"Gifts of Coexistence" series
Having coffee in Memphis with two of my girlfriends, one Muslim and one Jewish, almost sounds like a tale. But instead, that event is a replica of an era where Jews coexisted creatively with surrounding Christian and Muslim cultures in the Spanish Iberian Peninsula known in Hebrew as Sepharad.
The Memphis Jewish Community Center, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, made me (Mexican-born, Christian-raised and Memphian-by-heart) an invitation to create a Sephardic art exhibit that captures the “fertile interaction” of that time and place. As Jews fled from Spain and Portugal in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, we are reminded of their constant migration into new lands while absorbing fresh influences and preserving tradition, something that resonates loudly with many Hispanics today.
On the surface, today’s world often looks full of conflict and disagreement. This exhibit draws us to pause and appreciate the contributions of the Sephardics in the Golden Age; and invites us - like a good cup of coffee with friends – to appreciate the abundant gifts of coexistence.
Hamsa
It's a palm-shaped amulet popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and commonly used in jewelry and wall hangings. Depicting the open right hand with two thumbs. It's an image recognized and used as a sign of blessing and protection in many societies throughout history. The hamsa is believed to provide defense against the evil eye.
The three major monotheistic religions used in the Golden Age:
In Islam, the hamsa is called the Hand of Fatima, in honor of one of the daughters of the Prophet Mohammed. Some say that in Islamic tradition the five fingers represent the Five Pillars of Islam.
In Christianity, the hamsa is the hand of Mary, mother of Jesus. It was given as a gift to women to promote fertility.
In Judaism, the name “hamsa” comes from the Hebrew word “hamesh,” which means five. “Hamsa” refers to the fact that there are five fingers on the talisman, though some also believe it represents the five books of the Torah. Sometimes it is called the Hand of Miriam, after Moses’ sister.
When the fingers of the hamsa are facing up it is asking God for blessing and when the fingers of the hamsa are facing down it is a sign of protection.
L'dor Vador - Acrylic and found objects over wood
(From generation to generation)
Diaspora- The exodus of Hispanic Jews began on August 2nd, 1492. A few over one hundred and sixty thousand Jews were forced by the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand & Isabella to leave Spain if they didn't convert to the Roman Church.
The Jews who chose to depart were given three months to leave their homes.
As they departed they took their keys with them hoping for one day to come back to Sepharad... Those keys were passed from generation to generation.
The lock in this art piece represent that hope.
Romance Sefardi - Acylic over goldleaf over wood
After leaving Spain and Portugal the Sephardites settled in numerous communities in the Mediterranean region. There the mothers sought to maintain their Spanish culture by singing to their daughters in Ladino (ancient language-Spanish & Hebrew).
The singers further develop the living tradition and sang romantic "ballads." The lyrics of these songs recount the lives of Spanish Jewry accompanying themselves on the guitar and the frame drum (Ladino: pandeiro/ English: tambourine).
The Hebrew lettering meaning: You have changed my lament to my dance, you undid my sackcloth and girded me with joy. And I trust Your kindness, my heart rejoices in Your salvation. Psalm 13,6 and 30,12
Torah & Dreidel - Acrylic over gold leaf on wood; canvas roll – 53” x 58”
The dreidel is a game used to disguise the Romans when the Jews were secretly studying the Torah.
Here is the translation of the Hebrew written on the Torah piece:
I give thanks before You Living and Eternal King,
that you have turned within me my soul with compassion,
[how] abundant is Your faithfulness!
"My God, the soul You have given me is pure.
You created it into me. [and You guard it while it is within me,
and one day You will take it from me,
and restore it to me in the time to come.
As long as the soul is within me.
I will thank You,
my God and God of my ancestors,
Master of all works,
Lord of all souls.
Blessed are You, Lord who restores
souls to lifeless bodies."
The Torah that Moses commanded us
is a legacy for the congregation of Jacob.