A Tale of Two Cities: Brooklyn Comes to Philadelphia

Visitors to the Old City Jewish Art Center in Philadelphia right now will literally step into the fabric of Jewish life. Even before they walk through the door, they will find themselves within an arts-oriented sukkah, a bough-covered hut in which Jewish people spend time for the duration of the weeklong Sukkot holiday.

Then they will enter the evocative universe of Philadelphia-based painter William Kosman, featuring scenes from the Chassidic enclave of Crown Heights in Brooklyn, N.Y., alongside those of urban Philadelphia.

The paintings of Chassidic Brooklyn were the result of an extended visit to the New York borough, during which Kosman captured many scenes on film and in sketch. He later converted those images into the colorful canvas masterpieces now on display.

“Everything looked beautiful” there, says Kosman, who has lived and worked in Philadelphia for 28 years. “The people facing life with smiles, the human scenes, the devotion, the sincerity, the neighborhoods, the streets with the winter sun filtering through the trees, the crisp air of winter—all of it.”

Some of the works express the religious aspects of the community, showing men at prayer at home and in synagogue. Others depict people chatting on the street and going about their daily lives and labours, such as one painting of a bearded fishmonger, part of the everyday rhythm of Brooklyn living.

“This display is particularly meaningful to our family,” says Rabbi Zalman Shimon Wircberg, who co-directs the Old City Jewish Art Center with his wife, Emunah, and who grew up in Crown Heights, “being that it represents our own recent transition from Brooklyn to Philadelphia. It’s such a privilege to be able to share this latest show of William Kosman’s art with the wider public.”

The exhibit kicks off on Friday, Oct. 2, during Chol Hamoed, the intermediate days of the festival of Sukkot, as part of the center’s “First Friday” regular arts programs. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., visitors can view the art and enjoy kiddush (a brief benediction, followed by refreshments) in the sukkah.

“Brooklyn & Philadelphia” at the Old City Jewish Art Center, at 119 N. Third St. in Philadelphia, will be on display during the month of October from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Private viewings can be made by appointment. Call 215-923-1222 or email: info@ocjac.org.