Dali’s Painting
Pen Tivokeish2010Like a stadium wave, in a domino effect, the congregation rises. A messy instrumental cacophony fills the chapel. The melodious leading notes strangely protrude nonetheless to make their sombre call. “Like as the hart, desireth the waterbrooks,” a few adult choristers chant after the organ’s interlude, their voices deep and cold. Psalm 42, to a chilling anthem by Herbert Howells they sing. Nothing like any depiction of such desire that I am acquainted with is their song.
I gaze at the dimly lit apexed chapel ceiling far above. At its murals of old monarchs and saints important to this institution each with their name in gold below, unreadable to my eyes owing in part to the great distance between us.
Depictions of contorted faces of old knobbly Chasidim, their heads tilted upwards uttering this verse with tears, appear in my mind, as the choir announces, merely announces, but with mystery in song, “My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God.”
My neighbour to the right looks pensive, reflective. He comes every week I decide. He looks as humble as I feel, in this awesome dim shrine of overbearing majesty. Truth be told, I feel like nudging him to demand that he put aside mortal sin just for a while, to focus on this glorious anthem.
The choirboys chime in with a noisy “When shall I come to appear before the presence of God?” then add gently, “My tears have been my meat day and night: while they daily say unto me,” to which the whole choir barks in response: “Where is now thy God?” The substitution of the word “meat” for “bread” mystifies me, and I point this out to others within our group, who explain that this would be a Eucharistic reference.
The stalls creak with an eerie echo. Most are seated although some kneel as does the man to my right. The minister chants the Lord’s Prayer in a strange elongated monotone. His congregants follow his lead in a synchronistic mumble, then cross themselves. It all takes a while.
A picture that I imagine to be produce of the holy pastoral inkjet printer, had been handed to each parishioner prior to the service. The Sacrament of the Last Supper, a painting by Salvador Dali it is. It becomes the focal point of the evensong sermon.
The sermon by a young newly ordained priest amuses me no end and I cannot withhold a smile or two. How hard it must be for him to come up with a topic each week where there is no weekly portion. He cannot start with “In der vokhedyge sedrah shteyt,” for there is none. “Poor guy,” I think.
“Dali’s painting in which we see Jesus’ face, which nontheless is missing at the upper depiction in Dali’s picture, highlights the fact that Moses could not see God whereas we can,” he says. “The bloody nerve he has,” I think. He fleetingly mentions the geometrical Golden Ratio that Dali uses in this painting thereby alluding to Da Vinci’s Last supper scene. As the priest contrasts the two paintings, I try instead to contrast his sermon with one that the dayan at our shul might give during the third meal after zemiroth on Shabbos. I try to imagine the dayan asking us to focus on a painting by some surrealist, who had once proclaimed that he had no faith, but I simply cannot.
I think that Dali painted the scene merely to tease and toy with this young idealist standing high above his congregation, preaching in a tone suited to the first ever proclamation of the Ten Commandments rather than his light weight diatribe on “Dali’s painting,” beautiful though it may be.
The service ends in another wonderful recital. The organ pipes, which occupy a space that ought to have been two chapel windows between many others magnificently stained, rattle as they do with grace.
The cross-bearer in black robes marches the length of the church in a slow processional pace, and is followed by other clergy members who join as the procession makes its way towards the altar.
I watch with amazement the order of exit. The minister, the choir and choirboys led by their master, all dressed in bright red robes. And after them other figures of importance that in my ignorance I do not know to name, exit the towering open door.
The one and only imperfection in that chapel, is my presence which is as conspicuous as — well, as a Chasid in a church.
The meticulousness that they have achieved in worship, the humility and insignificance that the service imposes upon its subjects is striking to me. Is it not utter genius to ask that laymen kneel while clergy stand tall and chant?
I contrast this to the happy, sad, and simple one level floor of the shtiebel at home. If religion exists for the purpose of power and pageantry, they win hands down. Yet, while the shtiebel is packed to its rafters, this hall has very few attendees for all its splendour.
What they do have in common though, is that within both, those all important divine rituals seem strangely anthropomorphic, simple, and human in nature to an outside observer. In shul that observer would be an observer observed by many curious observers. Elsewhere he is welcomed by a few and politely ignored by many more.
