The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy is pleased to present "We've Got Mazel"- KabalisticAstrology in New York Synagogues on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 11AM. This unique presentation explores Mazalot, a sacred Jewish art form featuring zodiac symbols. A panel of experts including conservator Beth Edelstein and urban historian Elyssa Sampson will discuss the history and preservation of Mazalot. While few examples of Mazalot remain, two prime examples can be found on the Lower East Side: the Bialystoker Synagogue and Congregation B'nei Jacob & Anshei Brzezan (a.k.a. The Stanton Street Shul).
The zodiac tradition is discussed in the Talmud, and in the writings of Medieval Jewish scholars, including Nachmanides, and the 16th century Kabbalist Isaac Luria. Earliest examples are the floor mosaics of second to sixth century Roman synagogues in ancient Palestine. In Eastern Europe, the Jews revived the ancient tradition of depicting the zodiac by painting the motifs on the walls and ceilings of their wooden synagogues. The destruction unleashed by World War II resulted in the elimination of many of these synagogues or their conversion for general use. This program will trace the history of this endangered 2,000 year old synagogue art tradition, , and which made its way to the Lower East Side via immigrants from Galitzia, a region on the borders of modern-day Poland and Ukraine.
Ms. Beth Edelstein, Objects Conservator at the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art, received her degree in Art Conservation from NYU's Institute of Fine Arts. Ms. Elyssa Sampson, urban historian, LESJ Conservancy tour leader, and PH.D candidate in Urban Geography (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill), will discuss the significance of the mazelot and the way in which they made their way to the Lower East Side via Galitzia.
Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for seniors.
($2.00 additional same day)
For further information, contact Laurie Tobias Cohen, Executive Director, at (212) 374-4100 x 1 or 2, or by e-mail at info@nycjewishtours.org
235 East Broadway New York, NY 10002
www.nycjewishtours.org
