Lecture on Jewish Ceremonial Objects

at The Chatham Synagogue

Artist Frann Addison found her calling in 1977 while pursuing her Masters of Fine Arts degree at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. She read an article that spoke of the need for contemporary Judaica, since very little existed at that time. Fascinated with the subjec, she wrote her master's thesis on the "History and Evolution of Jewish Ceremonial Objects Used in the Home," and created a few sterling silver ritual objects to accompany the thesis. It became her life's work.

Since then, Frann has focused exclusively on Jewish ritual objects, combining her metalsmithing skills with her artistic vision to create one-of-a-kind and limited edition ceremonial pieces. Her work has been featured in the NY Times, The Boston Globe, and Moment Magazine, as well in the permanent collections of the American Museum of Jewish History in Philadelphia and the Bernard Museum of Judaica of Temple Emanu-El in NYC.

Frann will discuss the historic functions and Judaic relevance of Jewish ritual objects used in the home and the influences of ritual, superstition, Christian influences, and religious requirements.