Multi-Media Mural at Congregation Or Shalom Creates Additional Learning Opportunities

A widely accepted concept of education demonstrates that, when the arts are incorporated into the learning experience, children learn more quickly and retain information longer. Art illustrates the story and the principles, engaging those who are involved. This past summer, this philosophy came to life at Congregation Or Shalom.

"I began to envision the stairway walls as a blank canvas that could come alive to provide an educational experience," said Or Shalom education director Marcia Cohen. "We have two hours a day to impart as much knowledge and excitement about Jewish learning as we can. Our time is so precious; I believe we cannot waste a single second." Cohen's vision was to immerse students in the stories of the Torah as they use the staircase. "They will see and feel it around them. We hope this will make them curious and ask questions, leading to learning as they use the stairs."

Because of two pieces of artwork already hanging in the temple hallway, the artist who immediately came to mind was Grayslake resident Lee Loebman. Cohen added, "Aside from being a really talented artist, he has a strong Judaic background. When I explained [the project] to him, he immediately had ideas about scenes he wanted to depict."

"I like to tell a story with my artwork as well as make it educational, not just a pretty picture. This seemed like a perfect fit," said Loebman. "It tells the whole story of the Torah in order. [However,] given the size of the project, I knew we needed to find people in the congregation to help with the project."

"We called on people we knew or thought had an artistic background - either as a hobby or a job - and invited people to be part of it," explained membership engagement specialist Nancy Trudell. "It's involved a whole team of different people working."

Even though not everyone accepted the challenge, Cohen added, "We were surprised at the number of people here who are so talented. What is really cool about this project, is that people are coming together who didn't know each other previously; they've gotten to meet each other while drawing or painting.

A core team began the project, which then expanded, with others joining in as time permitted. This involved generations of members getting involved, including many who have not participated in any activities in a while. Even when Loebman was not around, the project moved forward. "We began painting together," said Loebman, "but now I am there only once or twice a week. I help map out the walls and designate what colors go where."

Most of the work took place over the summer when the building is normally quieter. "We had people coming and going during the day and evening. Something was always happening with people coming in to paint. Many took ownership and got really excited about it. They have taken pride in their work," Said Trudell. "This was completely an all-volunteer community effort where people gave their hearts and souls and worked on it as a labor of love," she added. "This project got people involved and really excited."

The center upper staircase landing remains the last component to be completed, as it will involve a montage multimedia representation of the crossing of the Red Sea. To illustrate this story, Loebman is using a Go Pro Camera, which will help make this scene into a movie with a Jerusalem stone gate the "audience" will look through, allowing them to see the sea split as Moses holds up his staff, while his sister Miriam is on the other side with a tambourine.

Cohen plans to use the stairway "journey" as an opportunity for additional learning through a scavenger hunt to explore sections of the Torah. Cohen also envisions welcoming church groups to view the staircase mural. "We often have visitors who come to experience Sabbath worship and to see an actual Torah scroll. We will give them the opportunity to view the stairway mural as these Bible stories are something our faiths share."

A special "grand opening" dedication is being planned for Simchat Torah, on October 23. As the holiday means "rejoicing in the Torah," it marks the completion of the yearlong cycle of reading the Torah, and starting the reading anew. For more information, contact Or Shalom at 847-362-1948.