The beautiful and moving Wolloch Pesach Haggadah In Memory of the Holocaust, a unique manuscript “infused with hope and compassion,” features full-page illustrations by American artist David Wander and illuminated calligraphy by Rabbi Yonah Weinrib. It was commissioned by Zygfryd and Helene Wolloch in memory of their parents who died in the Holocaust. After being completed in 1984, it was published in bound-book form for the benefit of Yad Vashem. Copies of the original portfolio, containing 59 hand-printed pages, have been presented to major libraries and collections of Judaica. Join us on Tuesday evening April 12th as we explore the Wolloch Haggadah with designer and artist, David Wander, in conversation with Rabbi and scholar, Dr. David Kraemer. Some questions we will explore include, What ideas informed the creation of this Haggadah? What is the significance of its symbols? How does consideration of the Holocaust enhance our experience of the Exodus, and vice versa? And finally, how can this unique Haggadah be used at your seder?

David Wander is an artist who works in many media including, pastel, watercolor, collage, acrylic, oil on canvas, metal, and woodcarving. He has worked extensively as a landscape painter, travelling throughout the world for his subject matter. His landscapes have been collected by the United States State Department, corporations, and many private collectors. He worked as a printmaker for many years in etching silkscreen and lithography. In 1985, Wander completed a four-year project to create and design a Haggadah in memory of the Holocaust.. A fine art limited edition of this project was printed under Wander’s supervision at the Burston Graphic Center in Jerusalem. For the past twenty years, Wander has worked extensively with biblical texts, reimagining them in a visual context.using an accordian book format. Working with his study partner, Professor David Kraemer of Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, Wander has completed the five megillot. He has also completed Sefer Yonah; The Story of Joseph (in a series of lithographs); The Story of King David, (in five books); and many other biblical texts. His biblical work has been widely shown in museums and religious spaces throughout the United States and Israel. Wander is currently workig on a series of abstract rice paper acrylic paintings.

David Kraemer has been part of the JTS community since 1977 when he enrolled at The Graduate School after completing his undergraduate degree at Brandeis University. He began teaching as a graduate student in 1980, receiving his PhD in 1984. Dr. Kraemer’s focus as a professor is on the literary analysis of rabbinic literature, rabbinic ritual, and the social and religious history of Jews in late antiquity. He accepted the position of Librarian in 2004 and has since played a crucial role in forging policy and expanding the impact of the Library’s world-renowned collections and programs.  Dr. Kraemer is a prolific author and commentator. In addition to his books (see below), he has written influential articles on the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the Mishnah, and other subjects, along with a commentary on Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (in The Jewish Annotated New Testament, 2nd edition).

There is no fee, but please RSVP for planning purposes. This event is held virtually on Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event. For more information, contact Program Director Ilene Tatro at itatro@cbisd.org.

CSP Partners: Beth Israel (San Diego, CA), Brotherhood Synagogue (Gramercy Park, NYC), Congregation Beth Shalom (Seattle, WA), Congregation B’nai Tzedek (Fountain Valley, CA), Congregation B’nai Israel (Tustin, CA), Jewish Collaborative of Orange County, CA, Shomrei Torah Synagogue (San Fernando Valley, CA), Temple Bat Yahm (Newport Beach, CA), Temple Beth El of South Orange County (Aliso Viejo, CA), Temple Beth Emet (Anaheim, CA), Temple Beth Ohr (La Mirada, CA), Temple Beth Tikvah (Fullerton, CA), Temple Beth Shalom (Needham, MA), Temple Beth Sholom (Santa Ana, CA), Temple Emanuel (Newton, MA), Town & Village Synagogue (NYC, NY), University Synagogue (Irvine, CA), Valley Beth Shalom (Encino, CA) & Walnut Street Synagogue (Chelsea, MA)