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Recommended Reading
THE BEAUTY OF
ILLUMINATED JUDAICA
e are known as the People historical context in which the novel pages are
of the Book, Am HaSefer book was produced. presented alongside
W in Hebrew, a civilization the unabridged,
rooted in foundational texts that are Writes award-winning novelist, traditional Seder
studied, interpreted and illuminated. Dara Horn: “This isn’t just an text in Hebrew and
While we recite Megillat Esther from art book, it is a history of transliteration, and
a parchment scroll on Purim itself, the Jewish accompanied by
creative renderings of the text have been imagination. ‘how-to’ instructional
captivating our attention for hundreds At first you cartoons.
of years, encouraging artists around look at these
the world to express their imaginative pictures and The New York
interpretations of each narrative. While see only the Times calls the tone
of
the
Passover
there is certainly no dearth of adorned strangeness of Haggadah Graphic
Megillot, no book in Jewish history has a time beyond Novel “respectful yet
been illustrated more often and in more your own. But as playful.”
variations than the Passover Haggadah – you move through
the story of the birth of a people. Cohen’s eloquent Looking through this new
commentary, you work, one cannot overlook
This column will focus on two enter the most how Gorf’s lively imagination
magnificent new works that are bound to immortal of stories, combined with Erez’s incredible
enhance the upcoming Passover holiday. lived and celebrated illustrative abilities imbue every single
in every generation up to ours. I was
Signs and Wonders: 100 Haggadah surprised to find myself moved beyond page with color, personality, richness,
Masterpieces by Adam Cohen, words.” and nuance that only today’s generation
Associate Professor in will appreciate.
the History of Art at The Passover Haggadah The diversity of these two works shows
University of Toronto, is Graphic Novel is a how illuminated Jewish texts bear
the first book to survey gorgeous new visual the mark of their own time and place.
the magnificent history of rendering of the exodus Despite variations, the core message in
the illustrated Haggadah narrative by acclaimed every Passover Haggadah remains the
through seven centuries, Batman comics creator same: to be a free, unified nation living
from the Middle Ages Jordan B. Gorfinkel vibrantly in our own homeland. L’Shana
to contemporary (“Gorf”) and Israeli artist HaBa’ah B’Yerushalayim!
times. Focusing on the Erez Zadok with translation
finest examples, the by David Olivestone. This Special for HaMizrachi readers: Buy Signs
large-size coffee table vibrantly-illustrated and Wonders with the Passover Haggadah
Graphic Novel at 25% off and get
book reproduces each work integrates a a free gift package: free shipping,
illustration in full brand new, modern free Koren canvas tote bag and
color, alongside short translation into one free paperback copy of the
descriptions that explore sophisticated and Sacks Haggadah! Offer available
exclusively from www.korenpub.
the meaning of the fun sequential com with promo code MIZRACHI. (Offer
imagery, the achievement art that brings the valid in US & Canada only. While supplies
of the artist, and the larger epic story to life. The graphic last. Offer valid until Sunday, April 7, 2019.)
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