservative magazine called Chronicles. It’s odd as a lifelong Democrat but the Democratic Party left me behind awhile back. Love and support to all - there are many non Jews like me out there who support you !!
I am with you on all counts. I am a painter and I was showing in NYC and now I simply can’t find a gallery. Because my work is realistic, its audience is more conservative but still, the only openly Zionist piece I submitted to a competition I always get into got weeded out right off. Even the local Jewish museum wouldn’t show my Jewish-themed work. I’m now in talks to show my Jewish work at my shul, where the lighting is poor and I doubt I will sell anything but at least the audience will appreciate the work. We need more Jewish arts organizations to get the work out and seen.
The meaning in any artwork, in any medium, takes place in the exchange between the piece and the audience. Without an audience, the piece is pointless and incomplete. When Jews lose their audience, their work becomes nullified. If the audience is only Jews, that’s OK. Maybe right now it’s the only audience that can hear or see us.
The Jewish arts scene of shuls and JCCs etc wants only Jewish themed art and the left arts scene can barely stand us even if we actively try to hide our Jewish identity in our work. We need as the parlance goes “a safe space” to develop work and teach an audience!
Is it comforting to know that during the European dark ages there was no such thing as a Jewish dark age? We have writings from that time that are still in print and are still studied. Jewish art always thrives, no matter the circumstances in which we find ourselves. You will find a new voice and a new audience.
October 7th changed everything, and not just for Jewish people. It changed things for those who have (always) hated us, and it gave them free reign to loudly and proudly shout out their hatred. Sadly, this includes a fair number of our fellow Jews.
Unfortunately the Jewish artists you have mentioned as pioneering the arts have for the most part remained silent on pro-Jewish and pro-Israel support. I heard more about Streisand moving out of the US if Trump was re-elected than anything else.
It is very sad to hear that. But I am also very disappointed with the Jews on the Left that prefer to side with the ''Palestinians'' than with their own culture, heritage and Israel, the country we all stem from! The Jewish Left is definitely part of the problem. I hear often from Jew Haters saying: The Jews themselves even say that Israel is an Apartheid state and commits genocide!'' That is not a good look and should be called out! I am optimistic though that this whole lunacy of DEI and Marxism will soon disappear as so many are sick of it! And it will become very unsexy and very evil to support that! Still, can you ever go back to before 7th of October? I don't think so. I also think that the Left that dominated that space for so long has destroyed and eaten itself with its corruption, elitist behaviour, censorship and lack of innovation and ideas. I think a new era is coming where conservatives are now the cool kids on the block and the rebels and they are way funnier and more innovative because they believe in merit, free speech and free markets! This will be a breath of fresh air for the arts as well, where suddenly people will look at you as if you are mad if you are on the Left. And this will be good for any industry! Mark my words. The golden age is on the way with bold, courageous and innovative ideas, look at Milei the Rockstar! And this Trump campaign was really funny and cutting edge! He went to all the podcasts, not stupid Scamela! I cannot wait for this new dawn of conservatism! Remember, the times where people believed in God were the most creative times! I cannot wait, great things will happen, mark my words!
Thanks for this, at once, disheartening and inspiring piece. I hope that one or more of your ideas take hold, and not inly by Jews, but also by the 'righteous Gentiles' who truly support diversity.
Thank you. Yes. Maybe. Unlikely. "Whataboutism". Yes all that you said. Plus, maybe for anything predictive. Unlikely for the positive and altruistic framing that feels a bit like there have never been a variety of self-imposed problems within our own communities whether in the Arts or otherwise. The artists themselves are always in survival mode. Except for those who aren't and those are not so inclined to welcome inclusivity for those who 'need' support. The history of the Yiddish Theatre as a genre is a perfect example that diversity does not necessarily guarantee unity. There is the history of the Hebrew Actors Union that led to greater activism for an Actor's union generally. "What's past is prologue". For sure though there are movements, swirls of murmurings to organize to create for our own. The Jewish life of the late 1800s and early to even mid 1900s was more whole than after the 1960s and onward. My personal bias is that IF the Jewish arts oriented people whether artist or supporter or producer or agent etc.... might actually.... in my weird naïve imagination might possibly 'commune' and communication about actual Jewish STUFF then it might transpire that the community of concern may actually re-find their Culture. That though is a danger zone of opinions, preferences, biases ... and political orientations more than somehow honoring the actual Source or Sources of our Culture. On another angle. Having just done a short 8 sessions course online regarding Sholem Aleichem as taught by Prof. Ruth Wisse at tikvah.org .... she and Aleichem are totally covering the whole grounds of this topic that seems so current. The wisdom of Aleichem, Wisse, our Culture is quite phenomenal. The circumstances we're in are different... yet the 'situation' is not new. The Wisdom is in our Sources, not in our Intellectual inclinations. The Intellectual inclinations have great virtues but they need anchored in our Sources and our Culture.
