OPENING OCTOBER 14, 2010 - PHOTOS COMING SOON

The Jews of Morocco played a central role in the development and evolution of various trades creating infinitely intricate designs for jewelry, home-goods, clothing and other textiles. The Jews, living among both Christians and Muslims, sold their wares in the souks and medinas of the different cities. This inter-religious trade and social interaction, was a reflection of the positive human condition of that Islamic state, where ethnic and religious interplay between people of different backgrounds was once a model for successful inter-community cooperation.

This exhibition strives to expose and educate the public on the little-known but important history of over 1,000 years of Jewish craftmanship, influenced by several ethnic sources, ranging from the most ancient—Berber—the people who lived in the High Atlas Mountains, to the Spanish, Islamic and later French influence. The exhibition will place on display an assortment of the traditional raiment of the Jews of Morocco, striking and ritualistically significant metalwork and culturally-elegant jewelry. This display will present the splendor and pageantry of the brilliant fabric handiwork, silversmithing, and traditional clothing arts of the various Jewish communities of Morocco.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. Tours of the exhibition are available to individuals, groups and schools. The exhibition is located in the Leon Levy Gallery of the American Sephardi Federation, at the Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011.