160 Artists Showcase Work at Inaugural Chassidus Art Competition

The “Chassidus in Color” art competition successfully concluded at The Besht and Betzalel Art Gallery, with artists from across five continents showcasing their interpretations of Chassidic teachings through over 160 submissions.

The first-ever “Chassidus in Color” art contest, an innovative endeavor to visually express Chassidic teachings, culminated in a vibrant gathering at The Besht on the evening of the winners’ announcement. The contest, hosted on Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s ChassidusApplied.com in conjunction with COLlive.com, was organized by Evocative Jewish Art.

“We typically see Chassidus’s ideas conveyed through words,” explained Rabbi Menachem Meltzer of Evocative Jewish Art. “This contest challenges artists to connect to a concept and capture it in a work of art.” The event quickly gained traction, attracting over 160 submissions from artists worldwide, spanning five continents—from Brazil to Eretz Yisroel and beyond the Chabad community.

The Besht Hall, bustling with excitement, was transformed into a gallery displaying more than 100 pieces, both originals and prints, swiftly framed by ArtToFrame in New Haven, managed by Yossi Minsky. “The framing was done so graciously and speedily,” Minsky noted, who also provided gift certificates for every professional prize.

Judges Rabbi Yossi Paltiel, Rabbi Mendel Wolf, Michoel Muchnik, JLI’s Art Director Mush Kanner, and artist Estee Klein oversaw the contest. They found the judging process unexpectedly challenging due to the quality and depth of the entries. “It was like discovering hidden treasures,” Michoel Muchnik shared. He was impressed by the diverse interpretations and profound thematic expressions. To walk into the Pop-up Gallery wasn’t just a sight, it was an experience. “Being a judge in the ‘Chassidus in Color’ contest was an eye-opening experience for me, you could tell how each artist poured their soul into their creation,” Judge Mush Kanner said.

The event was not only a showcase of artistic talent but also a testament to the deep engagement with Chassidic teachings. “I was really impressed by the talent and dedication of the artists involved,” remarked Estee Klein, echoing the sentiments of her fellow judges.

As the event progressed, the energy in the room intensified, culminating in the announcement of the winners, which was met with thunderous applause. The Professional Tier saw Shimshon Gansburg clinching first place with his digital concept art titled “Eloikus Bepshitus!” based on the Maamer “Va’yehi Bayom Hashmini.” His piece featured vibrant colors and symbolic elements to portray the pre-tzimtzum state of existence.

The winners in the Hobbyist Tier were led by Mendel Haston, followed by Devorah Leah Strassberg and Yaacov Baron, showcasing the breadth of talent across different levels of artistic experience.

The contest’s success was further highlighted by its support from sponsors including Yehuda Holtzberg’s JOBURG, Dovid Levine’s GEULA ART FAIR, and others who played a critical role in bringing this unique vision to life. The Venues of this event were so generously arranged by Yitzy Gezinsky’s Betzalel Art Gallery, Moshe Frank, and Izzy Clapman. The professional videography by Tzvi Eber of Temedia, the graphic design by Avremi Hershkopf, and Rashi Marcus’s team on chassidusapplied.com added professionalism to the entire event. Yaacov Brooks, an emerging editor, poured his heart into this project, aiming for flawless editorials and articles that flowed seamlessly from start to finish.

As Rabbi Yossi Paltiel put it, “I’m very happy this project worked out, and I would imagine this will become a yearly thing.” For him and many participants, the contest was not just a celebration of artistic achievement; it evidenced the beginnings of a new platform for expressing the timeless teachings of Torah and Chassidus through art.

The Finalists of the Competition will have their artwork displayed on chassidusapplied.com/chassidusincolor after Pesach.

