The Jewish Arts Collective 2026-27 / 5787
THEME: Salt | מלח
Join JAC – a vibrant community of artists and creative thinkers as we dive into the rich symbolism of salt through Jewish learning, meaningful dialogue, and artistic exploration.
The 2026–27 Jewish Arts Collective will explore the theme of Salt/מלח a substance both ordinary and extraordinary, woven throughout Jewish text, ritual, history, and daily life. In Jewish tradition, salt symbolizes covenant, permanence, purification, hospitality, and remembrance. The Torah speaks of a brit melach—a “covenant of salt”—representing an enduring and sacred bond between God and the Jewish people. Salt accompanied ancient sacrifices in the Temple, is traditionally present on the Shabbat table alongside challah, and appears throughout Jewish texts as a symbol of preservation, wisdom, and transformation. From Lot’s wife, who became a pillar of salt, to the tears shed in moments of grief and joy, salt carries stories of memory, resilience, and what it means to endure.
Together, we will explore the many layers of salt through Jewish learning, artistic exploration, and creative practice, uncovering how something so small can hold such profound meaning. Through text study, dialogue, and art-making, participants will engage with questions of what we choose to preserve, what gives life its flavor, how we navigate change and transformation, and how our individual stories contribute to the collective tapestry of Jewish life. The year will be guided by inspiring facilitators: Rabbi Alexander Davis & Meryll Levine Page in Semester 1 and Rabbi Debra Rappaport & Guest Artist(s) in Semester 2, bringing their unique wisdom, creativity, and perspective to our shared journey of discovery.
As with every JAC season, the experience will culminate in a public exhibition and presentation of new work in the summer of 2027. Inspired by a year of shared learning, conversation, and creative exploration, participants will have the opportunity to showcase original artistic responses that reflect the many meanings, memories, and metaphors of salt in Jewish life and tradition.
Jewish Arts Collective Semester Details
Semester 1
Dates: Thursdays, 6:30 – 8 pm
Sept 3, Oct 8, Nov 5, Dec 3
Location: Beth El Synagogue
Facilitators: Rabbi Alexander Davis & Meryll Levine Page*
*Facilitated Book Group, Always Carry Salt: A Memoir of Preserving Language and Culture by Samantha Ellis
Includes branded journal
$200
Salt of Memory, Salt of Covenant
From the Torah’s stories and laws, and from its use in Jewish rituals, we will uncover layers of meaning in this humble mineral. As we explore salt’s enduring place in Jewish tradition, we will consider how artists transform ordinary materials into vessels of memory, meaning, and holiness.
Rabbi Alexander Davis is senior rabbi of Beth El Synagogue. When he is not learning or teaching Torah, he loves cooking and baking, travel and the arts. Rabbi Davis grew up in Portland, Oregon and lived in Jerusalem and New York City before moving with his wife to the Twin Cities. He is blessed to be the father of four boys.
Meryll Levine Page is an educator, writer, and lifelong student of Jewish texts. She co-authored Jewish Luck: A True Story of Friendship, Deception, and Risky Business with her sister, Leslie Levine Adler. Since the inception of the Jewish Artists’ Lab, now the Jewish Arts Collective, Meryll has served as a text facilitator, helping shape each year’s theme, lead discussions, and create meaningful connections between Jewish learning and artistic practice. A passionate educator for nearly four decades, she taught Jewish studies, Hebrew, and history in schools throughout the Twin Cities before retiring in 2010. She continues her commitment to Jewish learning through Hebrew translation for an Israeli museum and daily Daf Yomi study.
Semester 2
Dates: Thursdays, 6:30 – 8 pm
Jan 7, Feb 4, March 4, April 1
Location: Beth El Synagogue
Facilitators: Rabbi Debra Rappaport & Guest Artists*
*Guest artists will lead immersive workshop with salt inspired artmaking
Includes branded journal
$200
The Salt of the Earth: Metaphors and Reality of Salt in Judaism and Ecology
Through Jewish legends and poetry, we’ll explore a range of essential and often contradictory aspects of salt. We’ll look at the role of salt in tangible climate issues today, and how Israel is addressing them. Finally, we’ll explore the ritual symbolism of salt in the Seder.
Rabbi Debra Rappaport facilitates participatory Jewish learning, engaging worship, meaningful life cycle rituals, and sustainable organizational leadership. She serves on the boards of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association and the Jewish Community Relations Council of MN and the Dakotas. Prior work experience includes Director of Hineni Adult Jewish Learning & Contemplative Practices, Rabbi for Lifelong Learning & Engagement at Shir Tikvah and Rabbi & Executive Director at B’nai Vail Congregation. A native of the Twin Cities, R’ Rappaport moved back to Minneapolis in 2014 to be with her beloved, Bobby Zelle, and near both of their families.