After The Bezalel Exhibition In America
Written By: Prof. Boris Schatz
At last the exhibits are at an end! And with it, all the confusions, banquets, speeches, packing and unpacking and all the other trials and tribulations that go along with the exhibit. Now I am at leisure to make a final account, and draw a balance.
Was it worth the while? My reply to this question is an emphatic “Yes”; it was worthwhile for Bezalel and still more for the Jews of America. Bezalel gained from the exhibits very much; it acquired many new friends (not exactly among the Zionists) who learned to understand, and to appreciate the value of Bezalel; and who will always come to its rescue, should Bezalel ever be in need. But American Jewry, gained much more: it acquired confidence in our people, Bezalel convinced that we are a nation, we can create things national, when we only have the required environment. The purchase of work by the Brooklyn Museum and its establishing of a separate room for Jewish art was not only a material success for Bezalel, but much more: through Bezalel it was recognized that there is a national Jewish art, which means that we are a people.
“Not with the sword, nor with fire, but with the spirit” can we win our rights; only by our spiritual creativeness, with culture can we gain recognition of cultured people, Bezalel is a part of our culture, it is the only Jewish art school in the world and it is the property of the entire Jewish people. These are the things and many more, which American Jews found in Bezalel. Bezalel won the sympathy of all Jews, regardless of class, party or faction; and I take the privilege here and now, to convey to all of them my deepest gratitude for the splendid support they rendered to Bezalel and for their friendship they have shown to me in hours of distress.
I owe especial thanks to the teachers and the thousands of children who attended the exhibits; and with their merry voices singing the beautiful songs they infused new life into me. These children will have no further cause to believe themselves to be the descendants of a lower race, on entering an Art Museum and finding all the arts represented except ours; hereafter they will find the work of Bezalel, that will look at you like friends and relatives. In all the cities where Bezalel held exhibits, Bezalel arts will be found in their museums. The children will also find our art in schools, temples and in many homes; wherever the honor of the Jewish people and the Jewish land is dear and respected.
One other great gain was made by the American Jews through the exhibits of Bezalel; they were convinced with their own eyes that Palestine possesses intelligent and diligent working men; Bezalel set an example that not with charity and not with alms can poverty be eliminated but with humane conditions for work and labor. America would do well to follow this example; it is the only modern method to build a healthy and self-respected people.
Originally published: 01/10/1925
After The Bezalel Exhibition In America
Written By: Prof. Boris Schatz
At last the exhibits are at an end! And with it, all the confusions, banquets, speeches, packing and unpacking and all the other trials and tribulations that go along with the exhibit. Now I am at leisure to make a final account, and draw a balance.
Was it worth the while? My reply to this question is an emphatic “Yes”; it was worthwhile for Bezalel and still more for the Jews of America. Bezalel gained from the exhibits very much; it acquired many new friends (not exactly among the Zionists) who learned to understand, and to appreciate the value of Bezalel; and who will always come to its rescue, should Bezalel ever be in need. But American Jewry, gained much more: it acquired confidence in our people, Bezalel convinced that we are a nation, we can create things national, when we only have the required environment. The purchase of work by the Brooklyn Museum and its establishing of a separate room for Jewish art was not only a material success for Bezalel, but much more: through Bezalel it was recognized that there is a national Jewish art, which means that we are a people.
“Not with the sword, nor with fire, but with the spirit” can we win our rights; only by our spiritual creativeness, with culture can we gain recognition of cultured people, Bezalel is a part of our culture, it is the only Jewish art school in the world and it is the property of the entire Jewish people. These are the things and many more, which American Jews found in Bezalel. Bezalel won the sympathy of all Jews, regardless of class, party or faction; and I take the privilege here and now, to convey to all of them my deepest gratitude for the splendid support they rendered to Bezalel and for their friendship they have shown to me in hours of distress.
I owe especial thanks to the teachers and the thousands of children who attended the exhibits; and with their merry voices singing the beautiful songs they infused new life into me. These children will have no further cause to believe themselves to be the descendants of a lower race, on entering an Art Museum and finding all the arts represented except ours; hereafter they will find the work of Bezalel, that will look at you like friends and relatives. In all the cities where Bezalel held exhibits, Bezalel arts will be found in their museums. The children will also find our art in schools, temples and in many homes; wherever the honor of the Jewish people and the Jewish land is dear and respected.
One other great gain was made by the American Jews through the exhibits of Bezalel; they were convinced with their own eyes that Palestine possesses intelligent and diligent working men; Bezalel set an example that not with charity and not with alms can poverty be eliminated but with humane conditions for work and labor. America would do well to follow this example; it is the only modern method to build a healthy and self-respected people.
Originally published: 01/10/1925