Home to a collection of Jewish art that is unparalleled in size and historical and geographical scope, the Jewish Museum in New York City contains works which date from the antiquity of the Jewish people in Ancient Israel to contemporary pieces that reflect modern responses to the Jewish experience. 180 illustrations, 165 in full color.
The Middle Ages in Spain, from the Muslim conquest of 711 to the expulsion of Jews and the fall of the last Muslim ruler in 1492, marked a remarkable Golden Age characterized by the coexistence of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities. This volume delves into their convivencia, highlighting not only ideological exchanges and cultural influences but also the friction, rivalry, and suspicion that existed among them. The cultural and social dynamics of this period significantly shaped poetry, art, architecture, and material culture in Spain, as well as the transfer of scientific ideas and technology from East to West. Leading scholars examine the cultural treasures of convivencia, showcasing items such as Hebrew biblical manuscripts adorned with Islamic motifs, astrolabes featuring Latin inscriptions, and early examples of secular Hebrew poetry. Over one hundred objects are presented together for the first time in an exhibition at the Jewish Museum in New York. As the study of cultural fusion gains prominence, this volume provides a fresh, comprehensive perspective on Spain's diverse medieval society, celebrating a rich history of cultural achievement amid both positive and negative intergroup relations. It includes 36 color and 60 black-and-white plates.
Published for the Jewish Museum of New York, this illustrated catalog of the Danzig collection accompanied a major exhibition in 1980. It reflects decades of research on the ceremonial art and history of the Danzig Jewish community, which, in early 1939, chose to dissolve itself and emigrate rather than face Nazi oppression. The community sent its most valuable communal property to New York in ten large crates weighing over two tons. The collection includes items from the Great Synagogue of Danzig, artifacts from the Jewish cemetery, and ceremonial objects from local synagogues and private owners. Proceeds from the sale of these treasures were deposited into a special account to support the emigration of remaining members of the Danzig Jewish community who could still leave. This self-liquidation was unprecedented, effectively transforming Danzig into a "city without Jews." The catalog serves not only as a historical record but also as a poignant reminder of the community's resilience and the cultural heritage they preserved despite their tragic circumstances.