For all Questions and Feedback please reach out to [email protected] or message 203-687-6436

List of Winners:

Professional Tier:

Shimshon Gansburg- $1,500 with EZRI designer bag ($600 value) and a $500 dollar gift card to ArtToFrame
Faigy Borgen- $1,000 with EZRI designer bag ($600 value) and a $250 dollar gift card to ArtToFrame
Esther Simpson- $500 with EZRI designer bag ($600 value) and a $100 dollar gift card to ArtToFrame

Hobbyist Tier:

Mendel Haston- $770
Devorah Leah Strassberg- $470
Yaacov Baron- $260

VIDEO: Announcing the winners
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Shimshon Gansburg – First Place Winner: Thoughts on winning

Winning the Chassidus in Color contest by Evocative Jewish Art was an extraordinary experience. It highlighted the pressing need for artists to utilize their unique perspectives and skills to convey the truths of Chassidus to a broader audience, echoing the example set by the Rebbe. This initiative not only recognized this need but also actively catalyzed a remarkable movement, allowing myself and others to anticipate and find excitement amidst challenging times. I am immensely grateful to the initiator, the individuals, and the backers whose vision made this possible. Being selected as the first-place winner fills me with gratitude. The process of creating the piece itself felt like a fulfillment (“Dayanu”), and seeing the immediate excitement from my family and close friends, followed by their joy and pride in my achievement, was truly fulfilling. I extend a heartfelt thank you for this opportunity.

Eloikus In its Simplicity

To create this surreal digital concept art, I delved into the Maamer “Va’yehi Bayom Hashmini,” Taf’shin’tes’vav. Inspired by the concepts mentioned in this Maamer, I then formed the artwork, infusing it with symbolism and meaning. The Maamer deals with the idea that before Tzimtzum, we had G-dliness as a given “Bepshitus,” and existence as a novel idea “behischadshus.” As a people, we were privy to this pre-Tzimtzum state by Kriyas Yam Suf, where anyone witnessed it openly and was thus able to say “Zeh Keli.” Our mission in life is to reverse Tzimtzum to such a state, only this time together with existence, and this will be actualized with a permanent Geulah Leasid Lavo.

In this piece, I chose bright majestic colors to represent this concept best. I hope to capture one’s imagination with this piece and help “visualize” to learn the concept. The globe represents existence as it is the place we are currently. The perspective of the piece takes the viewer out of that state to view the elements representing “Eloikus Bepshitus.” Lastly, I included the Maamer’s opening page at the forefront in an attempt to inspire one to do the same anytime they sit before study, as I have done while learning this piece.

Faigy Borgen 2nd place – Thoughts on winning

Winning second place in the competition really moved me, especially considering the talent of the other participants. I am full of gratitude to the Creator of the world that my work was able to express the Chasidic idea that my soul longs to express.

I’m Faigy Borgen, 43, married to Yoel, and blessed with eight children. My parents are Berke Wolf zichrono livracha and Batsheva Wolf-Shochat. Born and raised in Israel, I later moved to Moscow for an educational mission with my husband, where we stayed for 8 years. Upon returning to Israel, we settled in Migdal Ha’Emek, where we’ve lived for almost 13 years. Until 4 years ago, I worked solely as an educator. Recently, I’ve undergone a significant transformation, rediscovering myself by listening to my inner self and soul. With God’s help, I now mentor women, teach at Beit Hana Seminary, and write a column for Kfar Chabad’s ‘Neshi’ newspaper, often incorporating drawings. Despite my love for drawing since childhood, I once feared it would detract from my family responsibilities. However, I’ve realized it’s a long-dormant passion waiting to be unleashed, enhancing my motherhood and allowing endless self-expression. I often pair my artwork with song lyrics, sharing them with the world. My competition entry, an oil painting on a 60 x 80 cm canvas, is deeply personal, reflecting my belief that my soul is part of God, and the inner redemption I experience daily. Painted over several days while listening exclusively to Chabad music, I hope it captures this inner experience. Thank you for the opportunity to express myself!

“This painting reflects the daily process of liberation from internal and external forces which oppose spiritual growth in the current day, similar to the initial exodus from Egypt. It depicts grappling with social constraints, fears, and self-doubt. Despite the difficulties, there is a call to harness inner strength, to recognize the infinite divinity within, and to break free from limitations imposed by others and oneself. It serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, the pursuit of authenticity, and the eternal journey towards true freedom and fulfillment.”

Esther Simpson 3rd place – Thoughts on winning

As a visual person and an artist, the opportunity this contest presented was very refreshing. We usually learn and explain chassidic concepts through text and speech, primarily engaging the mind. Painting and art has a way of allowing me to express myself and get out of my head-it speaks to the heart. My intention in creating this piece was to portray a chassidic concept in a way that its message is clear and engaging to both the mind and heart. Thank you for this beautiful initiative.

Tragic to Tremendous

Right before we begin to tell the story of our exodus from Egypt we remove the middle Matza and break it into two pieces, one bigger and one smaller.