37 Responses
Nice piece!
Interesting how the seemingly complimentary compliment of “politely ignored”, is really a reflection of “I couldn’t give a f&%k about anything other than myself”.
I once heard this mother telling off her son at his themed birthday party at an adventure centre; “Why are you not the first for each activity. You should be. You’re the birthday boy.”
That kid has probably grown up to be another “polite ignorer”.
Beautiful description as always. What happened to the Mexican wave?
Frummer, am I to think that conversely the glares that a crocheted kippa bearer garners in shul are pure unadulterated care and brotherly love
Laura I thought you Yanks would be left mystified by it.
Hey, don’t let my vocabulary lack reflect badly on my copatriots.
Whereas Moses has seen the neck of God, we could see both His Holy Nipples.
That’s so goddamn daring of you, Pen. Attending a service? Some cojones.
Beautiful piece, as usual.
“Frummer, am I to think that conversely the glares that a crocheted kippa bearer garners in shul are pure unadulterated care and brotherly love”
Note that I did not say that. Purposely. I was merely pointing out the flip side.
Having said that, we all know that if a fellow Yid is in trouble, he will have somebody to turn to. We are in many ways like a very big family, with all the good (and sometimes bad) that comes with that.
The glances and looks we give to “outsiders” are a direct reflection of that bond. Outsiders stick out. It’s not a reflection on them nor us. It’s just a fact.
Pen, thanks for the marvelous piece.
You correctly depicted the basic contrast between the shtibel and the church. I must caution you though, that your demarcation is only true to the nature of the Catholic Church and in that sense to all the orthodox churches. In fact the church theme is one of the prime modes that differentiate between Catholicism and Lutheranism. In Catholicism prayer and services take on a very sacrificial/sacramental tone. The orthodox ecclesiastical structure is also completely hierarchical and position oriented. These themes are major points of contention with Protestants. They prefer simplicity in the church and in prayer and a brotherhood of believers rather than a hierarchical system that closely resembles a bureaucratic organization. I would implore you to visit a southern Baptist church; it has a very chasiddish feel to it.
Now, as to what is more Godly, they both have different methods and different approaches to reach a common goal, but I would have to side with the protestant/ chasiddish approach.
The Orthodox Church is rich in symbols and imagery. You can’t help, but be struck by the icons, the symbols, the art, the architecture, the rituals, the hymns, the processions. It’s teeming with godliness. There is that towering and overpowering sensation that the church atmosphere infuses that screams godliness. The orthodox have mastered the art of, superficial stimulation that creates a stirring of the inner soul. Whereas the protestant house of worship doesn’t appeal to the senses at all; it’s bare and simplistic to the extreme. It’s not majestic and in human terms doesn’t ooze with godliness. The protestant appeal is directed at the soul of the parishioner. It’s a more private and direct appeal. I would assume it’s easier for the common person to behold the catholic God with all his asceticism; it’s presumably easier to reach a modicum of unity and ecstasy with the catholic god because of the way he is presented. But I would also assume that the protestant god strikes a deeper chord in the heart of the believer due to his personal and direct relationship.
By “divine rituals seem strangely anthropomorphic” -I’m sure you are not alluding to beating the willow twig, eating shalesh seudos, shaking of the palm tree branch, sniffing snuff, stampeding after the utterance of some undesirable names, spitting at “They kneel to nonsense and emptiness and pray to a deity who doesn’t deliver”, throwing 9th of Av combustibles, sh’nudering, mirroring the reader of the torah at “Hanisturoiys……” correcting the reader when he says “es Moshe” where “eis Moshe” is of critical importance, pretending to jump at the moon and not being able to reach it, because that is how its supposed to be according to the “kiddish levuneh” manual.
Have you ever really tried to jump at the moon? Maybe you would be able to reach it? I hate the stagnant half ass attempt at reaching the moon that some decrepit moon blessers exhibit. They barely lift their heel and expect to reach the moon. Think about how much effort NASA invested in landing on the moon, that’s a “k’shem sh’ani roiyked”! As we know now, and as the Rebbe Zy”u contended with R Michoel Ber Wiessmandel, it’ still remains a “v’eyni yochoil lingoa buch”, nevertheless the attempt must be applauded.
