Temple Beth-El of Great Neck will present “Judith in Art,” led by congregant Matthew Moshen on Feb. 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom.
“’The Book of Judith’ is a highly fictionalized first- or second-century BC story about an invasion of Israel by an Assyrian general and the widow Judith’s efforts to save her city,” Moshen said. “The book, which reads more like a historical novel than history, was not included in the Hebrew canon but was included in the Greek Septuagint.”
Judith, the Jewish character associated with Hanukkah, is depicted differently in many famous and fascinating paintings. During this session, participants will study images, learn about some infamous and provocative versions of Judith’s adventures and discuss her heroic actions.
“I learned the story of Judith through a famous painting by the Italian master Caravaggio, a painting I’ve known since an art history course in college,” Moshen said. “A few years ago, I heard a wonderful BBC podcast about the painting, which led me to dig deeper into the use of the Judith story throughout medieval and Renaissance art.”
All are welcome to attend this Sisterhood Learning presentation and discussion, made possible through the generous support of the Susan Stumer Cultural Arts Fund. The fund was established in memory of longtime temple member and choir singer Susan Stumer to ensure that her love for the arts would continue for many years at Temple Beth-El.
“On one hand, Judith represents a model of purity, piety, faithfulness and valor—a powerful woman saving her people from destruction and tyranny,” the instructor continued. “Some artists have shown her as highly sexualized, as a femme fatale. Even into the 21st century, hers is the story of a woman overpowering a much stronger enemy. This tale of a victorious underdog holds everlasting appeal.”
Temple Beth-El is located at 5 Old Mill Road. Schedule a new member tour, request the program link or learn more at www.tbegreatneck.org, 516-487-0900 or info@tbegreatneck.org.