The broken Matza tells the story of our people. The smaller half represents exile, the poor man’s bread, pain and limitations. The bigger half represents the redemption, the paschal lamb which was eaten with royalty and majesty, freedom and joy.

How can two halves of the same piece of Matza represent such vastly different ideas?

The Rebbe explains the very wide comes after we have been constrained through the very narrow. Constraint and redemption emerge from the same piece of Matza to teach us that following pain comes a breakthrough. The middle Matza embodies this very dynamic, and as we break it we remember we are waiting and ready for the complete redemption, may it be speedily in our days!

Based on an excerpt from Gutnick Haggadah (a sicha from 2nd night pesach).

Esther Simpson is a skilled artist who uses a variety of mediums to create soft and airy paintings that exude depth and character. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Esther now lives in Brooklyn, NY where she creates unique masterpieces in her at home studio. Esthers one of a kind work depicts the light and love of Judaism in an uplifting and inspiring way. She invites you to elevate your space and bring life and joy into your home through her artwork. You can explore Esther’s available works on her website at esthersimpsonart.com.

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Mendel Haston 1st place Hobbyist Tier – Thoughts on winning

Winning the Chassidus art competition was incredible, but stepping into the gallery and seeing the talent coming out of lubavitch was very humbling. Huge thanks to the judges and organizers for the opportunity, and congrats to all the other winners!

I’m Mendel, a shliach in a yeshiva called CBA (chabad boys academy) in Israel, and I enjoy being creative and making art.

The Two Sided Heart

Inside all of our hearts lie two sides. One side beams with divine light and unlimited potential giving us the power to actualize our highest self. This side is represented by our forefather Moshe Rebainu, a leader who showed us that with the help of Hashem we can transcend our very reality and defy all odds against us. The other side represents that creeping inner voice, sneaking whispers of doubt in your ear. The side that is ruled by fear, the side that imposes limits on our lives. This side of our heart is represented by the Egyptians who enslaved us years ago. Yet despite the lashes and shackles, they were never able to enslave our souls. -Sicha parshas Beshalach 5722

Devorah Leah Strassberg 2nd place hobbyist – Thoughts on winning
I’m thrilled to have been part of a project where chassidus and expression merged! Seeing the amazing entries was humbling. Grateful for the experience, which inspired me and many others, bh.

As a creative from Crown Heights, I use art to appreciate all that creation has to offer.

Painting is my way of connecting, it gives me the ability to share the joy and beauty of this incredibly vast and infinite world.

Chassidus concept: This painting illustrates the Jewish people collecting sparks. After crossing the Red Sea and collecting Egyptian riches, the Jewish people were dedicated to elevating material wealth to spirituality. They were reluctant to move on to the turning point of Judaism; becoming a nation and receiving the Torah. They had to be told to tear themselves away. Similarly, we must be dedicated to both physical and spiritual work, feeling torn when moving on. Just as the Jews ensured all sparks were elevated, we must increase efforts to reconnect every Jewish soul to Judaism. לקוטי שיחות חלק כ”א פרשת בשלח

Yaacov Baron 3rd place hobbyist tier
Yaakov Baron, 55 is a Crown Heights businessman

A Closer Look

Two centuries before Yaakov and his family headed down to Mitzrayim, the exile and Geula were foretold by Hashem to Avraham. “Know that your children shall be strangers in strange land not theirs…and afterward they will go out with great wealth.” When Hashem communicated to Moshe Rabbeinu in a burning bush, He included the vow that Bnei Yisroel would not leave empty-handed. Before leaving Mitzrayim, Hashem reminds Moshe to tell Bnei Yisroel to take silver and gold with them. What is so important about taking treasure out of Mitzrayim?

Every object in existence has a spark of holiness at its core and this is the “great wealth’” that was carried out by Mitzrayim, which constituted the spiritual harvest of our Egyptian exile. Art too has hidden sparks and the time has come to redeem and elevate them in preparing the world for Moshiach.

In a letter to an artist, the Rebbe writes that the job of an artist is to shine a light and reveal the “inner essence” of the art. In light of this, I invite you to enlarge the picture and take a deeper look.

“Lichsheyafutzu Ma’ayinosecha Chutza” – The wellsprings of Chassidus spreading out from 770.