Courageous Chicken / Jared Bernstein
$46.77
Jared’s work is expressionist art with a soundtrack. Alongside each piece of art is an equally evocative poem. Together they are designed to help the viewer and himself work on areas of identity, courage and transformation.
He invites you to join him on a journey of self-awareness.
“Through imagery and words, I track my internal journey and concretize my emotional narratives. This empowers me to reframe deep-seated feelings and passions and reconcile my inner conflicts. The creative process enables me to share the spectrum of my feelings and thoughts with the viewer. This process is a confrontation with my identity, an exploration of my fear, an act of courage, and an ultimate spiritual triumph – all central to the human experience.” (Jared Bernstein)
Aleeza Ben Shalom –
This is more than a book, it is an experience that stirs the heart, mind, and soul. The works of art deeply inspire me and the poetry that accompanies it is transformative. I could look through it 100 times and still find deeper meanings and nuisances that I previously missed. It is a true joy to have experienced this book and to be uplifted by it.
ARS –
An emotionally powerful and visually stunning book. The poems accompanying each work bring the artistic process to life and draw you in to the intricacies of each piece. We went through it last shabbat and the entire family was riveted. The raw honesty, with just enough whimsy, made it accessible and meaningful for all ages.
Huda Neiburg –
Before we get to the book, I’d like to review the person.
Jared Bernstein. If you know him, the name alone will make you feel happy and inspired. I’ve had the pleasure of his existence through many stages of my life thus far. Growing up with him; Jared has a way of keeping people of all ages entertained and smiling. Real good fun, no negativity whatsoever. As kids we adored him, he felt relatable. I feel that some part of him may still be that child. Un-selfconsiously, unabashedly, looking curiously for ways to learn and grow; always transparent in his change. Then, I came to Eretz Yisroel. I came here to learn, grow, and experience. Not having any close relatives here, my first thought was to go to Jared and Liz for shabbos. At that point our relationship was built off “Jared does that outrageous sneeze and makes us laugh”. It was as a friend of my parents who I also liked. When I started going to the Bernsteins for shabbos, I saw Jared from a more mature point of view and understood and related to him on a much deeper level. The meals always took on a theme or subject of growth. Jared always has some crucial area of his life or character that he’s thinking about. What and how he can improve. We all know Jared’s amazing abilities in the vocal arena; he’d beautifully and gracefully improvise a song based around that theme and get the whole table singing and banging! We’d discuss it, argue it and internalize it. Liz’s thoughtfulness and caring, always making us feel comfortable and loved – not to mention her tantalizing and delectable food. All the friends I brought over instantaneously hit it off with Jared, some are still in touch.
Jared would present his wonderful art to us. We’d stare at the piece. Deeply wonder. Ponder. Then discuss. It was a highlight of the meal. Jared and I became personal friends. One of the friendships I cherish most.
Then I journeyed back to America on the quest and voyage for an Eishes Chayil. I missed Jared and Liz. I thought of them and the memories frequently. After a couple of years, with Hashems help, I found my incredible wife. True joy! Now we’re back here, living (one day at a time!) in Yerushalayim, settling in to the next chapter of our lives. We’ve gone to the Bernsteins for shabbos many times, always leaving satisfied and inspired (although sometimes inspiration leads to a necessary form of personal unsatisfaction [some would call it introspection, the first step of personal development]). Jared, Liz, and the kids are part of the image I have of Israel. When I think of Israel, I think of them.
Jared is now a friend of the Neiburg Jr’s – me and my wife. We are looking forward to the day he’ll be the family friend he was to me – to our children Be”H.
The book is the sum of the person we call “Jared”. The person we look up to, the person who has inspired me and many others, the person who makes me laugh – now and yesterday. The kind of life he leads. Growth oriented, full of life, happy, inspired, connected…read the poems, you’ll see! I am always jealous of the way Jared is able to emote; his ability to pick up a brush and put whatever he’s feeling onto a canvas; to get it out and into the world. The emotions, ideas, and messages are relatable to all, in every stage of life.
This is an incredible book. When you get it, try to go through it and see yourself and your challenges through the painting and poems.
With love, Huda and Tova
pomeranzbooks –
This is more than a book, it is an experience that stirs the heart, mind, and soul. The works of art deeply inspire me and the poetry that accompanies it is transformative. I could look through it 100 times and still find deeper meanings and nuisances that I previously missed. It is a true joy to have experienced this book and to be uplifted by it.
Aleeza Ben Shalom
Pardes Chana, Israel
pomeranzbooks –
Emotionally powerful band visually stunning. The poetry accompanying each painting brings you into the artistic process and guides you through the piece. Appropriate for all ages, we went through part of it together as a family on Shabbat and all came away with something. Looking forward to revisiting soon.
Andy Sinton
Jerusalem
pomeranzbooks –
I’m speechless (for once)! The only word that springs to mind is “REAL”.
What a REAL book! What a real person!