Perhaps all, or as many Jewish artists as possible, could join together and support publishing your artistic gifts and talents in a collaborative, self supported nature. When Jewish doctors or other Jewish professionials were not permitted in universities to learn, or hospitals to work ( Harvard and the Mayo Clinic come to mind), many Jewish entrepreneurs got together to start their own schools, hospitals, etc. There’s safety in numbers and many moderate and nonleft Jews, as well as those who appreciate art will support you! Please don’t hide who you are. Israel and its people are a wonderful country, as are the diaspora! 💙🤍💙🤍💪🏻🇮🇱
We can turn this hatred into opportunity and create new, even more resilient cultural institutions infused with a renewed sense of Yiddishkeit — 21st-century style."
B'ezrat hashem (בּעזרת השׁם), or as the saying goes, "From your mouth to God's ears."
Check out Creative Community For Peace established more than a decade ago to counter the ideological campaign against Israel and Jews that began in 2001. Here is its website: https://www.creativecommunityforpeace.com/
Bein' a performer (myself) I feel fer ya--I'd sharpen yer pencil if I could (no, not THATta way lol) but I ain't got any sheckels ta rub together myself ta even put together a cabaret night or a purim spiel--An' by-the-by mah kids used ta go to children's book readin's at that same infamous Powerhouse Books in Brooklyn (yup dats the one dat bans us choos should we dare feel Israel should not sink inta the ocean)--who knew back then, right?
Brooklyn, our former home 'til about a year ago when NYShitty became a full out dumpster fire (AND a literal terlet--not kiddin'! y'all sawr that homeless wreck annountin' the 7 train? THAT was our train inta Manhattan lol)-- Anywhoo one'a my girls was actin' professionally 'fore we left (tho' she lost roles fer bein' not "diverse" enuf--nu? jooisn is not diverse? whadda I know?)-- and as Hanukkah approaches I'm little sad cuz normally she'd be on stage at Merkin Hall up by Linconln Center performin' fer the uptown public in Judy & the Macabees... (cannot count how many times she did that show lol)... but honestly, I'd feel uneasy fer her or myself ta perform in anythin' jooish now as the crazies picket an' get funny with red paint, rocks, worse! To wit a dear friend's daughter had ta change skools an' attend in Joisy--by bus they take her!--b/c her high school on the Upper West Side had hired armed guards an' got threats an' her mom/my friend had enuf!
So one hour less sleep ta be up xtra early to travel to ANOTHER FRICKIN' STATE just to avoid the haters. Do we need this? Again? We do not. So I'm in da boonies now where there is no gefilte aisle in the grocery I joke (an' no actin' work / directin' work either!) so I'm all ears fer pro-chewish "ahrts" opportunities... (I write in the vernacular/in character but I'd do anythin' from Baby Snooks ta Shakespeare--in yiddish even!--if they brought back 2nd Avenue an' please god exported the keffiyehs-from-chynna-wearin' purple-haired "ha-messians" who can (pardon my french) gai kaken oifen yom (but not at Coney Island tsank u, cuz that's the Atlantic an' my girls used ta svim there...)
Mebbe something online (ugh but better 'n nutin') since we are all spread out like a schmear?
What a brilliant idea it is to start new arts funds, grants, projects and spaces especially for Jewish and Israeli creators! You have inspired me. You also gave me an idea of what to bequeath my funds to when I pass away, since I’m child free.
I’m sorry you lost your magazine Hal. There are so many insane people raging at the moment. I have a strong feeling that you will do even bigger and better things in time.
