A unique art class was offered on Thursday, February 29th, by SAMi (Sephardi American Mizrachi Initiative) in partnership with Havayah (a Spirituality & Wellness Nonprofit). The class was led by artist and mentor Rony Sussan, who teaches the "Healing through Art" 10-class series every Wednesday (7:30 pm) at the Sid Jacobson JCC in Long Island. Since only a few YJPs can make it to Long Island during the week, the idea that sprouted the seed of this very successful event was to host an event specifically for YJPs in NYC.

With the help of SAMI founder Manashe Khaimov, who has a vibrant community of YJPs, and the 2505 Broadway Condominium, who provided the beautiful luxurious lounge where the event was hosted, we could make this vision a reality.

We had 25 YJP attendees, most of whom appeared from word of mouth, which was excellent for a first-time launch. Usually, art classes average $45 at Art Cafe/Bars for only $28; not only was this class guided, but there was also wine, music, yummy snacks, and a wonderful crowd. “I had the best time painting with everyone, and it was just fun to know that even if it didn’t turn into anything special, it was special because I did it for me and showed up for myself,” said Esther Blair Schiffman, a YJP from NYC said about the event.

Rony randomly selected a picture of a painting from a stack for each attendant. Each painting had a number and a word, which surprisingly aligned with whatever the person was going through. He instructed everyone to keep their word and work on that attribute spiritually as they replicated the photo on their canvas. Not one person seemed disinterested, and many connections were made as people from diverse backgrounds introduced themselves and mingled.

At the beginning of class, Rony mentioned something that stuck with the crowd: “The only way a person can heal themselves is if their mind is quiet …the minute a person’s mind is truly silent, the light of the creator can then come in and heal the person”. Many of the YJPs who attended were initially concerned that they were not talented artists; however, they all impressed themselves.

We had such positive reviews that Havayah and SAMi partnered once a month to bring Healing through Art Classes and future interactive events for YJPs to the city and other in-demand areas. The following classes will feature different art techniques such as charcoal, pencil, oil painting, acrylic, etc. Stay tuned for events in the Great Neck area, the five towns, and Teaneck.

To end with a beautiful comment by another attendee, Melody Sohayegh said.

“I left the class feeling connected to my creative spirit and culture. It was a fun experience but also a thought-provoking and intellectual one!”.