“Terror, Faith, Hope” at Hadas Gallery in Brooklyn is a unique poignant collection of artworks from a wide range of artists that everyone should go see. The artists range from age 19 to age 75 and include religious Jews, nonreligious cultural Jews, chasidic Jews, and Jews from every background. The exhibit is curated by Abigail H. Meyer, an art historian, curator, and museum educator, with support from ATARA – the Arts and Torah Association.
Abigail shared how it was a very fulfilling experience to bring together such a varied group of artists to explore their narratives. Each piece of art holds its own narrative. She noted how two pieces on display happen to be together and represent such different people and worlds. Yet, we all have this common bond of our love for Israel and our Jewish soul. The work of a 19-year-old religious girl from Boro Park, which was submitted originally on notebook paper, is beside the work of an internationally acclaimed artist who is in his 70s and is a nonreligious cultural Jew. Abigail pointed out, “In what other forum would these artists admire and discuss each other’s work? This was a special moment for me as a curator.”
She shared that the exhibit was very well received, with over 200 people in attendance at the opening reception. The range of viewers was also amazing, with parents and children and people of all ages and religious levels attending. There were collectors, scholars, art history professors, local politicians, and more. Bais Yaakov schools, as well as Modern Orthodox schools, have made reservations to bring classes to the exhibit, as well. There is nothing graphic in the exhibit.
She spoke about a few of the extraordinary works of art. A heartbreaking piece from a senior majoring in studio art at Rutgers University is three giant papers, six feet tall, and the images are all black and white except for the red color of the kidnapped posters that are pulled down. “The narrative of the artist, Hannah Finkelshteyn was so compelling. Sadly, it depicts what has been happening on college campuses in America.”
Abigail explained that the three narratives of this episode teach the cyclical idea in Judaism. We, the Jewish people, live through tragedy and move to faith and hope. The exhibit is arranged in this order: terror, faith, and hope.
Many art events were created about October 7, but none spoke to the faith element. She shared how her work on this exhibit has been a labor of love, and it started in September and is extending through January.
She spoke about a few of the artists. There are several from Israel. The illustrator of the Kichels, Chani Judowitz, who lives in Lakewood, submitted a wonderful piece depicting a chasidic man hugging an IDF soldier. Chani Judowitz has demonstrated a riveting message, Abigail shared. It’s a major foundation in Judaism that we can balance all different emotions at once and that there is hope and faith even in the face of tragedy. An artist we associate with levity and comics came to October 7 and put down the Kichel hat and submitted a very different type of work. She demonstrated that it’s all part of the Jewish story!
The exhibit is available for viewing at the Hadas Gallery (110 Emerson Place, Brooklyn, NY 11205) on (Sundays 2-5 p.m.) – excluding December 22-29 – or by appointment to visit the exhibition or to book a school, synagogue, or private group tours. Their email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
By Susie Garber