Thank you Jared for such an authentic glimpse into yourself. I felt like I was treading on sacred ground!
Shmuel Diamond
Jerusalem
pomeranzbooks –
Courageous Chicken
The Courageous Chicken is a uniquely refreshing book! It beautifully blends both art and poetry as it illustrates some of the fundamental existential conflicts of the inner and outer selves. As Jared Bernstein bravely puts himself out there, he authentically sets the tone via his own life experiences while inspiring the reader to do the same. The CC is not a one-time read! Each time I read a page or two I feel motivated and energized to take steps closer to honor my inner truth… ultimately for the goal to fulfill what my heart and soul truly desire! Get the book and enjoy the ride!
Eleanor Sheff
pomeranzbooks –
I found Jared’s book incredibly inspirational. His openness, self-acceptance and creative vulnerability is so refreshing. I’m taking a corner of my own home to make an art studio to play and create. It does the soul good.
Batsheva Goldman
Ramat Bet Shemesh
Eliezer Akerman –
I was introduced to Jared’s art a couple of years ago. At first glance I didn’t understand what I was seeing. At the gallery I spoke to big time artist who was there. All I needed was a quick insight and I got lost in the paintings. From the specific colors and shades of paint to the unique forms and figures, each stroke is filled with meaning and yearning. Also being a fan of poetry and lyrics each page is filled with the pen of a genius inspiring and uplifting with every verse. Everyone has a lot to learn from Jared’s book. Thank u so much for putting this out there.
Lise Malen –
I liked the unfiltered rap and rhythm of the words and the other worldly images. Jared pulls on color and language as a strength and doesn’t hold back. Jared’s work is honest and heartfelt this book is a must for spiritually minded people.
Todd Greenwald –
Thank you to the artist for the sharing his paintings and poetry with the world through his book Courageos Chicken. I felt his artistry as it engendered a personal experience, a journey within. Highly recommend!!
The RichardACip –
Regardless of your religious background or belief system, Jared’s book touches upon a universal concept – the need to face and overcome the obstacle of fear as one seeks to achieve a better version of oneself. The profundity of Jared’s ability to weave a narrative and create structure around complex psychological abstracts is truly unique and thought provoking.
Leah Schwartz –
Having been at the Bernstein’s for Shabbos I can attest to the atmosphere and environment this book is a manifestation of. The balance, beauty, perspective and passion .
Jared Bernstein uses his unique power of wielding the pen and brush to beautifully express the nuance and complexity of the human capacity for growth. Anyone who thinks deeply about life and learning with relate and connect to the poetry and artwork in this masterful book.
The Courageous Chicken is a must-have for every household.
Leah Schwartz –
Having been at the Bernstein’s for Shabbos I can attest to the atmosphere and environment this book is a manifestation of. The balance, beauty, perspective and passion .
Jared Bernstein uses his unique power of wielding the pen and brush to beautifully express the nuance and complexity of the human capacity for growth. Anyone who thinks deeply about life and learning with relate and connect to the poetry and artwork in this masterful book.
The Courageous Chicken is a must-have for every household.
Brett Cohen –
If Rabbi Doctor Abraham Twerski and Jimi Hendrix met for a liquid lunch at the Sherwin-Williams factory, you might find Courageous Chicken emerging from the depths. This is a book of RAW and deep soul searching, expressed in beautiful color, and form. It’s an enjoyable trip of self-struggle, self-worth, self-acceptance and self-love. Explore it, learn from it, and you will embrace it. When you read the approbations, dedication, and acknowledgments, you will surely see why Jared was able to put himself in paint and paper. He has attracted and surrounded himself with well learned, truly loving, and brilliant minds. Buckle up and enjoy the trip.
Doreet Freedman –
Jared’s odyssey goes beyond finding his own purpose; he skillfully invites us to unpack our own assumptions and connect with our courage to be seen. By acknowledging fear and vulnerability – part of our universal human condition- Jared’s captivating, relatable, deeply honest poetry and art take us on a journey into the uncomfortable grey of the uncertain to emerge in vibrant color like a true courageous chicken!
Eugene Weisberg –
I have been following Jared’s work and journey for the last several years. As a friend and associate, it speaks so clearly how in spite of how much we think we may know another individual- there’s an incredibly deep story unique to every soul. The talent and dedication to create such a piece was in itself such an inspiring accomplishment -but the ability to use it as a vehicle to so creatively and genuinely reveal ones inner self was what put it over the top for me. Thank you Jared for creating this exquisite and funky book -it is a treasure and will surely bring Chizuk to many of us.
Chaya S. B. –
What a stirring, vulnerable, and powerful work! Masterfully worded poetry woven together with each vivid painting makes for a unique and impactful experience; the words beat like a heart changing tempo with each emotion portrayed on the page. One can’t help but feel awed and moved by the contents of this book. Thank you for bravely choosing to share your world with us. I am certainly changed.