P.O.P. – Pandemic Omer Project
The ritual period of “counting the Omer” from Passover to Shavuot is an important opportunity for reflection and spiritual growth. This year, we, along with TC Jewfolk’s JCreate community invite you to develop a creative practice around this ancient Jewish tradition.
Seven Jewish artists and creatives will introduce a theme for each week and provide daily prompts for you to use as imaginative jumping-off points during this sacred time. Look out for the prompts on social media at sundown on Sundays, then use #POP5781 to share daily or select responses with the community.
For more information, contact: Robyn Awend at robyna@minnesotajcc.org.
Week 1
David Sherman
David Sherman is a Minneapolis based, portrait, sports and editorial photographer. A professional photographer since 1992, David services as the NBA Team Photographer for professional basketball teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx and House Photographer for Target Center. In 2010, he established Transfer of Memory, a touring exhibition of portraits and accompanying stories of Minnesota’s Holocaust Survivors. Published internationally, David is highly regarded by professional practices, businesses and publications for his professionalism, his artist’s eye and ability to masterfully draw out the true emotion and energy behind his subjects.
WEEK 1 PROMPTS:
Sunday (Today is day one of the Omer)
Connecting to People – take a phone picture of an old photograph of you and someone else – preferably someone you haven’t been in touch with for some time. Text or e-mail the picture to whomever is in the photograph with you. Print the photo and tape to your refrigerator and/or post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Monday (Today is day two of the Omer)
Connecting to Nature – take a walk outside – take at least 3 phone photos of things in nature you see. Print one or all of the photos and tape to your refrigerator and/or post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Tuesday (Today is day three of the Omer)
Connecting to Time – sit on a bench outside or next to an open window at home for at least 15 minutes – take a selfie showing the view you experienced. Print the photo and tape to your refrigerator and/or post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Wednesday (Today is day four of the Omer)
Connecting via Kindness to People – gather unused household items, clothing or food. Take a phone photo of what you have collected. Donate the items to charity or food bank of choice. Print the photo and tape to your refrigerator and/or post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Thursday (Today is day five of the Omer)
Connecting via Kindness to Nature – take a walk in a nature area or your neighborhood – pick up any trash with you see – take a phone photo of what you have collected. Dispose of trash, print the photo and tape to your refrigerator and/or post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Friday (Today is day six of the Omer)
Connecting via Kindness to Time – ask friends and acquaintances if they have Shabbat candles to light. Set up a Facetime or Zoom with them so you can light candles, say Kiddush and HaMotzi together. Take a screenshot, print the photo and tape to your refrigerator and/or post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Saturday (Today is day seven of the Omer)
Connecting to the Omer – take the photographs from your refrigerator – cut out elements and make a collage of all the Omer counting activities of the week. Place collage on the refrigerator. If posting on Facebook/Instagram, make a story and/or a carousel with the photos you created this week using the tag #POP5781.
