Media Contact:
Ceci Dadisman
Communications Director
The Temple-Tifereth Israel
cdadisman@ttti.org
216-455-1729 (direct)
412-523-8861 (mobile)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Museum at The Temple-Tifereth Israel to Unroll Esther Megillah by Indian-American-Jewish Artist
The Temple Museum of Jewish Art, Religion, and Culture at The Temple-Tifereth Israel will host an Art Talk featuring The Temple’s Esther Megillah painted by Indian-American-Jewish artist Siona Benjamin on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Rabbi Yael Dadoun will join Museum Director Sue Koletsky to discuss how Benjamin uses art to tell the story of the Book of Esther.
Registration is not required to attend this in-person event and everyone in the community is welcome.
Originally from Mumbai, India, Siona Benjamin offers a unique multicultural perspective that combines traditional and modern views of global art to explore culture, religion, and artistic styles. Benjamin grew up among Hindus and Muslims in India, but was steeped in the traditions of the Bene Israel Jews, while at the same time studying in Catholic and Zoroastrian schools. She eventually settled in the United States, which has infused her art with a complex look at identity. As a prominent artist and speaker, she’s contributed to a global discourse by sharing her personal journey while also extending far beyond Judaism and her Indian homeland.
About Siona Benjamin
Siona Benjamin has an MFA in painting from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Ill., and an MFA in theater set design from the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. She has exhibited in the United States, Europe and Asia.
She was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in 2011 to India, and a second Fulbright fellowship in 2016-17 to Israel. As not just a Jewish artist but also as one who crosses cultural boundaries, she’s received praise in The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Financial Times, The Boston Globe, Art in America, Art New England, Art and Antiques, ArtNews, Moment magazine, The Times of India, The Mumbai Mirror, Marg Magazine, and other publications.
Her multicultural art has also been featured in The Jewish Week in New York City and New Jersey, The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, and other publications.
About The Temple
The Temple-Tifereth Israel is a warm, welcoming synagogue family where each person matters. We cherish our rich history and traditions and foster a dynamic culture of imagination and innovation. Members of all ages find meaning and inspiration by developing enduring personal connections with each other, Torah, God, the State of Israel, and the Jewish People, and through acts of justice and compassion.
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