Sh’mita Study Group: Reflection + Letterpress

March 23, May 4, June 1; 6–8pm CT VIRTUAL + Sunday, June 12; 1–4pm IN PERSON

Featuring Meryll Page, Robyn Awend, and visiting presenters.

In this three-part study group, participants will explore Sh’mita, the year of release, which occurs every seven years in the Jewish calendar. During the Sh’mita year, debts are forgiven, agricultural lands lie fallow, and food that grows wild is shared. We will discuss how the concept of Sh’mita speaks to the tension between release and revival in today’s world, and we will uncover how we can apply these teachings to both the natural world and our own creative spirit. No prior knowledge necessary, just a curiosity to explore this ancient tradition.

The virtual discussion, led by Meryll Page, will culminate in an in-person letterpress workshop on June 12th utilizing MCBA’s new Hebrew wood type.

This workshop is being presented as part of History in the Making, a yearlong series of programs and events exploring the historical and contemporary printed word in Jewish culture, and activating MCBA’s newly acquired Hebrew wood type. This type, commissioned by MCBA and created by the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum, is the only Hebrew wood type in the country to be manufactured and made available for public use. This unique community resource enables Twin Cities’ communities to connect with Jewish culture and identity in creative new ways. These programs are organized in partnership with local artist and community builder Robyn Awend, together with other featured artists. 

History in the Making is made possible in part with the support of The Noah F. Gordon Fund at the Minneapolis Foundation; Rimon: The Minnesota Jewish Arts Council, an initiative of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation; The Lerner Foundation; Phil & Tammie Rosenbloom; JCreate, an initiative of Jewfolk, Inc.; and Minnesota JCC.

All skill levels and faith traditions welcome

FREE | $100 suggested donation/participant; donations support cost of materials and instruction fees for this program

Tech requirements: For this participatory virtual workshop, we recommend joining on a laptop or desktop computer with a camera and microphone, if possible. You will receive step-by-step instructions for downloading Zoom (it’s free!) and accessing the workshop online approximately 2 days before the workshop’s start date.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.