LABA: A Laboratory for Jewish Culture
LABA: A Laboratory for Jewish Culture uses classic Jewish texts to inspire the creation of art, dialogue, and study.
Part of LABA is the House of Study, a NYC-based artist fellowship program in which a mix of culture-makers come together to study classic Jewish texts in a non-religious, open-minded setting.
The fellows use the study to inspire work, which is featured in our series of LABAlive events and performances. Every year, LABA focuses its study around a theme. Previous themes include PARADISE, EROS, BLUEPRINT, EAT, MOTHER, TIME, BEAUTY, OTHER, LIFE + DEATH, HUMOR, CHOSEN, BROKEN, and TABOO. This year’s theme is NIGHT.
LABA’s goal is to present Judaism’s rich literary and intellectual tradition in a free and creative setting, so that these stories and ideas spark new art. The creative output from our House of Study pushes the boundaries of what Jewish art can be and what Jewish texts can teach.
In 2014, LABA was named one of the most innovative Jewish organizations in North America by the Slingshot Guide and also received a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts.
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Ready to create your own LABA inspired work of art? Our 2025 fellowship application is now live. The theme is CHANGE.
This year at LABA, we will dive into the paradoxes of CHANGE in our collective souls and individual creative practices. Most importantly, we’ll have a great time talking, eating, drinking, learning, and laughing in the lush, fertile, free-flowing, romantic, super-serious, and endlessly playful environment of LABA: A Laboratory for Jewish Culture.
Apply NowCurrent Theme
The LABA theme for 2024 is NIGHT.
How does NIGHT anchor, liberate, or terrify us?
Over the past year, our LABA fellows at 14Y have been grappling with this thought-provoking question through Jewish textual study and an intense creative process. The result? Thirteen multi-faceted, evocative works-in-progress that explore the mysteries and nuances of night.
14Y’s LABAlive series is your opportunity to experience the fellows’ groundbreaking projects, from audio documentaries to operatic works to sand art designs and more. Come join the fellows on a journey as they go through self-reflection, soul searching, and transformation.
LABA Fall 2024 Season
LABAlive I:
Twilight
Thursday, October 10 | 7:30 PM
14Y Theater and Lobby
Discover four multimedia works-in-progress that explore nocturnal mysteries across various artistic mediums.
LABAlive II:
Insomnia
Thursday, November 7 | 7:30 PM
14Y Theater and Lobby
Experience four original works-in-progress that wrestle with self-reflection and soul searching.
LABAlive III:
Lucid Dreaming
Thursday, December 5 | 7:30 PM
14Y Theater and Lobby
Immerse yourself in four experimental projects that explore the impact of dreams, nightmares, and the nighttime.
LABA 2nd Stage:
The Second Circumcision of Lili Rosen
October, 25-26 | 7:30 PM
October 27 | 3:00 PM
14Y Theater
A new solo show written & performed by Lili Rosen
Directed by Lindsey Hope Pearlman
Join Lili Rosen on her transformative journey of self-discovery around religion, gender dysphoria, sexuality, bodily autonomy, and identity.
This autobiographical solo show tells the story of Lili, a trans woman of Hasidic experience, who has grappled with both her body and soul since (her first!) puberty. Follow along with Lili’s achingly real, darkly comedic journey of self-acceptance as she publicly wrestles with her most controversial decision yet.
Content Advisory: This show contains adult and sexual language and is recommended for ages 18 and older. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.
The 2024 LABA Fellows
Get to know the latest LABA New York fellows, as they explore the theme of NIGHT.
Meet the Fellows
Supporters of 14Y Arts + Ideas + LABA
14Y Arts + Ideas programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
