Fine art is always on display at the JCC.

Artists on Antisemitism III

The whole world is a very narrow bridge and yet it is essential to have no fear at all.

– Rebbe Nachman

Through powerful visual narratives, these artists transform fear, pain, history and the
perseverance of the Jewish people into a dialogue—one that demands recognition and action.

The works on view form a spectrum between artists who cautiously reflect on traumatic
narratives and those who drive forward with courage and optimism. This exhibition invites viewers to engage in a collective commitment to confront and overcome hatred in all its forms.

“After October 7, so many artists turned to me,” said Yona Verwer, founding director of the Jewish Art Salon. “People wanted to connect. They wanted to know if there was anything they or we could do. I realized that we had to get everyone in the salon together — artists, scholars, art historians and curators. Everybody felt a sense of isolation, so our group had to connect more with each other.”

The exhibition is not just about antisemitism and struggle, it is about how artists respond to it. “This show is very meaningful to me… It is so personal, and it makes me so proud. I am a proud Jew — and these are desperate times,” explained Nancy Pantirer, one of the show’s curators.

For these artists, their art becomes a tool for resistance and reflection in the face of rising hate. This show is also about hope and the possibility of healing.

Artists on Antisemitism III : A Coming Out From Egypt

Considering the arc of the Jewish calendar during which this show is present at our
JCC, the art has been lovingly curated to align with the themes of this season. The
pieces in this exhibit collectively tell the story of our coming out from Egypt; as a
people we travel from the narrow to the wide, from serving Pharaoh to serving God.

Slavery: We are commanded to repeat the story of Passover. During the Seder we tell the story of slavery and eat bitter herbs, which symbolize the bitterness of slavery. The ritual serves as a reminder of the suffering endured. Artists such as Britt, Kagan, Pantirer, Podwal, Raab, Sasson and Tell depict the stories of the Holocaust and October 7.

Redemption: The Exodus story is at the heart of Passover; it recounts how Moses led the
Israelites out of Egypt after years of oppression. This narrative highlights themes of struggle, faith, and divine intervention. The artworks by Listman, Oster, Sheynfeld and Verwer illustrate how hope and strength can be found in times of adversity.

Creation and Redemption: In Jewish folklore, the Golem symbolizes both a protector and a creation of human ingenuity.Made from clay and brought to life through mystical means, the Golem is closely tied to the idea of divine protection for the Jewish community during times of persecution. Bauman and Silverstein’s portrayals offer contemporary interpretations of this legendary figure.

Freedom: Bittersweet current events show our tenuous hold on freedom in works by Ben Aharon, Gross, Kahn, Mizrachi Cohen and Rothbard.

The Omer is a 40 day period of personal and spiritual refinement as we process leaving Egypt, wandering and preparing to receive a new way to be in the world, moving from slavery and to freedom is represented by Benjamin’s work.

Shavuot: Harris’ papercut incorporates the tzittzitot, knotted ritual fringes, worn today by observant Jews. They evoke taking on the commandments of the Torah that the Jews received on Shavuot.

In community partnership with:

Koret Foundation, Toube Philanthropies, Jewish Art Salon, 81 Leonard Gallery, PJCC & SFJCC

Hyams Museum at Temple Beth Sholom 

81leonardgallery.com | info@81leonardgallery.com | @81leonardgallery 

jewishartsalon.org | jewishartsalon@gmail.com | @jewishartsalon