Sites of Passage: Domestic Materials in Jewish Contexts

In this day-long workshop, we will share a set of provocative case studies built around resonant domestic objects—the door, the cabinet, and the bed—drawn from a range of geographies and historical periods. The format of the day emphasizes the generative potential of juxtaposition and models new approaches to Jewish history and culture through the lens of the home.

Space is limited and registration is required. Please RSVP to Carrie Love at carrielo@upenn.edu by December 4, 2019.

EVENT PROGRAM

9:30–10:00 am | COFFEE & LIGHT BREAKFAST

10:00–10:30 am | INTRODUCTION
Steven Weitzman, Katz Center
Joshua Teplitsky, Stony Brook University | Katz Center

10:30–12:00 pm | DOORS
Chair: Sophie Debiasi Hochhäusl, University of Pennsylvania

IN AND AROUND
    Nathanael Riemer, University of Potsdam | Katz Center
WRITING ON DOORS?
    Anna Kushkova, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Katz Center
UNWANTED GUESTS
    Simcha Gross, University of Pennsylvania

Respondent: Donovan Schaeffer, University of Pennsylvania

12:00–1:00 pm | LUNCH

1:00 pm–2:30 pm | CABINETS
Chair: Mantha Zarmakoupi, University of Pennsylvania

HOMEBODIES
    Melissa Cradic, Badè Museum of Biblical Archaeology, Pacific School of Religion | Katz Center
PACKING FOR PALESTINE
    Viola Alianov-Rautenberg, Institute for the History of German Jewry, Hamburg | Katz Center
SECRETS AND LIES IN A MARRIAGE CHEST
    Miriam Frenkel, Hebrew University of Jerusalem | Katz Center

Respondent: Laura Levitt, Temple University

2:30–3:00 pm | COFFEE BREAK

3:00–4:30 pm | BEDS
Chair: Reyhan Durmaz, University of Pennsylvania

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
    Jordan Katz, Columbia University
WHO’S UNDER THE BED?
    Chava Weissler, Lehigh University
SHARING BEDS, SHARING SECRETS
    Jeffrey Shandler, Rutgers University | Katz Center

Respondent: Annette Aronowicz, Franklin and Marshall College

4:30–4:45 pm | COFFEE BREAK

4:45–5:30 pm | CONCLUDING DISCUSSION
Chair: Sharon Musher, Stockton University

Panelists:
     Peter Stallybrass, University of Pennsylvania
     Liliane Weissberg, University of Pennsylvania | Katz Center

5:30 pm | DINNER