Handmade book of 17 copies of the poem “Laryngitis”

A copy of the poem “The Laryngitis of Jewish Women” by Chaya Lester. Hand assembled and silkscreened in an edition of 17 copies by the book-artist Andi Arnovitz. The case is also designed by Arnovitz, 2015. Recently acquired by the Yale U. Library.

The poem expresses the frustration and anger of the poet at the lack of Orthodox Jewish women’s participation in the ritual of circumcision of their own children. Both the poet and the artist live in Jerusalem.

Yale University Library - Judaica Collection's photo.
Yale University Library - Judaica Collection's photo.

Edict forcing the Jews of Ferrara to wear in public a yellow badge, 1741

Edict forcing the Jews of Ferrara to wear in public a yellow badge in order to identify them as Jews, 1741. The edict notes that this badge was already in practice in Rome and in Venice. The emblem of the city of Ferrara is on the top. Recently acquired by the Yale U. Library.
The Nazis did not invent yellow markings as a means of both identifying and humiliating Jews. They borrowed what had been done in Europe in the past.

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Shiviti plaque, Jerusalem, 1906

Shiviti plaque, Jerusalem, 1906. The scribe, Shalom ben Sa’adia Halevi dedicated the plaque to the memory of his father. A shiviti plaque was usually hung in a synagogue to inspire the congregation to more devout prayer. It contains both traditional and mystical imagery. A newly acquired addition to the Yale University Library Collection.

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William Castellana, artist, Brooklyn NY

Recent Acquisition–Collection of 20 photos by William Castellana of the Satmar hasidic community in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn.

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Two men crossing street / Lee Avenue, Brooklyn, NY(2014)

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Woman with children / Lee Avenue, Brooklyn, NY(2014)

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Two men walking / Lee Avenue, Brooklyn, NY(2013)

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