Artist in Residence

CAA is hosting Gabriella Spitzer, the creator and illustrator of a brand new haggadah that is being published this spring by Ben Yehudah Press, and we would love to welcome the entire community to their art show, presentations and workshop the weekend of February 10-12.

Haggadah Min HaMeitzar is liturgically traditional, visually beautiful, ideologically progressive, and discursively provocative. It uses a complete traditional text and translation, paired with original commentary and art, thought-provoking quotations, and discussion prompts. The art functions as a form of commentary and provides another layer to discuss. The commentary focuses on four voices, corresponding to the four names of Passover:

• Chag HaCheirut/Festival of Freedom: a progressive voice prompting discussion on the meanings of liberation and oppression in the Exodus story and today.
• Chag HaAviv/Springtime Festival: an environmental voice making connections between the Passover seder, ecology, and regrowth and regeneration.
• Chag HaPesach/Passover: a meta-commentary about how we tell our stories, the voices that get shared and the voices that do not get shared enough.
• Chag HaMaztot/Matzah Festival: a voice about embodiment and the tangible and sensory aspects of the seder.

Gabriella Spitzer brings a fresh perspective, informed by their identification with the Queer community, their professional career as an environmental scientist and certified flood plain manager, and their work as an creator of unique Jewish art. Queer and environmental issues will be the focus of the weekend. Gabriella will have their artwork and also their brand new Hagaddah, Hagaddah Min Hameitzar, available for purchase Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

Please see the schedule for times of each program.