Library Exhibits

Current Exhibit

Illuminating Sacred Text: Contemporary Jewish Book Artists and Their Work

September 9–January 19

Sacred Jewish texts have long been crafted with exquisite beauty, reflecting their spiritual significance. Throughout history, artisans have adorned these books with masterful calligraphy, intricate decorations, and brilliant illuminations. Figurative illustrations have also found their way into these sacred volumes, adding yet a further layer of commentary onto the text. While the mass production of the printed book resulted in the decline of this rich tradition of decorated Hebrew manuscripts, the Jewish book arts have experienced a remarkable revival in recent years. Contemporary Jewish artists have embraced the challenge of “illuminating” sacred writings, both artistically and conceptually, bringing new life into an ancient practice.

This exhibition showcases the work of five outstanding contemporary Jewish book artists: David Moss, Avner Moriah, Izzy Pludwinski, David Wander, and Barbara Wolff. On display are 24 contemporary works, ranging from haggadot to biblical texts, beautifully illustrated and decorated by these artists. Their creations demonstrate how the ancient tradition of beautifying sacred texts endures, as these artists not only embellish but also interpret the timeless stories, teachings, and wisdom of the Jewish inheritance through their art.

The exhibit is open to the public during Library Hours.

Previous Exhibits

Seeing the Unseeable

Seeing the Unseeable

Kabbalistic Imagery from The Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary

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A Sacred Space

A Sacred Space

Synagogue Architecture and Identity

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Living Yiddish in New York

Living Yiddish in New York

NYC as a center of Yiddish culture

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The Work of Her Hands

The Work of Her Hands

The Art of Lynne Avadenka and the Craft of Jewish Women Printers

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The Jews of Corfu

The Jews of Corfu

Between the Adriatic and the Ionian

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To Build a New Home

To Build a New Home

Celebrating the Jewish Wedding

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