Students of Tzohar Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA, will present their end of semester projects this Thursday evening, January 18th.
Students choose a concept in Chassidus that they’ve learned and identify with personally and express it through an art form of their choice. “This creative process enables each student to hear her own voice, develop her sense of self, and share her thoughts with an audience,” says Mrs. Amy Guterson, Founder and Artistic Director. “Really embarking on a venture to create some kind of art – visual, music, film, dance, writing, etc – while pouring themselves and their sense of chizuk from the Chassidus lesson they have chosen into that project, they can’t help but grow. They get to see HaShem in the details and sense Him helping them along the way. They grow as artists, as individuals, and as Jewish women in this process.”
Now in its 13th year, Tzohar Seminary is the only seminary in the world that focuses on the integration of Chassidus and the Arts. Tzohar offers students a curated experience, where they receive individualized guidance as they study, apply, and express the Torah they’re learning through creative writing, music, dance, film, theater, and visual art.
“We focus on each student’s unique set of talents and perspectives and help them integrate Torah with who they are,” says Rabbi Dovid Hordiner, Director of Education. “We provide an educational structure which enables students to express themselves artistically and ask authentic questions they never felt comfortable asking.”
“Tzohar gifted me with the opportunity to take a deeper look at myself and my relationship with Hashem. Being in Tzohar was being in an environment around people who love and nurture all the parts of yourself, ” reflects Perel Tessler, an alumna from the class of 5783.
Rebbetzin Sara Korn, parent of a recent graduate, shares that “I could tell my daughter was having a life changing experience, but it wasn’t until I attended the end of year Mother/Daughter Shabbaton that I understood the extent of it. As I met each girl and their mother I understood it was not just my daughter but all of them. They expressed that Tzohar was a place where they gained inspiration in their Judaism in an environment that enabled them to integrate that experience with who they were. The classes were inspiring and led by teachers who are true examples of how Chassidus wants us to live. The workshops in the arts are totally professional and really help the girls nurture their talents. I firmly believe that this is the way Chinuch should be and I hope other institutions will be inspired by their example.”
Tzohar Seminary’s annual fundraising campaign takes place next week on Monday, January 22nd and 23rd. To help Tzohar continue with its necessary and vital work, please visit their campaign page and donate www.charidy.com/tzohar.
with your performance Leah!!❤️