Art

Jews have always created art in the style of whatever culture that they happen to find themselves in.

Jewish artists, such as Chagall, portrayed Judaic scenes, but in the style of the secular culture of their time.

Middle East = Muslim Star of David = Islamic symbol, Arabic coins

Is there such a thing as “Jewish” Art?

“Over Vitebsk” by Marc Chagall

1914, Vitebsk, Russia. Portrays moving from place to place. Face is shadowed to portray the disintegrated identity.

If there was a genuine Jewish art, it was perhaps the decoration of the temple in Jerusalem, but descriptions indicate that it was completely in the style of the times and resembled the pagan temples.

If Jewish art is anything it is that used on ritual objects, or that used on the temples.

Menorahs Kiddush cups- oil cups Lavers- vessels for ceremonial hand washing Torah Scrolls

Continued…

Synagogue in Egypt=Egyptian mosques Basically the outside of all the synagogues

look like the buildings around them, but the major difference is how it is all laid out.

Solomon’s Temple was in the style of a pagan temple.

Jewish art and architecture is just that of their time that happens to be built by or created for the Jews.

Architecture

Governed by strict rules. Situated in direction of Jerusalem. In Orthodox synagogues men and women

sit apart. Often both a sanctuary for religious services

and a place for religious education and community activities.

Inside of Synagogue

Served as the only physical manifestation of God on Earth.

Built to carry 10 commandments. Mysterious deaths linked to touching it. When Solomon’s temple was destroyed the

Ark of the Covenant disappeared.

Ark of the Covenant

One of the oldest symbols of Jewish faith. Seven-branched candelabrum. Symbol of the Nation of Israel, and our

mission “to be a light unto the nations.” Isaiah 42:6.

Traditionally used for Hannakuh, and in the temples.

Menorah

Scriptures used in services are written on parchment scrolls, handwritten in attractive Hebrew calligraphy.

Scrolls are kept covered with fabric and often ornamented with silver crowns on the handles of the scrolls and a silver breastplate in front.

Torah Scrolls

Can’t touch the parchment possibly because they are so holy, or because it can damage it over time, and others believe it is because the parchment is made from animal skin.

Instead you follow the text with a pointer called a Yad, which means hand in Hebrew.

Shaped like a hand with a pointed finger. Made of silver or olive wood and may be

painted.

Yad

Practices, Customs, and Rituals

The word Kosher comes from the Hebrew word Kashrut meaning fit, proper or correct.

Kosher is often used to describe food or ritual objects that are made in accordance with Jewish law.

Food that is NOT kosher is commonly referred to as treif

Kosher

Although the details of kashrut are extensive, the laws all come from a few fairly simple rules.

General Rules of Kosher

1. Certain animals may not be eaten at all. This includes the flesh, eggs and milk of these animals. (Pig, Camel, Rock Badger, Hare) (Kosher animals must have cloven hooves and chew its cud.)

2. Of the animals that can be eaten, the birds and mammals must be killed in accordance with Jewish law. (Can’t eat animals that die of natural causes or that were killed by animals. Also the animals must be free of disease and have no flaws in their organs at the time of death.)

3. All blood must be drained from meat and poultry, or be broiled out of it before it’s eaten.

4. Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten. (The sciatic nerve and its adjoining blood vessels. A certain kind of fat known as chelev, this is the fat surrounding your organs)

5. Fruits and vegetables are permitted, but must be inspected for bugs, because bugs are not kosher.

6. Meat cannot be eaten with dairy. (Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and grains can be eaten with either meat or dairy.)

7. Utensils, including pots, pans, and other cooking surfaces that have come in contact with meat may not be used with dairy, and vice versa. Utensils that have come in contact with non-kosher foods may not be used with kosher food. This applies only where the contact occurred while the food was hot.

8. Grape products made by non Jews may not be eaten.

9. There are a few other rules that are not universal.

When a boy is eight days old, he is circumcised by the rabbi. This is a symbol of belonging to the pact between God and Abraham.

Circumcision

Bat=girl-12 Bar=boy-13 Bat Mitzvah’s are not celebrated by Orthodox Jews. Marks the entering of the child into adult observance of Jewish

religious activities. Important social happenings that bring the family together. Gifts are presented. This ceremony does not age more the 500 years. Takes place on the Sabbath following the boy’s 13 birthday and

includes participating in the hymns in the synagogue as well as having to recite a text from the Torah or from the prophets.

Bat Mitzvah, which is Hebrew for “Daughter of the Commandments,” resembles the one for boys but the ceremonies actual content changes from synagogue to synagogue. Popularity grew strong the 20th century.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Weddings are always celebrated in conjunction with the Jewish community and synagogue, but the actual marriage is not very religious in terms of regulations.

Jewish Weddings

When a Jew dies he or she is buried as soon as possible, but they cannot bury them on the Sabbath. Then the family starts a seven day mourning period called Shiva. During this period they recite the prayer Kaddish. People will come to the synagogue to say prayers for the dead.

Death Rituals