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.
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.
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.
Professor Steven Fraade, Chair of the Program, with the two speakers: Professor David Sorkin, and Post-Graduate Fellow, Yishai Kiel and Nanette Stahl, Mazer Judaica Librarian
Das Hohe Lied Salomos, the biblical book, Song of Songs in German translation with woodcut illustrations by Ludwig von Hoffman (1865-1945). Berlin: Otto v. Holten, 1921. Limited edition of 30 copies. Yale has number 26 signed by the artist on the colophon page. The Song of Songs is read in the synagogue on the Sabbath of the Passover holiday (this year, April 22-30). It is attributed to King Solomon and deals with spring and young love. It is read on Passover, because the festival is associated with freedom, spring and renewal.
