I am here. I am present. These are the traditional translations of the Hebrew word, hineni, which can be looked at and acted upon in the literal sense — as in the physicality of your location.
Such can include putting foot to pavement to walk side by side with other community members demonstrating united support of Israel; volunteering to collect, and distribute food at the Jewish Community Pantry to those in need or down on their luck; or spending quality time visiting with residents of the Jewish Home and Care Center to listen to their life stories and experiences and to remind them of the cherished role they play in ensuring the continuity of Jewish cultural and historical legacy for future generations — to cite just a few examples.
In a grander, more abstract sense, hineni is a state of mind, a demonstration of conviction and passion which can be passed along and shared with others.
When I was growing up, I was given the opportunity to participate with a diversity of Jewish organizations to learn about my religion and heritage — from my experiences at synagogue Sunday school and NFTY Reform youth movement Shabbatons, to summers at camp and years of activities through BBYO.
From a young age I was also taken with the subject of art — a topic, much like Judaism, which I initially approached with a rudimentary comprehension.
With each new experience, I gained a greater understanding; and the more I learned, saw and internalized, the more I was able to grasp and appreciate the vast prospects for enrichment each subject could provide both independently and together. I perceived the unique power and strength two ideas can produce when interwoven.
The spark of potential for communicating and educating through the unification of Judaism and art first truly ignited for me with my first position as curator of the Jewish Museum in Denver, which I began while still completing course work for a master’s degree in art history and museum studies.
As a young adult straddling a split existence of graduate student and professional, I struggled with determining my path and purpose in the world. As the years passed, opportunities to work in various capacities for different Jewish organizations helped to provide clarity.
I began to understand that like me, everyone strives to create a balance amid the multiple aspects of our lives which allows us to be as effective and as present as possible. Beyond that, we strive to understand our relationship to and responsibility for the people and world around us.
I believe that art is a reflection of life. It is also a tool for helping us to document, educate and celebrate people, places, events and ideas and to respond to our unique and collective experiences and identity.
In my current position as curator of the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, I develop and plan changing exhibitions and programs which address the history of Milwaukee’s Jewish community as well as the contemporary continuum of the Jewish experience.
I feel honored that I am able to provide experiences and activities to help enrich peoples’ lives, and potentially affect the way they view, and interact with, culture, society and the world around them.
I am privileged to be present for our community to explore and present the ties which bind Judaism and art and the significance of their conceptual connections.
Molly Dubin is curator of the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
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