Synagogue paintings as indicating a!developing conception of national redemption

Abstract. Orgad Zvi, Synagogue paintings as indicating a developing conception of national redemption. “Images” vol. XXV, no. 34. Poznań 2019. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. Pp. 15–27. ISSN 1731-450X. DOI 10.14746/i.2019.34.01. This article compares the interior paintings in the ‘Ades and Ohel Moshe synagogues, both of which are non-Ashkenazi, in the Naḥlaot neighborhood in Jerusalem. Although the synagogues were decorated 50 years apart, there are similarities in the painted motifs and drawing schemes, but also some differences. I suggest that these differences reflect the development of a Jewish concept of national redemption during the 50 years that elapsed between the adornment of the two synagogues.Abstract. Orgad Zvi, Synagogue paintings as indicating a developing conception of national redemption. “Images” vol. XXV, no. 34. Poznań 2019. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. Pp. 15–27. ISSN 1731-450X. DOI 10.14746/i.2019.34.01. This article compares the interior paintings in the ‘Ades and Ohel Moshe synagogues, both of which are non-Ashkenazi, in the Naḥlaot neighborhood in Jerusalem. Although the synagogues were decorated 50 years apart, there are similarities in the painted motifs and drawing schemes, but also some differences. I suggest that these differences reflect the development of a Jewish concept of national redemption during the 50 years that elapsed between the adornment of the two synagogues

Polish Influence on American synagogue architecture

Hundreds of thousands of Jews from Poland came to America after 1880. Many built synagogues with details recalling synagogues in their homeland. Immigrant artisans brought motifs and methods of Poland. Many of these synagogues were small, so the relationship to Polish art was on the inside in the painted and carved decoration. Established architects also had access to Polish synagogues as sources. With publication of the Jewish Encyclopedia (1901-06) images of Polish synagogues, such as the Warsaw’s Tlomackie Street Synagogue, became part of many Jewish libraries. More Polish influence came in the 1950s. Most architects were building modern synagogues, but some looked for an architecture that was also Jewish and commemorative. The catalyst was the Piechotka’s Wooden Synagogues, published in Polish in 1957 (English edition, 1959). In the 1960s and ‘70s almost every Jewish architect was studying the book. Subsequently, references to wooden synagogues have been added to scores synagogues

Menorah Review (No. 58, Spring/Summer, 2003)

The Quest for the Historical Rabbi / Peter J. Haas -- Giants Are Still Human / Kristin Swenson -- The Feminist Corner and the Reference Shelf / Sarah Barbara Watstein -- The Core of Jewish Tradition / Dan Miron -- On Early Synagogues / Matthew Schwartz -- Drunk on Heaven / Richard Sherwin -- Noteworthy Books

Israel in the Synagogue

The synagogue and Israel remain places where we can still find ourselves in an environment where being a Jew is a key to entry, where the dominant culture is Jewish, and where Jewish behavior is the prevailing norm. It is important that these two remain connected, in practice and in programming, and that the connection be continually enhanced

Urban Synagogues-Changing Relationship with Tikkun Olam

Synagogues in their urban context are searching for ways to responsibly act on the value of tikkun olam. Tikkun olam has adapted in the American context but in its essence is Jewish value of repairing the world. Five rabbis and one organizer were interviewed to shed light on the intricate dynamic between Jewish synagogues and social justice work in their city. The five synagogues were challenged by the Jewish call to social justice, and challenges that influenced their vision for a better world. Therefore, rabbis need to strike a balance between appeasing internal issues and being a present force in issues of justice. Once they find this equilibrium, synagogues will be able to meet the multiple needs of the Jewish community and the community at large

A study of the spatial characteristics of the Jews in London 1695 & 1895

This paper suggests that the settlement pattern of Jews in London is in a distinct cluster, but contradicts the accepted belief about the nature of the 'ghetto'; finding that the traditional conception of the 'ghetto', as an enclosed, inward-looking immigrant quarter is incorrect in this case. It is shown that despite the fact that the Jews sometimes constituted up to 100% of the population of a street, that in general, the greater the concentration of Jews in a street, the better connected (more 'integrated') the street was into the main spacial structure of the city. It is also suggested here that the Jewish East End worked both as an internally strong structure of space, with local institutions relating to and reinforcing the local pattern of space; and also externally, with strong links tying the Jewish East End with its host society. It is proposed that this duality of internal/external links not only strengthens Jewish society but possibly contradicts accepted beliefs on the structure of immigrant societies

Mapping Jewish Education: The National Picture

Based on interviews as well as a database of Jewish educational organizations, foundations, and programs, examines their accomplishments, challenges, future directions, and links within a Jewish educational system. Highlights the role of foundations

The Continuity of Discontinuity: How Young Jews Are Connecting, Creating, and Organizing Their Own Jewish Lives

Based on case studies of four self-initiated ventures in Jewish self-organizing, explores their organizing principles, the limitations of and challenges for conventional institutions, and implications for engaging the new generation