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Week 2
Efrat Cohen
Efrat (Effie) Cohen is a business system analyst, a professional pianist, an artist, a social psychology enthusiast, and a wellness advocate, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota by way of Israel. She has been playing the piano since she was 7 years old and has always been fascinated by the beauty of our sky. She recently discovered her writing talent and is looking forward to enjoying that as well. In 2010, he established Transfer of Memory, a touring exhibition of portraits and accompanying stories of Minnesota’s Holocaust Survivors. Published internationally, David is highly regarded by professional practices, businesses and publications for his professionalism,
WEEK 2 PROMPTS:
Sunday (Today is day eight—one week and one day—of the Omer)
Close your eyes and think for a few minutes about one trait you appreciate and like in yourself. While you do that, try to feel this wonderful trait in your body, let it expand, and fill your heart. Can you feel how fortunate you are to hold this trait? Write the trait on a sticky note and put it on a mirror in your home where you’ll see it. (Optionally) take a photo of yourself with your trait and post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Monday (Today is day nine—one week and two days—of the Omer)
Today, look at the sky for a few minutes and notice everything it has to offer you. When you’re done, write down what you saw and the emotions it brought within you. Prop or tape what you wrote in a window. (Optionally) take a photo of your notes in the window and post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Tuesday (Today is day ten—one week and three days—of the Omer)
Have you ever noticed what makes you want to wear certain clothes over others? When you picked your clothes this morning (or yesterday), what made you choose their color or shape? Do you feel more comfortable/confident/happy/shy etc., with certain items or colors? Find a family member or a friend to share this with and ask them the same questions. Finally, write down one emotion you enjoy feeling and pin it to a piece of clothing that helps you feel that emotion. (Optionally) take a photo of the garment and post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Wednesday (Today is day eleven—one week and four days—of the Omer)
Write down 8 things you feel fortunate to have in your life right now, that bring you joy, peace of mind, or a smile. (Optionally) post about one or more of those things to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Thursday (Today is day twelve—one week and five days—of the Omer)
Take a short walk (or do this at home if needed). Notice everything around you, especially things you don’t usually pay attention to. Try to notice the colors and pick two you really like. Write down anything you noticed including the two colors, and for each observation, describe the feelings it brought up within you. Share your experience with someone you feel comfortable with and/or take a few photos of what you notice and post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Friday (Today is day thirteen—one week and six days—of the Omer)
Think about your values in life: what’s important to you and what guides you. Write down your five most important values and notice how you think and behave through them during your day. (Optionally) post about one or more of your values to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Saturday (Today is day fourteen—two weeks—of the Omer)
If you were to be an animal (any animal we know of on our planet), who would you be, and why? Write this down and share it with someone you love. (Optionally) search for a photo you like of this animal and post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
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Week 3
Deborah Getsug Taillon
Deborah Getsug Taillon is a multidisciplinary artist living in West St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband, John, their 5-year-old daughter, Luna, and their Amstaff Terrier, Tula. She grew up in St. Paul in Highland Park and attends the Temple of Aaron synagogue. Deborah has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and a Master’s in Education and is the Assistant Director of the Early Childhood Center at the Minnesota JCC, Sabes Center in Minneapolis. She works primarily in fiber art but enjoys exploring many mediums, from sewing and weaving, to writing and baking. In 2010, he established Transfer of Memory, a touring exhibition of portraits and accompanying stories of Minnesota’s Holocaust Survivors. Published internationally, David is highly regarded by professional practices, businesses and publications for his professionalism,
WEEK 3 PROMPTS:
Sunday (Today is day fifteen—two weeks and one day—of the Omer)
Take 1 minute to check in with your body. Put your shoulders down, unclench your jaw, uncross your legs, and take a deep breath. Take this a step further by setting a timer on your phone to do this once every hour. 1 minute to check in with your body and decompress. (Optionally) post a short video describing how this felt to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Monday (Today is day sixteen—two weeks and two days—of the Omer)
Grab a stack of Post-It Notes. Take a moment to write down one to three things that you are grateful for. It could be your family, your health, your legs that keep you moving, your home, your children, your cozy bed. Fold your post-its and place them into a jar or box and add to or read them from time to time. Building a gratitude practice has been shown to improve your health and overall wellness and is a wonderful ritual to share with loved ones. (Optionally) post one of your notes to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Tuesday (Today is day seventeen—two weeks and three days—of the Omer)
