Judaism 101 exhibit to be featured in DC gallery

January 25, 2019

DEFIANCE, Ohio - In collaboration with the Hebrew Union College Museum in New York, Defiance College will host the exhibit Judaism 101: An Exploration of the Jewish Faith Through Art and Artifacts in the Women’s Commission Gallery on the campus of Defiance College Feb. 7 through March 29. Funded by the Charles K. and Esther C. Krieger Foundation, visiting scholar Dr. Wendy Soltz and her Projects in Jewish Public History religion class have prepared the exhibit, which focuses on sacred and ritual objects of Judaism.

“Through this exhibition, we hope to answer some basic yet fundamental questions such as: What do candles signify in Judaism? What does ‘kosher’ mean? What is a ‘bar mitzvah’? What takes place at a Passover ‘seder’?” Dr. Soltz stated. Students will combine ritual objects used within the practice of Judaism with artwork from around the world. In doing so, a dialectic between the artwork and the viewer is created.

When asked why this exhibition is opening on DC’s campus, Dr. Soltz replied, “As the inaugural Krieger scholar in religious studies, it is essential that our learning community understand that Judaism is alive and vibrant. Most people have heard of anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, but the vast majority don’t quite comprehend the real beauty inherent in the practice of Judaism.” Endowed by the Charles K. and Esther C. Krieger Foundation, the visiting scholar program will continue to bring religious specialists to the DC campus on a rotating basis in the fields of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. There will be an opening reception Feb. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Women’s Commission Gallery. Students will be available during the reception to answer questions. Visitors are also welcome to schedule a private tour by emailing Dr. Soltz at wsoltz@defiance.edu.

Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Women’s Commission Gallery is located on the DC campus off Sessions Street. Please enter using the interior door, accessible through Dana Hall or the Art Center.

Chartered in 1850, Defiance College is an independent, liberal arts-based institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The College is guided by the four pillars of its mission: To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve. The College website is www.defiance.edu.