Bar Ilan Arts and Sciences Yeshiva

More on religion and the arts.

Tel Aviv yeshiva tries to keep budding artists within the fold

It is their last subject before a pizza lunch at the Bar-Ilan Arts and Sciences Yeshiva High School, and the seven budding musicians studying sonata forms in Ro'i Shapira's class have their eyes glued to the clock. .....

"This place is very unique," says Rabbi Benny Perl, the school's principal and founder.

"It's the first time a yeshiva has reached out to connect religious studies with art studies. Our focus is not only to make Jewish music and art, but for our talented students to graduate with a strong Jewish identity and art and music education. We want to open the world to these students and widen their horizons," Perl says.

The school's detractors fear the arts will tempt the students into adopting a secular lifestyle.

Perl realizes that its location in the heart of Tel Aviv does little to assuage such fears. But he's quick to add that not everyone in the Orthodox community objects to his arts school.

"Israelis rarely agree on anything," he says with an easy smile. "While some rabbis don't approve of my school, others think it is wonderful.

"The religious culture is a closed culture," he continues. "But religion can be very interesting when we open it up and incorporate art and music. It's dangerous and a mistake to close doors. Closing doors doesn't protect young people."

Comments

[npaulovic]

Wow..There are several similar institutions, a film school comes to mind and an arts 'magnet seminary' in israel;

http://www.maale.co.il/
http://www.emunahtorahart.org/evo_main.shtml

[cap]

This sounds so interesting. Is it only for boys? Does anyone know how I could reach them?

[dovid sebban]

What are the contact information for the Bar-Ilan Arts and Sciences Yeshiva High School?