Take a moment today to play a piece of music that moves you. Turn off the news, put down your device, and simply enjoy some music. Share the moment with members of your household, or enjoy a moment alone. Think about why you love the music. Where does it take you? What does it remind you of? (Optionally) post a clip of your music to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Wednesday (Today is day eighteen—two weeks and four days—of the Omer)
Walk it out. Walk slow, walk fast, walk alone, walk with your family. Walk without judgment, walk without a goal. Just walk and feel the breeze, notice the way your feet feel hitting the ground, be aware of what you see and hear. Walk for 5 minutes, or for as long as your legs allow. There is no wrong way to move your body. (Optionally) post a photo of the shoes you walk in, or your bare feet, to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Thursday (Today is day nineteen—two weeks and five days—of the Omer)
When you eat today, choose foods you love and that make you feel good. Maybe a food that brings you comfort or holds a special memory. Eat without interruption or distraction. Take your time and notice the flavors and textures, and think about why you enjoy this food. Remind yourself that food is fuel, food is joy, food is memory, food is history. Today, relish your meals and thank your body for being the strong, capable body that moves you through the world. (Optionally) take a beautiful photo of your food and post to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Friday (Today is day twenty—two weeks and six days—of the Omer)
Find and share a photo from a time where you were in your element, where you felt alive and fully, authentically yourself. Think about what was happening at this time; and if you feel off these days, what steps might you take to get back to a place of peace? Upload your photo and describe where you were and what you were doing/feeling to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
Saturday (Today is day twenty-one—three weeks—of the Omer)
Share your favorite memory of celebrating a Jewish holiday with your family. Did you sneak bites of gefilte fish during the seder with your cousin (like I did)? Did you watch family movies in the den after dinner? Did you pick up some kosher deli on a Sunday morning? Did you walk to the temple holding your parent or grandparent’s hand? Please share as much or as little as you wish to Facebook/Instagram with the tag #POP5781.
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Week 4
Anat Szendro Sevilla
Anat Szendro Sevilla is a visual designer and instructor. She completed her Bachelor of Design from The Bezalel Academy, studied UX/UI design, and has worked in the design industry for more than a decade. Anat has facilitated the Minneapolis Jewish Artists’ Laboratory, bringing together artists from different backgrounds, of all ages, to discuss various aspects of creativity, Jewish text, and visuals.In 2010, he established Transfer ohjmjhjhgjhgjfgjhfgjfhjhjhjfhjhjhjfhjfghjfhjgjfgjfghjfhgfjgjghfjgjghj f Memory, a touring exhibition of portraits and accompanying stories of Minnesota’s Holocaust Survivors. Published internationally, David is highly regarded by professional practices, businesses and publications for his professionalism,
WEEK 4 PROMPTS:
Sunday (Today is day twenty-two—three weeks and one day—of the Omer)
Ask for help, offer help: Ask your community, online or offline, for something you need today. It can be anything, from duct tape to prayers. Offer something you can give others as well. Offering is many times more rewarding than receiving. By sharing our strengths and weaknesses we create a community of trust.
Monday (Today is day twenty-three—three weeks and two days—of the Omer)
Ask three or more of your contacts what they love about you (yes, text them now! If you need, tell them I told you to do so) Summarize what they say to three words and share it with someone you trust or with your community.
Tuesday (Today is day twenty-four—three weeks and three days—of the Omer)
Expand your limits: Wear something in your closet in a way you’ve never worn it before. Take (and if you want, post) a photo of your new look.
Wednesday (Today is day twenty-five—three weeks and four days—of the Omer)
What would you say to your teenage self if they were with you this week? Write it out.
Thursday (Today is day twenty-six—three weeks and five days—of the Omer)
What might your future self say to you today? Record it in a short message on your phone and schedule a reminder for later (you choose how long) to open it back up and listen.
Friday (Today is day twenty-seven—three weeks and six days—of the Omer)
Listen to THIS SONG and dance to it! What is your favorite song to dance to? Start an awesome playlist with suggestions from friends.
Saturday (Today is day twenty-eight—three weeks—of the Omer)
Summarize the last week in only 6 words (!) Share with a friend and ask them to tell you about their week in 6 words.
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Week 5
Adam Schwartz
Adam Schwartz has a BA in Psychology from University of Tennessee in Psychology, a MS from University of Minnesota in Human Factors and Ergonomics, and a PhD from University of Minnesota in Environmental Health Science. His career has spanned combat engineering, industrial organizational psychology, behavioral economics, human factors, ergonomics, injury epidemiology, human centered design, and UX research. Adam enjoys spending time with his wife, Danielle Berkow-Schwartz, running Heritage Judaica, bike riding, hosting dinner parties, and playing harmonica. jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj
WEEK 5 PROMPTS:
Sunday (Today is day twenty-nine—four weeks and one day—of the Omer)
Change your outfit with your eyes blindfolded or closed. How does your clothing feel on your body?
