In eleventh-century North Africa, Jews and Muslims enjoyed a period of remarkable harmony. In Egypt, the vizier to the Caliph was a Jew; while in the Kingdom of Grenada, the vizier was a rabbi! Across North Africa, Jews traded, studied, and lived in a “Golden Age.” Rabbi Burt Visotzky will tell the story of those halcyon days, known primarily through the discovery a century ago of the Cairo Genizah—a cache of books, letters, and documents describing the lives and loves of the common Jews in vivid detail. His most recent book A Delightful Compendium of Consolation, is a historical novel depicting this era in the Medieval Mediterranean. (Following the session, books will be available for sale and signing).
In addition, BK member and artist, Siona Benjamin, who currently studies with Rabbi Visotzky, will display and present a new Megillah commissioned by Peter Ehrenthal, director of Moriah Galleries in New York. Inspired by Indo-Persian miniatures, Siona’s latest artwork incorporates one detail from her personal iconography that symbolizes her “otherness” as a Jewish woman of color. Thus, in the megillah, Esther is painted blue!
The author of nine books and one hundred articles, Burton L. Visotzky collaborated with Bill Moyers in developing and moderating the ten-hour, 1996 PBS series, “Genesis: A Living Conversation.” He also presently serves as the Nathan and Janet Appleman Professor of Midrash and Interreligious Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he joined the faculty upon his ordination as Rabbi in 1977.
BK member, Siona Benjamin, was born in Bombay and now lives Montclair. Her work reflects the experience and influences of being brought up Jewish in a predominantly Hindu and Muslim India. In her paintings, Siona combines the imagery of her past with those of the role she now plays trying to find a home in the United States today. The result is a mosaic that is inspired by both Indian miniature paintings and Sephardic icons. Siona Benjamin’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Jewish Week in NYC and NJ, The Boston Globe, Art in America, Art New England, Art and Antiques and Moment Magazine.