The Life of the Synagogue
FROM THE WILLIAM A. ROSENTHALL JUDAICA COLLECTION
MARLENE & NATHAN ADDLESTONE LIBRARY, COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
The Life of the Synagogue is a tribute to both the central role of the synagogue in Jewish life and the man whose passion for collecting made this exhibit possible. Curated by Samuel D. Gruber, Sarah Glover, and Amy Lazarus, the exhibit contains 76 items selected from the William A. Rosenthall Judaica Collection at the College of Charleston, one of the largest accessible collections of imagery related to synagogues and other aspects of Jewish life and culture around the world.
The exhibit is divided into nine sections, exploring topics ranging from synagogue building and dedications to the celebration of life cycle events and festivals to the varied contributions of women. These images offer a broad understanding of the history of synagogue architecture and design, in addition to shedding light on the lives, customs, and religious practices of the people within the four walls of the synagogue.