Great post and I’m so sorry this happened to you and other Jewish writers and artists. I’ve taken to writing for either the independent or conservative press. In the US, the less noisy majority of normal people support Israel and hate wokeness. I write for Splice Today and would be happy to introduce anyone to my editor. I also just started writing for an actual conservative magazine called Chronicles. It’s odd as a lifelong Democrat but the Democratic Party left me behind awhile back. Love and support to all - there are many non Jews like me out there who support you !!
I am with you on all counts. I am a painter and I was showing in NYC and now I simply can’t find a gallery. Because my work is realistic, its audience is more conservative but still, the only openly Zionist piece I submitted to a competition I always get into got weeded out right off. Even the local Jewish museum wouldn’t show my Jewish-themed work. I’m now in talks to show my Jewish work at my shul, where the lighting is poor and I doubt I will sell anything but at least the audience will appreciate the work. We need more Jewish arts organizations to get the work out and seen.
The meaning in any artwork, in any medium, takes place in the exchange between the piece and the audience. Without an audience, the piece is pointless and incomplete. When Jews lose their audience, their work becomes nullified. If the audience is only Jews, that’s OK. Maybe right now it’s the only audience that can hear or see us.
Yes we are being put in a horrible situation
The Jewish arts scene of shuls and JCCs etc wants only Jewish themed art and the left arts scene can barely stand us even if we actively try to hide our Jewish identity in our work. We need as the parlance goes “a safe space” to develop work and teach an audience!
Is it comforting to know that during the European dark ages there was no such thing as a Jewish dark age? We have writings from that time that are still in print and are still studied. Jewish art always thrives, no matter the circumstances in which we find ourselves. You will find a new voice and a new audience.
October 7th changed everything, and not just for Jewish people. It changed things for those who have (always) hated us, and it gave them free reign to loudly and proudly shout out their hatred. Sadly, this includes a fair number of our fellow Jews.
Find your new audience. We’re out there. We might be a little down market - but we’re out here.
Unfortunately the Jewish artists you have mentioned as pioneering the arts have for the most part remained silent on pro-Jewish and pro-Israel support. I heard more about Streisand moving out of the US if Trump was re-elected than anything else.
She is a fool why mention her
It is very sad to hear that. But I am also very disappointed with the Jews on the Left that prefer to side with the ''Palestinians'' than with their own culture, heritage and Israel, the country we all stem from! The Jewish Left is definitely part of the problem. I hear often from Jew Haters saying: The Jews themselves even say that Israel is an Apartheid state and commits genocide!'' That is not a good look and should be called out! I am optimistic though that this whole lunacy of DEI and Marxism will soon disappear as so many are sick of it! And it will become very unsexy and very evil to support that! Still, can you ever go back to before 7th of October? I don't think so. I also think that the Left that dominated that space for so long has destroyed and eaten itself with its corruption, elitist behaviour, censorship and lack of innovation and ideas. I think a new era is coming where conservatives are now the cool kids on the block and the rebels and they are way funnier and more innovative because they believe in merit, free speech and free markets! This will be a breath of fresh air for the arts as well, where suddenly people will look at you as if you are mad if you are on the Left. And this will be good for any industry! Mark my words. The golden age is on the way with bold, courageous and innovative ideas, look at Milei the Rockstar! And this Trump campaign was really funny and cutting edge! He went to all the podcasts, not stupid Scamela! I cannot wait for this new dawn of conservatism! Remember, the times where people believed in God were the most creative times! I cannot wait, great things will happen, mark my words!
Name them
Thanks for this, at once, disheartening and inspiring piece. I hope that one or more of your ideas take hold, and not inly by Jews, but also by the 'righteous Gentiles' who truly support diversity.
