16 May 2007 – 18 November 2007

Best of all women. The Female Dimension in Judaism

This exhibition reflects on the role of Jewish women in a religious, economic, social and cultural context. It shows, among other things, how women and men often perceive historical objects in completely different ways.
A key object, after which the exhibition is also named, is a Torah curtain (parochet), which Zwi Hirsch Todesco donated to the Vienna City Temple in 1833 to celebrate the marriage of his daughter Manina. The dedication makes mention of his parents-in-law, brother-in-law and, in particular, his wife Fanni, whom he praises using
the standard formula “the best of all women”. Within secular society, textiles have always been associated with women. Torah covers were often made by women or, in the case of the Torah curtain donated by Todesco, from the daughter’s wedding dress. In addition, professional training in the textile trade offered women one of their first opportunities for economic independence.

Address

Jüdisches Museum - Wien
Dorotheergasse 11
1010 Wien
phone +43 1 535 04 31
http://www.jmw.at

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday till 8 p.m., closed on Saturday.

Within 10 days
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