Tamar Paley

A Fringe of Her Own: A Collection of Ritual Objects for Women

March 5–June 22, 2018

Tamar PaleyTamar Paley, "Hamavdil," 2017. Silver 925, thread, silk, silk string, printed textile, silver foil.

The Hadassah-Brandeis Institute is proud to present Israeli artist Tamar Paley.“A Fringe of Her Own,” features Paley's collection of handmade Jewish ritual objects that deconstruct and reinterpret the tallit, tzitzit, and tefillin, typically worn by men. Traditionally, the tzitzit, or fringes, hold special significance as a reminder of one’s spiritual obligations. In Paley’s collection of wearable objects, the fringes become a delicate sculptural form.

Recognizing the gap that exists between Jewish women and these ritual objects — and with a growing need to provide a feminine interpretation of patriarchal religious practice — Paley’s work offers a reshaping of traditional patriarchal forms from a female perspective using materials, text and symbolism that acknowledge the physical and spiritual experiences of women in Judaism.

Events

Exercises for the Quiet Eye with Annie Storr

March 20, 2018

WSRC Scholar, art historian and museum educator, Annie Storr led art experiencing exercises through the Kniznick Gallery exhibition "Tamar Paley | A Fringe of Her Own: A Collection of Ritual Objects for Women." Storr developed Exercises for the Quiet Eye (EQE) to encourage patient reflection, appreciation and an attempt to avoid the rush to understand or determine a set interpretation for what we see.

Artist's Lecture and Reception

April 17, 2018

This event was part of the Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts Program.

On The Fringe: Creating New Traditions

April 22, 2018

An open discussion led by Tamar Paley on our relationships with ritual objects. Paley guided participants in imagining new ways of practicing religion to reflect our unique personal and gendered experiences.

Special Weekend Hours

April 21, 2018

Saturday and Sunday special weekend hours hosted by Tamar Paley.