Stanley Saitowitz: Judaica November 3, 2011

A singular collection of Jewish ritual objects
designed by San Francisco–based architect Stanley Saitowitz

Award-winning San Francisco-based Stanley Saitowitz/Natoma Architects are known for a practice that combines the principles of early modern architecture with the materials, techniques and sensibilities of the 21st century. Raised in a traditional Jewish family in South Africa, Saitowitz has designed private residences, institutions, public and commercial spaces, and religious architecture across the globe. Among the many commissions he has completed during his 30-year career are a number of significant Jewish spaces, including the Holocaust Memorial in Boston and the critically acclaimed Temple Beth Shalom in San Francisco’s Richmond District.

Now, Saitowitz brings ancient tradition and contemporary design together in Stanley Saitowitz: Judaica, an extraordinary display of modern Jewish ritual objects on view at the Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Rendered in metal and inspired by Saitowitz’s commitment to a modernist aesthetic, the collection is characterized by the clean lines, rational proportions, and smooth, unembellished surfaces that also define Saitowitz’s architecture. Most of the 13 objects on view, were prototyped for this exhibition and have never been seen before. They range from those objects associated with daily ritual, such as the mezuzah affixed to the doorpost outside one’s home, to more festival-specific objects, such as the etrog box used during the harvest festival of Sukkot.

WHEN: November 3, 2011 – October 16, 2012

TIME: Open daily (except Wed.) 11 AM – 5:00 PM and Thursday, 1 PM – 8:00 PM

INFO: www.thecjm.org or call 415.655.7800