(BTW, yingele, if youre going back inside “nem aran mien kiddish levuneh zugerel.”)
Rupture, how is it possible that you have the brains to write a brilliant comment like this one, and yet sound like a total moron in other comments?
I am no Maven on different churches, their history, styles and preferences. But, the Anglican movement whilst officially protestant I think, is both Catholic and reform protestant in character.
I think most Anglican C of E churches here at least, resemble the one I describe above, if not always quite as grand as this particular church.
But I hesitate to say anything with certainty.
I’m sure you are not alluding to …
Oh not at all
Hey Laura, welcome back. I can only talk for myself, but you’re absence was truly felt.
May I throw the same question back at you? This last comment of yours is the only coherent and logical comment that I have seen from you in a while. Well not the whole comment, which would be too much to ask for, the part where you say that I’m brilliant actually reflects a certain reality, which I can’t say about your other comments.
How is it that you had a momentary lapse of brilliance in your seeming moronic existence? OK, that’s enough. Let’s live in peace and harmony. I have neither patience nor the desire to be involved in juvenile verbal spats and insults. I wish for peace to reign supreme in the land of the unpious!
In truth the reason for your observation is warranted due to my kaleidoscopic nature; my personality is currently expanding at a faster rate than our glorious universe. Another reason might be that idiocy is best combated with lunacy just like logic is best confronted with sensibility.
But I digress….. thanks for your veiled attempt at complimenting me, I appreciate it. (I’m still undecided if the insult was meant to soften the compliment or the compliment was meant to soften the insult. At any rate it was artful.)
“This last comment of yours is the only coherent and logical comment that I have seen from you in a while.”
Coherence and logic are my middle names. You may think my comments are misguided (in which case you’re wrong
), but I cannot see how you can in any way consider them incoherent or illogical.
“At any rate it was artful.”
Yup, that’s me.
Artful is you. You are also the queen of Mean, defender, protector and vanquisher of grammar and syntax. Coherence and logic are your middle names; your personality is taking form. Interesting stuff.
“but I cannot see how you can in any way consider them incoherent or illogical.”
Of course not, that’s because of your incoherent nature. A monkey can’t comprehend his monkey-ness! Just as Illegitimacy can’t behold the nature of its fallacy, if it would be aware of that it would be legitimate and hence the illegitimacy would cease to exist.
(Sorry, that was too good of an oppertunity to pass up;))
It seems the Hevra here have hardly enough of service-going, what with thrice daily and half the shabbos already spent in a synagogue. Rupture, poi-poi-poi, communion’s den as good as kiddish? What’s with the fascinating in-depth account of the differentiations of the major Christian denominations? You’ve been sneaking out behind the sefarim shrank to daven in tifla too?
Oy! What an oppertunity! I hear Laura rubbing her palms together and laughing wickedly already.
Hahah, Shpitz. Whats up with “Hevre” are you a modern orthodox imbecile? What’s wrong with the traditional guttery “CHevereh”? Are you too evolved? Have you lost the “CH” sound? Maybe you never had it? From which region in the Carpathians do you originate from? Do you also say “hazer”? Just kidding of course.
Kiddish is no match for communion. Are you kidding? Kiddish is only wine. Communion is the body and blood of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. Come on you should know that. Don’t tell me that you don’t believe in the doctrine of Eucharist. I can and will never accept that.
Oh my iker place of worship is the “timmeh”; it’s so much more fun and exciting than the shtibel. You should come once; I can vouch for a proper mechitzeh. I can’t promise a complete walling-off as the one in the main cathedral in Monroe, but a “R’ Moishe” mechitzeh I think is obtainable.
Rupture: Ha! You’re worshipping timmeh and feasting on christ while you stick the women under a mechitzah? And, timmmeh, you called it?
You should get to know Insider. He just put out an invite to be joined for his timmeh rituals.
Rupture, what exactly is an incoherent nature?
Shpitz, I think RC and Laura simply like “Tashmish Hamiteh” in a rough way, this is really BDS&M shit. Deep down they admire each other for their brilliance, its a love/hate relationship. Bring out dem’ whip and spandex gloves kids!
