Judaism and art

The early Israelites made sacrifices at the Holy Temple, and they were distinct from other Levantine peoples, each of whom worshipped their local gods.

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Pilgrimage souvenirs 
Pilgrimage souvenirs 

Much like modern souvenirs, these mementos of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish pilgrimage perpetuated pilgrims’ spiritual encounters, stimulating the reliving of the pilgrimage experience and their engagement with their faith. 

Medieval synagogues in Toledo, Spain
Medieval synagogues in Toledo, Spain

These eclectic buildings embody the close ties between Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultures in medieval Spain.

The manuscripts of Luis de Carvajal
The manuscripts of Luis de Carvajal

This tiny book tells the complex story of the conflict between Christians and Jews in the Old and New Worlds.

Book of Morals of Philosophers
Book of Morals of Philosophers

This Hebrew book copies an Arabic text that itself began life as a work of classical Greek philosophy.

Altneushul, Prague
Altneushul, Prague

In the “Old New Synagogue,” desks surround a Torah plaform. Text outweighs image—only plants ornament the space.

<em>The Spoils of Jerusalem</em>, Arch of Titus
The Spoils of Jerusalem, Arch of Titus

The emperor Titus sacked the temple in Jerusalem and looted its most holy treasures.

The Golden Haggadah
The Golden Haggadah

No splashes of wine stain this luxurious book! Its 56 miniatures illustrate the story of Passover.

Writing a history of Jewish architecture
Writing a history of Jewish architecture

Long ignored by historians, Jewish architecture employs a rich formal language that melds local styles.

Jewish history to the middle ages
Jewish history to the middle ages

After the Roman world embraced Christianity, Jews faced persecution, mob violence, and Crusaders.

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