Carol H. Sherman
A Journey Through Art, Education, Business and Spirituality
Art
My art reflects many elements of the post-impressionist art using vibrant color and a unique sense of light. Themes include Torah stories, cosmic realms, Kabbalah, and social commentary.
Art Education and Corporate Leadership Development
My professional life began with a decade teaching elementary and high school students art in public and Jewish day schools. I transitioned to corporate consulting training, coaching employees and management to enhance their skills in communication, leadership, and change management. For 25 years managing internal learning departments, and providing independent consulting throughout the United States and Canada. After retiring from the corporate world, I continued coaching and consulting with nonprofits and individuals in life transitions.
Focus on Art and Spiritual Growth
Since 2016 I've been painting, teaching, and the studying spirituality. My acrylic works depict images and stories that invite viewers to consider new perspectives on life through art.
In December 2019, I published Jewish Holidays: Revealed through Art and Poetry, a book blending paintings, poetry, and a study guide to for all ages with a creative introduction and perspective to Jewish holidays.
I've been deeply influenced by study of Kabbalah over the past years which has transformed my understanding of the Divine, my approach to daily life, and my art.
Spiritual Awakening: My Path to Kabbalah
Growing up I struggled to connect personally with traditional conceptions of G-d, finding them distant and stern. Despite my love for Torah stories, Jewish customs, and strong bond to Israel, I didn't feel a deep or personal connection to G-d.
I searched congregations and communities across the country until my forties when I encountered Jewish Spiritual Renewal and the seeds of Kabbalah. This was awakened a way of viewing Judaism that immediately felt right for me.
During the Covid quarentine I began a much deeper study of Kabbalah
that provided a framework to explore a loving, inclusive, and infinite essence of the Divine, one that resonates with modern life. By integrating ancient spiritual teachings with contemporary science, psychology, and creative thinking, Kabbalah encourages joyful, continual learning and spiritual growth.
For thousands of years, Kabbalah had been shrouded in secrecy, forbidden to all but the wisest Jewish scholars. That has changed over the last decades and is available now to all who want to learn about it, not matter their religious backgroound.
Spiritual Connection for Young Minds
While deepening my Kabbalah study, I realized that many adults experienced a similar harsh impression of G-d growing up.
After recognizing how widespread this view extended, I wondered:
"WHY HADN'T WE BEEN TAUGHT ABOUT THIS DIVINE BEING GROWING UP? IT COULD HAVE SAVED MANY OF US DECADES OF SEARCHING AND UNCERTAINTY!”
Now I understand very few teachers or parents knew about this aspect of the Divine then, or have yet learned about it.
I've felt compelled to create something that could open a door for young people to begin a deeper connection to the Divine. With my background teaching, art, and growing knowledge of Kabbalah, I created a program filled with mystery, creativity, and interactive activities to engage young people.
Strengthening Jewish Identity
Kabbalah is rarely, if ever, taught in mainstream Jewish education. Young children are entertained by Torah stories and the colorful characters until about about age 8 when the elementary versions becomes faded and irrelevant. Discerning students question the validity of these fable-like encounters. They need a deeper exploration into the meanings in these tales. It is a crucial time of learning readiness leading to deeper understanding before the opportunity is lost to uncertainty in young adulthood.
For decades a great numbers of young Jewish adults have left Judaism in search of ‘deeper spiritual meaning’. They never had an inkling that spiritualism is deeply imbedded in their own mystical Judaism, Kabbalah.
I developed a program to engage young people and to view the Divine as a kind and loving entity where a meaningful relationship can begin,
QUEST TO SAVE THE WORLD
Quest to Save the World is a play for students ages 10 to 14 used by teachers and parents in classrooms, youth groups, or camp programs. It introduces a more personal, loving, and balanced view of G-d through the lens of Torah engaging young people in a sci-fi, mystery adventure story.
It introduces young people to a deeper, more personal view of the Creator offering a path for a lifetime of learning and discovery.
A facilitator's guide that provides questions for discussion and multiple creative activities is available.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact me at: