From mezuzahs to menorahs, these outstanding Jewish ceremonial and ritual objects make a beautiful new addition to the celebrated 500 series. Contemporary in style and lovingly handcrafted, they come from North America, Europe, and Israel, and demonstrate the diversity of Judaism. The artworks include tzedakah boxes, shofars, tallits, Shabbat candlesticks, havdalah sets, Kiddush cups, Torah pointers, kippahs, Seder plates, and dreidels.

More than purely artistic pieces, the 500 contemporary Judaica works showcased in these pages are designed to be used in the practice of Jewish ritual. "If there is one thing these works have in common," writes juror Daniel Belasco, "it is the ongoing faith that creativity and ritual go hand in hand.., to keep Judaism a living and ever-evolving tradition."

Belasco delineates three styles of Judaica. The first is Craft, which blends folk styles and techniques in a variety of media, frequently with a contemporary sensibility. Unlike Craft, Modernist has an absence of ornamentation and a preference for metal. This style emphasizes essential forms and meanings. The third approach, Postmodernist, features an increased self-awareness on the part of artists to include social content in their work, expanding the references of Jewish ritual objects to connect the sacred to everyday life.

Introduction by Daniel Belasco

The Judaica

Glossary

About the Juror

Acknowledgments

Contributing Artists