Painting G-d?

This week has been an exhaustingly long week, a week where it’s so clear that we’re not in control. But it’s also Elul, and the preparation for the Yamim Noraim has begun…

Earlier this week, I got together with a few friends for a paint night (highly recommend), and one of my friends prompted us to “paint G-d.” We used chat gpt to come up with a list of the names/descriptors given to G-d throughout Jewish thought. We discussed what resonates most with us, and what would be the easiest to portray in painting. And then we began - just paper, watercolor paints, and music. For people who normally can’t stop talking, we were surprisingly serene, quiet, and relaxed. Throughout the evening, we delved into various conversations about what each of us was experiencing and going through in our own lives, both hardships and exciting things, but overall there was a certain air of calm throughout the night.

(This is what I attempted to paint…)

What paint night reminded me is the incredible privilege of having the ability to simply pause and introspect. We took the evening “off” of our regularly scheduled programming, and had such a beautifully meditative night. It didn’t matter how good or bad our paintings were (mine was bad), but it was the process and journey that mattered. We had the time to think, laugh, cry, and simply process what we’ve been going through this week, month, and year.

This time of year, it’s really easy for me to get wrapped up in all of the logistics, big scary Elul thoughts, and forget to take time to introspect and take a step back. I’m honestly just grateful for the time to reflect, to hope for a better year to come, and attempt to paint a gorgeous Tel Aviv sunset.

Until next time :)

Xoxo,

Liat