October 05, 2025

Yitzchok Moully: Is There Such a Thing As Jewish Art?

1 hour 54 minutes

Chavie and Yitzchok kick off by reminiscing about his visit to Montana for Chavie's birthday, when he created the Overflowing Cup art installation, proudly displayed in the background of every Totally Unexpected! episode (check out Chavie’s Instagram reels, it’s a must see!!). Yitzchok shares his fascinating childhood journey from the Australian Outback to Crown Heights at the Rebbe’s farbrengens. Chavie asks what first sparked his love for art and self-expression, and Yitzchok opens up about the moment he had to make a Sophie’s Choice: between continuing his calling as a Chabad shliach or to make an impact on the world through his talents as an artist. Together, they explore: Yitzchok's innovative Chassidic pop-art installations, what Jewish art really means, and the value in letting go of inhibitions for creativity and self-expression to flourish. They also discuss the role of art in the Orthodox Jewish school curriculum and why nurturing creativity is vital for a child’s development. Chavie and Yitzchok also bond over their passion for out-of-the-box socks.

Yitzchok Moully, is a conceptual artist exploring the intersection of spirituality and the material world. Blending his colorful hippie upbringing with his Hasidic roots, he creates bold, vibrant works that bring Chassidic ideas to life through contemporary art. His practice invites collaboration, often inviting the viewer to be an essential part of the artwork’s meaning and impact. Today, his focus is on Jewish public art—sculptures and murals that transform communal spaces into vibrant landmarks of Jewish creativity and identity.

Referenced On the Pod

1:01:30 Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room

1:21:10 “Popthodox-Black Humor” Yitzchok's pop art installation in Israel

1:38:42 This Year's Menorah Installations

1:47:35 Aimme Baron’s podcast, Talking Away the Taboo

Stay in touch with Yitzchok!

[email protected]

https://www.moullyart.com/

https://www.instagram.com/moullyart/

https://www.instagram.com/madewithmoully

https://www.instagram.com/jewishpublicart/

Stay in touch with Chavie!