Mark Podwal's Textiles at the Y. U. Museum

Old and the New: Mark Podwal’s Textiles for the Altneuschul in Prague

Renowned New York Artist Designs Textiles for Oldest Synagogue in Europe

Before a series of richly designed new textiles is installed in one of the most iconic, oldest and continually active synagogues in Europe, it will be unveiled Yeshiva University Museum (YU Museum) in the exhibition Old and the New: Mark Podwal’s Textiles for the Altneuschul in Prague from November 20, 2011–January 15, 2012.

The textiles, which include a Torah ark cover, three Torah mantles and covers for the Torah reading and cantor's desks represent the first major commission for the sanctuary of Prague’s Altneuschul in over 70 years. Built in 1270, the Altneuschul, or “Old-New Synagogue,” is celebrated for its architectural beauty and legendary provenance–myth has it its stones were brought by angels. It is one of the few Gothic synagogues in existence and sits at the center of Prague’s Jewish Quarter, a vibrant community famed for its scholars, mystics, writers and intellectuals. Perhaps the most famous of the synagogue’s legends is the Prague Golem, believed to lie dormant in the attic of the building to be restored again, if needed, to defend the Jews.

Mark Podwal's Illustrious Projects

Courtesy: Penn and Fletcher.

Irena Kubesova will give a slide lecture on the thirteenth-century Altneuschul (Old-New Synagogue), the oldest site of Prague's Jewish Town. The lecture, The Altneuschul: A Gothic Treasure, will be at the Czech Center - Bohemian National Hall 321 East 73rd Street, New York, NY. Tuesday Nov 1 at 7 PM.

A place of haunting charm and mystery, the synagogue has withstood wars and pogroms, floods and fires, and an urban clearing project at the end of the nineteenth-century that destroyed most of the ancient Jewish Quarter. Discussed will be the synagogue's unique architectural features, fascinating history and  enchanting legends.  Having endured through the ages, the Altneuschul continues not only as the oldest extant synagogue in Europe but also as a testament to the perseverance of Prague's illustrious Jewish Community.

Irena Kubesova was born in Prague and graduated from Charles University where she majored in Jewish Studies. Since 1996, she has been a lecturer and guide for Prague's Jewish Museum and the Jewish Education and Culture Center.

MARK PODWAL will give a slide lecture RECREATING THE GOLEM; FROM PRAGUE TO THE SIMPSONS at the Czech Center - Bohemian National Hall 321 East 73rd Street, New York, NY. Tuesday Nov 8 at 7 PM. The talk is in conjunction with the new textiles Podwal is designing for the Altneuschul. Torah mantle cover shown above - Courtesy: Penn and Fletcher.