Thank you. Yes. Maybe. Unlikely. "Whataboutism". Yes all that you said. Plus, maybe for anything predictive. Unlikely for the positive and altruistic framing that feels a bit like there have never been a variety of self-imposed problems within our own communities whether in the Arts or otherwise. The artists themselves are always in survival mode. Except for those who aren't and those are not so inclined to welcome inclusivity for those who 'need' support. The history of the Yiddish Theatre as a genre is a perfect example that diversity does not necessarily guarantee unity. There is the history of the Hebrew Actors Union that led to greater activism for an Actor's union generally. "What's past is prologue". For sure though there are movements, swirls of murmurings to organize to create for our own. The Jewish life of the late 1800s and early to even mid 1900s was more whole than after the 1960s and onward. My personal bias is that IF the Jewish arts oriented people whether artist or supporter or producer or agent etc.... might actually.... in my weird naïve imagination might possibly 'commune' and communication about actual Jewish STUFF then it might transpire that the community of concern may actually re-find their Culture. That though is a danger zone of opinions, preferences, biases ... and political orientations more than somehow honoring the actual Source or Sources of our Culture. On another angle. Having just done a short 8 sessions course online regarding Sholem Aleichem as taught by Prof. Ruth Wisse at tikvah.org .... she and Aleichem are totally covering the whole grounds of this topic that seems so current. The wisdom of Aleichem, Wisse, our Culture is quite phenomenal. The circumstances we're in are different... yet the 'situation' is not new. The Wisdom is in our Sources, not in our Intellectual inclinations. The Intellectual inclinations have great virtues but they need anchored in our Sources and our Culture.
I’m so sorry Hal. I’m hearing stories like this around the US too.
Perhaps all, or as many Jewish artists as possible, could join together and support publishing your artistic gifts and talents in a collaborative, self supported nature. When Jewish doctors or other Jewish professionials were not permitted in universities to learn, or hospitals to work ( Harvard and the Mayo Clinic come to mind), many Jewish entrepreneurs got together to start their own schools, hospitals, etc. There’s safety in numbers and many moderate and nonleft Jews, as well as those who appreciate art will support you! Please don’t hide who you are. Israel and its people are a wonderful country, as are the diaspora! 💙🤍💙🤍💪🏻🇮🇱
"all is not lost.
We can turn this hatred into opportunity and create new, even more resilient cultural institutions infused with a renewed sense of Yiddishkeit — 21st-century style."
B'ezrat hashem (בּעזרת השׁם), or as the saying goes, "From your mouth to God's ears."
Here's what I wrote last January regarding that campaign to ban The Runner from theatre festivals. (The headline was, of course, ironic.)
https://armstrongb.substack.com/p/dont-call-it-cancel-culture
Check out Creative Community For Peace established more than a decade ago to counter the ideological campaign against Israel and Jews that began in 2001. Here is its website: https://www.creativecommunityforpeace.com/
A literary version is definitely needed.
Bein' a performer (myself) I feel fer ya--I'd sharpen yer pencil if I could (no, not THATta way lol) but I ain't got any sheckels ta rub together myself ta even put together a cabaret night or a purim spiel--An' by-the-by mah kids used ta go to children's book readin's at that same infamous Powerhouse Books in Brooklyn (yup dats the one dat bans us choos should we dare feel Israel should not sink inta the ocean)--who knew back then, right?
Brooklyn, our former home 'til about a year ago when NYShitty became a full out dumpster fire (AND a literal terlet--not kiddin'! y'all sawr that homeless wreck annountin' the 7 train? THAT was our train inta Manhattan lol)-- Anywhoo one'a my girls was actin' professionally 'fore we left (tho' she lost roles fer bein' not "diverse" enuf--nu? jooisn is not diverse? whadda I know?)-- and as Hanukkah approaches I'm little sad cuz normally she'd be on stage at Merkin Hall up by Linconln Center performin' fer the uptown public in Judy & the Macabees... (cannot count how many times she did that show lol)... but honestly, I'd feel uneasy fer her or myself ta perform in anythin' jooish now as the crazies picket an' get funny with red paint, rocks, worse! To wit a dear friend's daughter had ta change skools an' attend in Joisy--by bus they take her!--b/c her high school on the Upper West Side had hired armed guards an' got threats an' her mom/my friend had enuf!
So one hour less sleep ta be up xtra early to travel to ANOTHER FRICKIN' STATE just to avoid the haters. Do we need this? Again? We do not. So I'm in da boonies now where there is no gefilte aisle in the grocery I joke (an' no actin' work / directin' work either!) so I'm all ears fer pro-chewish "ahrts" opportunities... (I write in the vernacular/in character but I'd do anythin' from Baby Snooks ta Shakespeare--in yiddish even!--if they brought back 2nd Avenue an' please god exported the keffiyehs-from-chynna-wearin' purple-haired "ha-messians" who can (pardon my french) gai kaken oifen yom (but not at Coney Island tsank u, cuz that's the Atlantic an' my girls used ta svim there...)
Mebbe something online (ugh but better 'n nutin') since we are all spread out like a schmear?