Arthur Szyk, noted Polish Jewish artist illustrator and satirist is remembered at JHS event at the New Canaan Library

Pictured above on the brochure for this event is an illustration of the 

Four Questions, the Mah Nishtanah, from Szyk's Haggadah printed in 1940

On the eve of Passover, it is a pleasure to share with you my delight at attending this special event sponsored by The Jewish Historical Society of  Fairfield County and hosted by the New Canaan Library along with the Polish American Cultural Society.

Szyk (1894-1951) was a Polish born Jewish painter, illustrator and satirist who has only recently been rediscovered. He is well known for a limited edition Haggadah, which contains 48 jewel-like illuminations that follow the order of the Seder with both Hebrew and English translation. 

He labored on this work from 1932-1936 and it was finally published in London in 1940 by Beaconsfield Press and edited by Cecil Roth. 

Szyk moved to the United States in 1940 and soon settled in New Canaan, CT.

Some of the highlights of the evening included the many  poster-size reproductions that lined the walls of the meeting room including the  illuminated Statute of Kalisz (1932) which guaranteed the medieval Jewish residents of Poland civil and religious freedoms; other posters included political satire and pages from the Haggadah. 

LTC David M. Kaplan, USA, retired gave a very informative power-point presentation outlining the major elements of Szyk's work; this included  enlarging important elements of each work to demonstrate repetitive mosaic- like motifs, such as the Lions of Judah and  barely hidden satirical political  references. 

Al Kaproski, President of the Polish America Cultural Society spoke about the harmonious relationship that has existed over the years between the Jewish and Polish communities in the Stamford area.

Kudos to the entire JHS team of volunteers for an excellent light dinner and and such an enlightening evening. 

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On display was a limited edition Szyk Haggadah that is a part of the JHS collection.

Photo from the JHS Szyk Haggadah 

showing exquisite attention to detail 

It will be on display at the Harry Rosenbaum JHS Judaica Library at the Stamford JCC located at 1035 Newfield Avenue on the following days:  Thursdays, April 17 and 24 from 10 am- 5 pm and Sundays, April 20 and 27 from 1-5 PM.