28765 - PASSOVER IN ART AND OBJECTS (IN-PERSON)

Course Description

In this lecture we will explore the story and customs of the Jewish celebration of Passover as they are reflected in ritual objects and fine art from different periods, geographies and artistic styles. From Seder plate to Passover towel to Haggadah, from folk art to Baroque to modernism, we will follow how the aesthetics of ritual and storytelling changed and how this change influenced the content of the Story of Exodus, reinventing it each time to adjust to the concerns of a particular historic period. While metal, textiles, ceramics, books, and prints from the rich collection of Congregation Mishkan Or will be at the core of our exploration, we will also discuss relevant objects from museums worldwide.