Shpitz, does that word imply timmeh? All I know about is that my Rebbe mumbled it under his breath when we were taught the five torments that are to be observed on the Day of Atonement.
Insider, zy nisht prust!! Nu!
Laura, in all honesty, I was kidding. Didn’t mean it personal. It’s all tongue and cheek, all fun and games, please accept it as such.
Fress Mohn Menchele!
Insider, you are being a perv. Seriously, stop. Its not funny anymore and its extremely offensive.
I know you’re kidding, Rupture. Give me some credit for sense of humor. But I also like when people make sense. I appreciate a challenging argument or debate, but when it’s just nonsensical retorts, I get irritated. And leave. And then you miss me.
“I think RC and Laura simply like “Tashmish Hamiteh” in a rough way, this is really BDS&M shit. Deep down they admire each other for their brilliance, its a love/hate relationship”.
RandC,
Me thinks thou dost protest too much
RC, its offensive to whom? to you? are you a wuss?
RC, is mentioning BDSM turning you off? fine, but a lot of healthy people in the big world out there,- outside of Boro Park (and in bp too) – are into the thang, and its an extremely healthy thing exploring and pursuing one’s sexual needs and desires. chill dude! I though we’re an open minded and “oifgeklerte” community here, if you are so damn narrow minded that sexual topics will cause you to protest and throw tantrums than I suggest you visit a Baptist Chapel…
“You’re worshipping timmeh and feasting on christ while you stick the women under a mechitzah? And, timmmeh, you called it”?
Shpitz,
Your comment reminds me of the poor chused whose son started glitching OTD. In desperation, he runs to his rebbe and cries. “Rebbe, my son is going crazy! He eats chazer and dances with women”. The rebbe stops him and says. Ne ne, if you told me your son is dancing with pigs and eating the ladies, I would have concerns regarding his mental stability. Unfortunately though, your son is gornisht azoi meshige…
Insider, I wasn’t offended by that. Notice I used the keyword “anymore”. It is funny once or twice, but after a while it looses its shock value. I’m a huge fan of vulgarity, but the principle with vulgarity is that oveapplication and unnecisarry usage ruins it for all of us. Pick and choose your spots, so that we can enjoy it. The “fress” thing was a bit much; uncalled for.
Oh, and I’m going to a baptist chappel tonight, wanna join me?
HT. Nice comparison for sticking the ladies and eating ladies
The amazing thing about Christ is that you can eat him and worship him at the same time.
Hoezen
, forget the pursuit of shiksa and chazer. It’s that rabbi I want.
Shpitz, you know which Rabbi, legend has it, is associated with that story?
Pen,
Your comparison of the church and the shteible is perfectly illustrated by the differences between the paintings of Dali and Da Vinci respectively.
In Dali’s painting, Jesus is pointing up towards the magnificent ceiling – the naked torso being a symbol for anthropomorphism, while the congregation kneels in silent prayer. Whereas in Da Vinci’s painting Jesus is looking down at the food – of which there’s plenty, and for everyone. The congregation is alive with people grabbing food during the ongoing discussions. I would say there seems to be some sort of argument which splits the two sides of the table – in anticipation of Jesus’ upcoming death. Jesus is refusing to take a side, remaining alone in the neutral middle.
In Dali’s painting, there are lots of empty places, whereas in Da Vinci’s it is so packed that some have to stand. A.D.G.
Loo.
“I would say there seems to be some sort of argument which splits the two sides of the table – in anticipation of Jesus’ upcoming death. Jesus is refusing to take a side, remaining alone in the neutral middle.”
I always viewed Da Vinci’s portrayal of the last supper as capturing the moment where Jesus proclaims that one of the apostles will betray him, and the apostles are reacting with shock and disbelief. They can’t seem to comprehend that one of them will betray the master. Of course they were not aware of the quintessential Jew amongst them, Judas the traitor.
Jesus apparent calmness lends itself to the fact that he is resolute to his death, because it has been decreed so from the dawn of time.
Glad to see that we’re on the same track. What do they say about great minds?
“If religion exists for the purpose of power and pageantry, they win hands down”
Power over what, the countless minutiae of one’s daily existence?
Hey Pen the Chasid, there’s a beam in your eye!