Michal Nachmany, Protective Magic

Do you wear a hamsa, a mezuzah, or a Jewish star around your neck? If you do, you are taking part in a long tradition of Jewish protective magic.

In a world that confronts us daily with challenges both anticipated and surprising, it is natural to seek to protect ourselves. For thousands of years, Jews have relied on special objects and words to keep ourselves safe. Speaking holy names, wearing sacred words, and adorning ourselves with extraordinary symbols in the form of amulets are all ways our tradition offers us protection and armor against the harm the world can inflict.

Israeli-American artist Michal Nachmany has found inspiration and guidance in these Jewish traditions of spiritual protection and religious adornment. Her paintings, drawings, and mixed-media creations re-combine ancient text and symbols to imagine entirely new forms of comfort and protection. Returning repeatedly to the words of prayer and heavenly beings, the motif of birds, and the shapes of traditional Mizrachi and Yemeni jewelry, Nachmany creates an artistic world in which no harm can befall us.

In addition to paintings, drawings, and mixed-media works, this exhibition also includes objects from the artist’s personal collection and works created by members of Central’s community in workshops with the artist.

This exhibition is presented thanks to the generous support of the Hauptman/Bronfman/Clarick family, in loving memory of Ellen M. Hauptman.

Programs:

Join us on Thursday, June 27 at 6:00 pm for our exhibition opening. Register here.

Join us on Tuesday, July 25 at 6:00 pm for an amulet-making workshop, and contribute your artwork to the exhibition! Register here.

Viewing Hours:
The exhibition is located in the lower-level Pavilion of our Sanctuary building (652 Lexington Avenue; entrance on 55th Street).

June 14 through July 5
Fridays from 7:15–8:00 pm (following Shabbat services)
Wednesdays from 12:30–2:00 pm

August 21 through October 25
Fridays from 7:15–8:00 pm (following Shabbat services)
Wednesdays from 12:30–2:00 pm on August 21, August 28, September 11
Tuesdays from 12:30–2:00 pm on October 15, October 22

There will be no viewing dates from July 6 through August 20, and public viewing hours will shift during the high holiday season. Please take a close look at our calendar.

For viewing requests outside of public hours and more information, please contact Marina Bardash Nebro.