PopUp Exhibition | David Henkin about an American Challah Cover

The Magnes welcomes David Henkin to its weekly series of PopUp Exhibitions! Professor Henkin is the author of City Reading: Written Words and Public Spaces in Antebellum New York (Columbia University Press, 1998) and The Postal Age: The Emergence of Modern Communications in Nineteenth-Century America (University of Chicago Press, 2006). His presentation will engage the merging of Jewish culture with American civic culture by discussing a challah cover that was meant to be used in a Jewish setting but which also depicts the Great Seal of the United States. The challah cover was created in 1851-52 and is inscribed in Hebrew with a Biblical verse about the Sabbath; in the center of the object we also find the words “E pluribus unum”. Professor Henkin’s presentation will examine the examine the interplay of American and Jewish themes in this particular challah cover.

ABOUT THE POP-UP LECTURE SERIES

Each week, UC Berkeley faculty and students, visiting artists and other notable guests present brief lectures focused on selected treasures from the The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life. One speaker and one object at the time, these “flash” exhibitions will include the opportunity to view the art and artifacts discussed intimately and up close. Bring your own lunch, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and take part in an exciting learning program, free and open to the public. Close-up view of collections included.

The Magnes Auditorium
2121 Allston Way, Wednesdays Noon-1 pm
Presentation begin promptly at 12:15 pm

FALL SCHEDULE 2014
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19, 26; December 3, 10, 17

Check The Magnes calendar and our Facebook page for updates

Co-presented with The Jewish Federation of the East Bay