This post A Look at Tel Aviv: How Does God Want to Use Us to Influence Society? is via Kehila News Israel.
On the outside of a building, on the corner of 2 prominent roads in Tel Aviv, a beautiful ceramic tile depicting a harvester proclaims “they shall reap with joy”.
This colourful, ornate and Biblical decoration contrasts sharply with the architecture and general atmosphere of the rest of Allenby Street, and much of the city. The tile is a creation of the Bezalel Academy of Art established in Jerusalem in the early 20th century by Boris Shatz. A new wave of Zionists were entering the land of Israel, and Shatz subscribed to the belief that this collection of pioneers from diverse backgrounds needed to build a strong collective identity to unite them to each other, and to the land they would come to call home. Jewish traditions of the past could be adapted to strengthen the more secular community that was being built, and Shatz believed art would have an important role in building a rich culture that this new society could connect with and be proud of. The works which sprang from the Bezalel art school at this time incorporated Zionist and Biblical motifs, and influences from Middle Eastern design, and European Art Nouveau. East meeting West, and past meeting present to produce something of value and hope, just as the pioneers aspired to do.
Tel Aviv was established in 1909, as the expanding Jewish community outgrew neighbouring Jaffa. The Bezalel Academy, (named for the Biblical craftsman in charge of decorations for the tabernacle) was involved in the development of Tel Aviv’s architecture from its foundation. Shatz believed that decorative art in the service of society was an artist’s highest calling, and this reflected in the ornate buildings his School was involved in designing.
However, a new wave of immigration from the increasingly hostile 1930’s Germany brought many academics to the rapidly growing city. Among them were architects and thinkers from the Bauhaus School of design. Their style of architecture was strongly rooted in Modernism. Modernism was a cultural movement which rejected tradition, valued freedom of expression, and believed that science and technology were the hope for a brighter future. Progress involved casting off old ways of thinking and of doing things, including belief in God. Art for arts sake was frowned upon, as this was regarded as elitist, so Bauhaus architecture was cheap and functional, with plastered walls and clean lines. This fashionable and affordable form of architecture soon took prominence in building up the city.
Tel Aviv is now an internationally recognised Bauhaus heritage centre, which draws visitors from all over the world to view its many constructions here. But the omission of decorative elements, and the effect of age and wear on the flaking plaster and dirty, graffitied whitewash has left the city in a grubby sense of dilapidation as it is unable to keep up with the constant need for repair. This erosion seems to be a reflection of the general moral atmosphere of a city which seems just as eager to break with all traditional social norms.
It may currently be true that the humanist and atheist values underpinning Tel Aviv’s main form of architecture pervade not only the physical, but also the spiritual characteristics of this hedonistic, materialistic and secular city, but God is passionate about redemption! In fact, when Tel Aviv was newly built, and the paint still fresh, it was nicknamed “the white city”; a name the intercessors have been encouraged will one day be spiritually true here, as God pours out His Spirit to purify hearts and call people back to Him.
When God has sent spiritual renewal throughout history, the transformation spreads beyond personal salvations. As cities and nations turn to God, His Kingdom influence causes every area of society to flourish in righteousness, including the arts.
It is interesting to consider what would have happened if the Bezalel Academy had continued to play a major role in designing Tel Aviv. Would there be Biblical influences on every corner, and a more lasting sense of beauty, and how would this have affected the culture of the city?
But even more relevant is the consideration of the potential influence believers could now have as we partner with God in using our creative gifts to release inspired art to our surroundings. Not only could we build up our identity as a Messianic community, but also powerfully impact Israeli society with Kingdom truth and values, and be part of the transformation God wants to bring about in this nation and the world.
This post A Look at Tel Aviv: How Does God Want to Use Us to Influence Society? is via Kehila News Israel.