By

Dear friends,

I had the opportunity to visit Beth Am to take in this year’s exhibit of Souls Shot.

First, let me say that it was strange and wonderful to be in the building again- a home coming to be sure. The exhibit is set up in the social hall, which to be honest disappointed me a bit at first, but turned out to be no less moving.

I spent taking in the portraits, the faces, the artistic interpretations of each person, each human being, each soul, was captivating. I spent the first 15 minutes just looking at the art. But then I sat down with the book that accompanied the exhibit and really took in the lives that were cut down way too short to senseless gun violence. It was as powerful as it was last year, possibly more so this year.

This year I cried. I cried for the families who lost their loved ones. I cried for the artist who had the daunting task to raise up each life like a beacon for us all to see and remember. I cried for the 100,000+ Americans that are killed by guns every year. I cried for the 39,000+ lives cut too short due to COVID. What a powerful release.

I ended my visit with a short quiet reflection in the sanctuary (thank you Lori and Harold).  I said Kaddish. I was incredibly aware of the fragility of life. In that space, I renewed my soul.    

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.  Sign up to see the exhibit. It will move you.

Covid safe in person viewing:
By appointment only Tuesdays/Thursdays between 9am and 4pm in half hour time slots. Only members of one household at a time please. Masks required. To book go to our website www.bethamisrael.org, call 610-667-1651, or email info@bethamisrael.org.

Sunday, January 31st at 4pm: virtual opening and panel discussion
Discuss a variety of approaches to healing with Souls Shot Portrait Project participants and mothers Sharon James, a Care Coordinator for a health insurance company; Arlene Turner, a Clinical Nurse Specialist on a designated Covid Unit; CeaseFirePA’s lead organizer Max Milkman and Souls Shot Portrait Project’s Executive Director/Curator Laura Madeleine. 
Register here: https://bethamisrael.org/serve-kindly/souls-shot/

Souls Shot Portrait project links fine artists with families or friends of victims of gun violence. The artists meet with the victims’ loved ones to learn about the lives they lived. The goal is to present diverse works that in some way relay graphically, or through narrative, the essence of the person being portrayed. 
 
B’Shalom,
Michelle