The Boast of a Craftsman’s Hands: Medieval and Early Modern Synagogue Decoration in Central and Eastern Europe

Zvi Orgad (Bar-Ilan University, Department of Jewish Art)

Despite the commandment “Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any manner of likeness,” synagogues have been decorated throughout history since ancient times. The lecture focuses on internal decoration in medieval and early modern synagogues. Their historical, cultural, and religious contents will be presented based on surviving examples, texts, and visual documentation.

Dr. Zvi Orgad teaches in the Department of Jewish Art at Bar-Ilan University. His PhD thesis focused on the work methods of early modern Eastern and Central European synagogue painters. His research interests are the semiotics of synagogue art, the work methods of the synagogue and Hebrew illuminated manuscript decorators, and Jewish museums.

His book, Eliezer-Zusman of Brody: The Early Modern Synagogue Painter and His World, was published by Brill in 2022.