The enclave of Crown Heights, is well-known for its prominent Chabad presence. While at first glance its inhabitants may appear to form a rather uniform group, in reality it is comprised of a unique mesh of individuals with varying abilities, perspectives and origins.
In partnership with the Jewish Children’s Museum and in conjunction with The Ruderman Chabad Inclusion Initiative (RCII), artist Yitzchok Moully aims to promote ahavas yisroel, love for every person, by means of a mural in the neighborhood prominently displayed outside the landmark Museum on Eastern Parkway.
The colorful mural highlights the Torah’s message that each person is a world unto themselves regardless of their abilities, the color of their skin, invisible mental health conditions, socioeconomic status, or any other distinguishing factor.
Moully’s mural depicts a Crown Heights community scene with people of all types, emphasizing the fact that it is precisely the variety that brings vibrancy and life to a community, while at our core we are all unified.
On a deeper level, Moully is inspired by the way Chasidus – particularly the Tanya – teaches us, that we are all connected on a soul level. This idea is represented in the ‘soul splash’ on each character in the mural.
“The soul is inherent in each of us and the same in all,” says Moully. “While our exteriors are different by design and each person needs to be focused on as an individual, our neshamos are all a “chelek elokim mimaal” – a part of G-d. When we connect with another person, we can do so on the soul level – the place where we are one, and indeed everyone does truly belong. Only when we recognize our innate similarity can we grow in our relationships with each other.”
In addition, Moully is now making the mural interactive by linking the mural with an Augmented Reality (AR) app he is developing to deepen the viewer’s experience. When observed through the app on a person’s phone, each of the painted characters will come to life with particular reactions.
This project is part of a larger multi media campaign that will include a new song and music video by 8th Day called “We All Belong,” and the mural will travel across the United States to reinforce the message of inclusion in many communities. It is expected to be a central icon at the Friendship Circle Marathon in Miami at the end of the year. If you would like to display the mural in your community please contact the RCII at [email protected] or 701-404-RCII (7244).
The mural has been completed in time for the launch of a new project – ShabbaTTogether – A Global Shabbos of Disability Inclusion and Mental Health Awareness- being launched by Chabad in over 200 cities across the globe and on every continent on Parshat Terumah, February 8-9, 2019. For more info and how to get involved go to www.ShabbaTTogether.com.
The mural is sponsored by Esther Deutsch and is intended as the first of different creative means to bring Torah concepts of inclusion to life in a creative, colorful, positive, and unifying way. Because, we all belong.
This is more than ridiculous Like the above comment it’s 6 yo 7 there might have been no room for a 14th to even out the score
And even if not is this a good thing? Yes. End of story save your comments for those places where they belong
1st and last are girls. Then there are 2 young women taking a selfie, and a mom lifting her baby girl.
So that’s 6 women and seven men. How is that , “we’ve not come close”?
Besides, not being in a mural doesn’t mean you are not equal.
We are all equal but different.
Time to throw off your women’s liberation agenda and start living life a proud Jewish woman according to the dictates of our holy Torah
For those who have seen the mural in person will know, that there is a young girl on the left side of the mural as it turns the corner.
There is a 6/7 split between males and females in the mural + a baby.
It’s super easy to knock down someone who is trying but doesn’t get it 100% in your opinion…
I believe this is disability inclusion
Inclusion doesn’t mean anything agaist halacha. The progressive thinking is to include immigrants, homelessness, lgbt, rainbow. Which becomes a slippery slope of partisan liberal agenda. I guess this has to be balanced correctly.
Much hatzlacha.
Saw this on way to subway so eye catching and colorful and important
Sarah Kranz Ciment and their team is doing an outstanding job with Chabad Ruderman Inclusion program
Maybe next time the mural will have more women than men
Charlie Buttons!
It’s beautiful.
The ratio of women to men shows me that our community talks about cherishing women yet we’ve not come close to achieving equality!