Monday (Today is day thirty—four weeks and two days—of the Omer)
How well do you understand spices? Take a cup of cool or warm water and add a spice/herb to it. Sip it, roll it around your mouth like a fine wine. If it is warm/hot, inhale the steam. Repeat with a different spice. Consider how you will use these spices differently in the future.
Tuesday (Today is day thirty-one—four weeks and three days—of the Omer)
Look at a scene in the distance and imagine it as an artist. Point out the fore, middle and far grounds. Do a very fast, rough sketch of 3 elements you notice.
Wednesday (Today is day thirty-two—four weeks and four days—of the Omer)
Be very aware of your posture. Stand with neutral posture for 30 seconds, then try adjusting it and see how it feels. Lift one shoulder, thrust one elbow slightly back, raise one knee, etc, hold each modification for at least 20 seconds, and note how it feels. In the end, return to a neutral posture and see how different it feels from the beginning.
Thursday (Today is day thirty-three—four weeks and five days—of the Omer)
Simplify your life. Clean out your inbox—can you do a bulk delete of nonpersonal emails from organizations? Then, find 3 items you can throw out, recycle, or donate.
Friday (Today is day thirty-four—four weeks and six days—of the Omer)
Go to Google Scholar and find 3 peer-reviewed articles on topics that interest you. Don’t feel obligated to read more than the abstracts.
Saturday (Today is day thirty-five—five weeks—of the Omer)
Hard-boil eggs (or red potatoes) and eat slices with at least 4 different sauces/spices. Notice how they change the eggsperience.
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Week 6
Avigail Manneberg
Avigail Manneberg is a Minneapolis-based artist. She works in varied media, such as painting, drawing, video, and performance. Avigail is a member of the Rosalux Art Gallery Collective and has exhibited her work at galleries, universities, and museums in the USA and internationally. jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj
WEEK 6 PROMPTS:
Sunday (Today is day thirty-six—five weeks and one day—of the Omer)
Check out Michael Papadakis’s Sunlight Art: Painting With A Magnifying Glass.
Draw a small drawing or try to write “FIRE” using a magnifying glass. This could be done on a dry leaf, paper, or any other surface you’d like to experiment with. (Optionally) take a picture of your work and share it with friends.
Monday (Today is day thirty-seven—five weeks and two days—of the Omer)
Light a candle. Learn How to Draw a Candle Flame in this easy step-by-step narrated drawing using pencil and soft pastels. Use whatever supplies you already have, and hang the finished picture somewhere in your home.
Tuesday (Today is day thirty-eight—five weeks and three days—of the Omer)
Check out this short article about: How Conversations Around Campfire Might Have Shaped Human Cognition And Culture. Make a campfire outside and tell a short story to friends and or family that share that fire with you.
Wednesday (Today is day thirty-nine—five weeks and four days—of the Omer)
Go on a walk and think about The Effects of Climate Change. Acknowledge how heat and fire have changed and will change nature. Write down your thoughts and, optionally, share them with someone and then listen to what they think.
Thursday (Today is day forty—five weeks and five days—of the Omer)
Make a cooked dish. Think about The Relationship Between Heat Transfer and Cooking. Take a picture of your delicious dish and show someone else who likes to cook/eat.
Friday (Today is day forty-one—five weeks and six days—of the Omer)
Dress like fire today (you can use whatever is in your closet)! How does it make you feel? Does it change how you look or feel?
Saturday (Today is day forty-two—six weeks—of the Omer)
Go on a walk and find the letters: F-I-R-E. Take a photo of each, then collage your photos together. You can keep adding to the collage if you want.
