Before photography became widespread, paper silhouettes were an affordable alternative to painted portraits. The name itself is derived from 18th century French financial minister Etienne de Silhouette, whose penny-pinching policies made him infamous and his name associated with frugality. Silhouettes were the cheapest way to record a loved one’s likeness. They immortalized spouses, children, friends and even pets. These creations could be hung in lockets or put in…
Emancipation and the Jews of Metz, France
by David P. Rosenberg, M.P.A., Reference Services Research Coordinator, Center for Jewish History
“The means of making the Jews happy and useful? This is it: stop making them unhappy and useless. Give them, or rather return to them the right of citizens, which you’ve denied them against all divine and human laws.” This was Zalkind Hourwitz’s…
by Elli Smerling, Reference Services Research Intern, Center for Jewish History
Official Jewish law requires 10 to be in attendance for communal prayer. Unofficial Jewish law requires that if 10 people are in a room, there must be food.
Every Jewish gathering, celebration or holiday revolves around food. You may ask: What about fast days? Well, they’re about food as well….
by Aliza Schulman, Reference Services Research Intern, Center for Jewish History
This year, the first day of Hanukkah falls on Thanksgiving, creating what has become known as Thanksgivukkah. The Internet it abuzz with shirts, hats and recipes celebrating this rare event. But just how rare is it? When was the last time it occurred, and when will it happen again? This post breaks down…