Monday, February 5, 2024
6:30 – 8 pm
Scheuer Auditorium

This talk is the first in a series providing a forum for dialogue and reflection on the role of art and culture during these complex times. James S. Snyder, Helen Goldsmith Menschel Director, will be in conversation with award-winning author Ruby Namdar. 

About the Speakers:

James S. Snyder began his tenure as the Jewish Museum’s Helen Goldsmith Menschel Director in November 2023, after serving since 2019 as Executive Chair of The Jerusalem Foundation, Inc. He is also Director Emeritus of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, where he served as the Anne and Jerome Fisher Director from 1997 through 2016 and then as International President through 2018.  He is also a Senior Fellow of the Middle East Initiative at Harvard’s Kennedy School. During his tenure as Director of the Israel Museum, Snyder led the Museum through the most dramatic period of growth since its founding and secured its stature as one of the world’s foremost museums. Prior to his appointment at the Israel Museum, Snyder held a number of positions at The Museum of Modern Art culminating as Deputy Director from 1986 to 1996.

Award-winning author Ruby Namdar was born and raised in Jerusalem to a family of Iranian Jewish heritage. His first book, Haviv (2000), won the Ministry of Culture's Award for Best First Publication. His novel The Ruined House won the Sapir Prize, Israel’s most prestigious literary award. Namdar currently lives in New York City and teaches Jewish literature, focusing on Biblical and Talmudic narratives. 

Tickets: $22 General; $15 Students and Seniors; $12 Members; Includes Museum Admission

Doors open at 6 pm

The Morris W. Offit Lecture Series at the Jewish Museum is made possible in part by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation.