Jerusalem’s Midreshet Emunah v’Omanut, affectionately known as EVO, has closed its doors after 17 years. The institution successfully brought together Torah and creative expression for post-high school Jewish women.
The brainchild of Marcia Genuth and Sylvia Schoenfeld from Emunah Women in America, Midreshet Emunah v’Omanut was conceived with the vision of merging religious Jewish women’s education with programs in graphic design, theatre, and fine arts. The idea came to fruition under the guidance of Rabbi David Debow, who had recently returned from serving as an emissary in Cleveland, Ohio. Rabbi Debow, formerly the principal of Fuchs Mizrachi, an Orthodox day school, was connected with Emunah College, which already offered arts programs on Derech Beit Lehem in Jerusalem. The collaboration between Genuth, Schoenfeld, and Rabbi Debow received full support from Amos Safrai, the then-dean of Emunah College.
In its early years, Midreshet Emunah v’Omanut provided a platform to address the challenges faced by religious Jewish women pursuing artistic careers. Leah Raab, an art teacher at the institution, had experienced the skepticism surrounding religious women as serious artists during her time at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. The concept of a religious woman being a dedicated artist was met with ridicule. The conflicts revolved around issues of modesty and the traditional practice of painting nudes, raising questions about the compatibility of artistic expression and Halacha, Jewish religious law.
Midreshet Emunah v’Omanut emerged as a response to these dilemmas, providing a nurturing environment where religious artists could flourish without compromising their faith. Rabbi Debow explained, “Freedom of expression was a big question. Can a religious person express themselves fully and artistically within Halacha?” The institution aimed to bridge the gap between religious observance and artistic pursuits, giving students the tools to explore their creativity while remaining true to their religious values.
As time passed, the landscape for religious artists shifted, and the need for such institutions evolved. Dr. Yocheved Debow, co-director of Midreshet Emunah v’Omanut and Rabbi Debow’s wife, observed that being religious in the art world has become easier. She pointed out the establishment of a haredi branch of Bezalel, where individuals learn to utilize their God-given talents in harmony with their soul. This transformation reflects a growing acceptance and recognition of religious artists in broader artistic circles.
Midreshet Emunah v’Omanut played a pivotal role in facilitating this cultural transition. Rabbi Debow expressed, “We got better at it.” The faculty of Midreshet Emunah v’Omanut, with their expertise and guidance, empowered students to discover that the highest level of artistic expression can be achieved by exploring Torah themes.
While the closure of Midreshet Emunah v’Omanut marks the end of an era, its impact on the lives of countless young Jewish women will endure. EVO leaves behind a legacy of nurturing talent, bridging religious and artistic worlds, and empowering individuals to express themselves authentically through their creative pursuits. As religious artists continue to find their place in the art world, the lessons learned and the foundations laid by Midreshet Emunah v’Omanut will serve as a lasting testament to the power of combining Torah and creative expression.