The Israel Museum presents A World Apart Next Door. Glimpses into the Life of Hasidic Jews, an exhibition on view June 19 – November 30, 2012.
The exhibition sheds light on lesser-known aspects of the culture of the Hasidim through photographs, drawings, engravings, video, music, and rarely seen objects relating to the social and spiritual life of this often hidden community. A World Apart Next Door places a special focus on the clothing of Hasidic men, women, and children, deciphering for visitors the rich codes woven into their garments. The exhibition also explores the connection between the Hasidim and their charismatic leaders, or Rebbes, and the life-cycle events and seasonal traditions that are the foundation of life in the Hasidic community.
“Hasidic culture is a source of great curiosity for many in Israel and around the world,” said James S. Snyder, Anne and Jerome Fisher Director of the Israel Museum. “A World Apart Next Door is a unique endeavor in that its subject, not restricted to a single history or geography, illuminates a global and growing community of the present. We look forward to sharing this exploration of the history and life of the Hasidic community with all of our audiences.”
A World Apart Next Door introduces visitors to the origins of Hasidism, and explores the lives and customs of members of the Hasidic community through approximately 270 works, drawn from public and private collections, as well as objects on loan from the communities themselves, most of which have never been on public view.
A World Apart Next Door is curated by Ester Muchawsky-Schnapper, Curator of the Mandel Wing for Jewish Art and Life at the Israel Museum. The exhibition was made possible by René and Susanne Braginsky, Zurich. Additional support was provided by the Aaron Beare Foundation, Durban, South Africa, and the Alan B. Slifka Foundation, New York. The English catalogue accompanying the exhibition was made possible by Jerome L. and Ellen Stern, New York. – www.english.imjnet.org.il