10/12/26

Every Canvas Has a Story: Inclusion and Belonging Through Art

A special exhibit has been displayed on the small wall of the Eisenberg Gallery during the month of October.  “Every Canvas Has a Story” features the artwork of Yachad participants, and Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Resident, David Silver.

Yachad, which means “together” in Hebrew, is a program offered through Jewish Family Service (JFS) and is dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish individuals with disabilities. The program aims to enhance their participation in the Jewish community and strengthen their connection to Judaism through social and educational programs and support services.

Heather Topil, JFS Emergency Financial Assistance Coordinator & Yachad Coordinator, oversees the program which currently has approximately 10-13 members.

“Yachad reminds us that inclusion is not simply about making room for everyone as it is about making sure everyone knows they truly belong,” Topil said. “The program plays an important role in creating an inclusive community where individuals with disabilities can build meaningful friendships, develop social connections, and participate in activities together. Yachad is a place where everyone belongs, regardless of ability, and where each person is welcomed, valued, and celebrated for who they are.”

The Yachad group typically meets once or twice a month, although the schedule may vary depending on the month, special activities, and Jewish holidays.

“Throughout the year, members participate in a variety of activities, including art projects, bowling, Topgolf, and celebrations of Jewish holidays and special events,” Topil said. “We also offer a weekly yoga class through Zoom, giving members another opportunity to connect and stay active together.”

Despite all these fun outings, Topil stressed that Yachad is much more than simply attending activities. It is about creating friendships, building confidence, finding a sense of belonging, and knowing that there is a community where individuals are accepted and appreciated.

“When I began serving as the Yachad coordinator a couple of years ago, one of my goals was to expand the program to individuals of all ages. I believe that providing opportunities for people of different ages and abilities to come together is an important part of creating a truly inclusive community,” Topil said.

Art has become one of the many ways Yachad members express themselves and enjoy time together. Last year, members participated in an art show where they painted pottery. This year the group visited Painting with a Twist, a local Omaha art studio. Participants had the choice of creating their own landscape or picture or following along with the instructor, who guided everyone step by step. The resulting creations are what is currently on display on the small wall of the Eisenberg Gallery.

“The painting session was a wonderful opportunity for members to be creative, try something new, and enjoy each other’s company,” Topil said.

Hanging alongside the artwork by Yachad are pieces by David Silver.

Silver, a resident at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (RBJH), is a self-taught artist who began painting during the COVID pandemic. His works are primarily done in acrylic. He draws his inspiration from Judaism, human connection, animals, landscapes, and abstraction. His bold use of color and expressive style bring a distinctive voice.

A hallmark of RBJH is the meaningful relationships formed between staff and residents — relationships rooted in knowing each individual and what matters most to them. When staff discovered David’s passion for art, they helped him find ways to display it. In addition to showing his work in the Eisenberg Gallery, his paintings are also frequently displayed in the lobby of RBJH.

Silver paints daily and is always open to painting new subjects, even things he may not have done before. He enjoys painting things that make him feel good, such as dogs, flowers, and Judaism. He appreciates the challenge of trying new things and searching for the spark that will inspire his next piece.

“I feel honored to be able to share my paintings with everyone that comes through the gallery as well as to be alongside the Yachad organization for this display,” Silver said. “It gives me a feeling of camaraderie to be working with organizations such as Yachad and RBJH to put on this display of talented artwork from so many different artists. The membership I have with the Jewish Community Center also brings me a lot of joy to continue being connected with a community I love.”

The exhibit will be on display in the Eisenberg Gallery at the Staenberg Omaha JCC until October 28th. Admission is free. The public is invited to attend the closing reception on Sunday, October 25th at 3:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.  From November 2–6, the artwork will move to the upper sitting area near JCC Member Services before traveling to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, where it will remain on display for the rest of November.

Anyone interested in learning more about Yachad, its requirements, and how individuals can become involved can contact Jewish Family Service at (402) 330-2024 or at www.jfsomaha.com. Information about the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home can be obtained by calling (402) 330-4272 or visiting www.rbjh.org

Jewish Family Service and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home are agencies of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.