“Dialectics of Departure” is the ongoing collaboration of Ariel Efraim Ashbel and visual artist Rachel Libeskind. In it, they build performative outdoor walks bringing together traditional jewish ritual, philosophical debate, artistic shenanigans and historical research. This multidisciplinary approach results in a contemporary understanding of accountability, remembrance and celebration – one that enables a complicated and urgent discussion about Jewish life in 21st century Europe. “DoD” started to develop and continuously growing in the streets of Berlin, and gradually is transforming to other cities. The work started in 2023 with HAU Hebbel and Ufer in Kreuzberg , followed by two new iterations with Sophiensaele (2024) and the Berliner Ensemble (2025), two artistic venues in the former east Berlin area of Mitte. A fourth walk premiered in 2025. In 2026, a first occasion is developed outside of Berlin, as part of the Viennese Festival Wiener Festwochen. It was featured in the holiday-related series by Ashbel and friends Rites of Spring (2023), The Omer Count (2024) and The High Holidays of 5786 (2025)
2023:
Berlin Walk #1: HAU Hebbel am Ufer
2024:
Berlin Walk #1: HAU Hebbel am Ufer
Berlin Walk #2: Sophiensaele
2025:
Berlin Walk #2: Sophiensaele
Berlin Walk #3: Berliner Ensemble
Berlin Walk #4: HAU Hebbel am Ufer
2026
Vienna Walk: Wiener Festwochen