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Week 7
Daniel Ettedgui
I have been involved in Judaic Studies/Education/Art in the Minneapolis-St.Paul area for many years. I am presently serving as Rabbi of Sharei Chesed Congregation in Minnetonka, and also teaching in the community. I love to utilize visual-Midrash (interpretation) in my lesson plans. Much of my artwork (2-D, mixed-media) are the result of my topographical readings of actual maps, then I infuse with imagined landscapes, creatures and adventures. As they say in the cartography universe, “It’s a trip!”. hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
WEEK 7 PROMPTS:
Sunday (Today is day forty-three—six weeks and one day—of the Omer)
You are beginning your journey out from a confining place. It could be Egypt, COVID, Job-Loss, Uncertainty, Starting a New School, Trying Something New, Loneliness, etc.
You can take/pack only 7 items/possessions on this Journey.
What 7 items will you take? In choosing these items, you prepare to also assist others along the way, and you pack an item that expresses Kindness (in Hebrew, Chesed). Which item is that? Today, this is your creative Omer offering, this Chesed is an offering that you will never run out of.
Show/Tell: List each of the 7, take a photo of them, write a poem/song about them, or illustrate them; maybe, create a map, create a recipe, video, etcetera.
Monday (Today is day forty-four—six weeks and two days—of the Omer)
You start this day with Inner-Strength (in Hebrew Gevurah), you feel a new energy, and have traveled all the way to the next camp for the night, and you check your 7 items to find that you’ve left one of them behind. You cannot go back, you must restrain your desire to go back, this item you left behind is your Omer offering.
Show/Tell: which item is it, and how will you be a hero, for yourself and for others, and adjust for an uncertain tomorrow without it?
Tuesday (Today is day forty-five—six weeks and three days—of the Omer)
You woke up today feeling challenged, tired even; and yet, you see your inner Beauty (in Hebrew, Tiferet) and it energizes you to go out and be seen and heard.
Show/Tell: which of your remaining items do you consider to be the most Beautiful? Today, this item is your creative Omer offering, and you will now leave it behind and continue your journey without it.
Wednesday (Today is day forty-six—six weeks and four days—of the Omer)
This is the 4th and middle day of our 7 days. You are standing and feeling alive in Endurance/Victory (in Hebrew, Netsacḥ). Which of your remaining items/possessions makes you feel like you can conquer any obstacle in life?
Show/Tell about this possession, and you must now give it as a gift to someone. Who is the person you give this life-sustaining possession to, and how do you believe it will keep them going-strong enough to endure this journey? This is your creative Omer offering.
Thursday (Today is day forty-seven—six weeks and five days—of the Omer)
Today you feel Glory/Magnificent (in Hebrew, Hōd); you are feeling like you can do anything. Your friend has decided to stay in this place on the journey, and make it their new home. You will miss this person and you want to give them something to remember you by.
Show/Tell: which of your remaining possessions will you give them and how will this possession remind your friend of you? This is your creative Omer offering.
Friday (Today is day forty-eight—six weeks and six days—of the Omer)
Today you feel a need to be settled, grounded. Foundation/Essence (in Hebrew, Yesod). You are feeling like this is a day before a needed day of rest; you really need a Shabbat tomorrow. If tomorrow is to be a day of rest for you, give a double-portion of your creative energy today.
Show/Tell: today you will build a monument to remember your journey. What items are left from your original 7? Now you must use one possession as the foundation to support this monument. This is your creative Omer offering today.
Saturday (Today is day forty-nine—seven weeks—of the Omer)
Today is a day that you should not carry so much weight. You have arrived at a destination without most, if any, of your original items/possessions; and yet, you feel like Royalty (in Hebrew, Malkhut).
In the Torah we learn that even a King (Ruler) of Israel, must behave properly, and must not have an extravagant amount of possessions. A Ruler should have the Torah Law in sight at all times (Deut. 17:18-19), this takes time, and requires the possession of Humility.
Show/Tell which possession of yours remains here with you? What does this item/possession teach you about how to remain Humble upon arriving at such a “Royal” place? This is your creative Omer offering.
