Inspired by B'tzalel, built by community

Origin Story

Who was B'tzalel?

In the Book of Exodus, B'tzalel was the master artisan chosen to design and build the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the sacred space where the community would gather to encounter the Divine. Torah tells us that he was filled with chochmah, t'vunah, and da'at—wisdom, understanding, and knowledge—and the ability to teach others. B'tzalel didn't create alone; he inspired a community of makers, each contributing their unique gifts.

This festival is rooted in that same idea: that creativity is holy, and that art becomes sacred when we connect, create, and collaborate.

The Festival

What is the B'tzalel Arts & Music Festival?

The B'tzalel Arts & Music Festival is a community-powered creative initiative that will unfold over the course of the year and will culminate in a vibrant, joyful festival day.

Part 1: Community Workshops

Connect

From September 2026 through May 2027, local artists, musicians, and creators lead hands-on workshops for participants of all ages and backgrounds.

• Visual arts including painting, ceramics, and textiles
• Music including choir, songwriting, and instrumental ensembles
• Movement including dance, theater, and embodied expression
• Creative writing, storytelling, ritual art, and spiritual creativity

Each workshop is not just a class—it's a creative journey where participants connect—with one another, with tradition, and with their own creative voice.

A year of making

Create

Throughout the workshop series, participants experiment, take creative risks, learn new techniques, and transform inspiration into something tangible and meaningful.

• Deepen existing talents and explore new mediums
• Build confidence through process-driven making
• Contribute something uniquely your own, like the artisans of the Mishkan

Part 2: Festival Day

Collaborate

On May 23, 2027, the community gathers for a one-day festival celebration with exhibits, performances, interactive experiences, and opportunities to meet artists and makers.

• Art exhibits showcasing participant work
• Live music, dance, and theater
• Interactive art experiences for the whole community
• A modern-day Mishkan shaped by many hands

This is our modern-day Mishkan—a space built through collaboration, shaped by many hands, and brought to life through shared creativity.