Description
The paper investigates the emergence of figurative painting in Sephardic and Mizrahi synagogues in Jerusalem over a period of approximately seventy years, spanning from the early twentieth century to the 1970s. This incorporation of figurative art represents a distinctive instance of cultural migration from Eastern European synagogues, as many Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish communities had longstanding traditions of synagogue decoration that excluded representational imagery. The study delves into the complex array of artistic, ideological, religious, cultural, and national factors that facilitated the introduction of figurative painting in these synagogues. It examines multiple dimensions beyond the well-documented influence of the Bezalel School, including the disjunction from traditional artistic practices in the communities' countries of origin, the impact of Jerusalem’s contemporary art and architectural milieu, and the shifting social and economic status of the Sephardic community in Jerusalem. Further, the paper explores the community's interactions with the Ashkenazi population, its engagement with Rabbinic literature, and its evolving approach to religious and cultural innovation. Among the synagogues analyzed are several previously overlooked examples, e.g., the Yeshuah ve'Rachamim and Baba Tamma synagogues.| Period | 4 Aug 2025 |
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| Event title | The Nineteen World Congress of Jewish Studies |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Jerusalem, IsraelShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |