The Sabbath Has Kept the Jews

Grossman's art installation, inspired by a Marc Chagall painting, reconnects contemporary Jewish culture with the Sabbath table as altar. The title comes from an old saying, "Jews do not keep the Sabbath; the Sabbath has kept the Jews," written by Asher Ginsburg (1856-1927), pen name Ahad Ha'am. The Sabbath Has Kept the Jews evokes the historical Tabernacle and the adaptation of the family Sabbath table as altar. This art work is an homage to the devoted domestic faith of generations of women who have created weekly Sabbath dinners. The Sabbath table rituals signify holy community with the Jewish people everywhere. As an artist, Grossman interprets Jewish history and rituals using domestic objects chosen for their shape, function or symbolism. Exploring the realm of the sacred in daily life cycles, she draws questions from history, establishes a connection to the present and expresses hope for the future.