Parashat Vayakhel: Seeing Beyond Sight in the Shadow of God

In Parashat Vayakhel, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik explores the profound connection between art and spirituality within Judaism, drawing parallels with Rembrandt's unique approach to sight and perception. Rembrandt's art, characterized by its ability to perceive beyond mere physical appearance, mirrors the Jewish artistic tradition embodied by Bezalel, the first artist mentioned in the Torah. Bezalel, endowed with divine spirit and craftsmanship, was tasked with creating the Tabernacle, a sanctuary symbolizing the Jewish approach to art as a means to perceive the divine. This perspective is further enriched by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook's reflections on art's role in Jewish national identity, emphasizing art's spiritual purpose to reveal the universe as a testament to God's artistry.