Judaica of the Contemporary period has largely been influenced by the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. From the 1940’s through the 1970’s, a new type of art emerged that celebrated the traditional images of the new State. Mass produced pieces, designed exclusively by Israeli firms infused a “Jewish consciousness” in their art, many of which were archaeological in theme with greenish and bronze patina. Forms feature the Maccabees, the Spies of Joshua, and the flora and fauna of Ancient Israel. Visitors to the newborn and developing state participated in celebrating it by being consumers of “luxury” goods and trinkets: items produced exclusively for the tourist trade, which contributed directly to the new economy. They brought these things home, representing what Israel might mean to them, through articles made of metal, enamel and written phrases, which were also sold through catalogues distributed by synagogues and religious organizations in an attempt to increase funds for the new state

In addition to mass produced items, everyday items were also part of the collecting. According to author Hagay Hacohen in the article “Remembering the Surprising History of Israeliana” published in the Jerusalem Post Online on April 27, 2020, “the uniqueness of Israeliana seems to be that it is the collection of material items produced by a society that may not have been wealthy, but had a powerful sense of ideology.”

During this presentation on Zoom, Dr. Rachael Goldman will discuss how Israeliana became a vital part of the tour of Israel, how a new international style emerged and how no Jewish home would be complete without at least one of these mass produced pieces. Chances are that you probably own one of them.

Collecting art and memorabilia for as long as she can remember, Dr Rachael Goldman is a fully certified member of the Appraisers Association of America, who earned her Ph.D. in History at the City University of New York- Graduate Center. At Bonhams Auction House, Rachael was a specialist in Judaica. Additionally, she has published articles on ancient history and the collecting practice, and has taught and lectured about ancient history and Jewish history courses throughout the region, including TCNJ, Adelphi, Rutgers, and CUNY.

This talk is offered in partnership with The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.

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