The Phoenix, the Exodus and the Temple:
Construction of Self Identity in the Portuguese Jewish Community of Amsterdam in the Early Modern Period
Limor Mintz-Manor, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
ABSTRACT: This presentation investigates the symbols of the Sephardic congregation in Amsterdam, mainly the Phoenix and the Pelican that symbolize the resurrection of Jesus in catholic Christianity, alongside the unique exegesis by several congregants of the Exodus narrative. The analysis of the symbols, images and the architecture of the congregation's synagogue, shows that they had played a major role in the construction of the "new" identity of the congregation. By utilizing them the congregation established the "resurrection" narrative of the Sephardic Jewry and its new beginning in Amsterdam. The rich cultural background of these symbols and images, both in the Iberian world and in the Netherlands, enabled the community's members to interweave their Iberian-Christian past with their Jewish present and to integrate into the Dutch society of the Early Modern period.
This presentation is for the following text(s):
- Praises Which Zealous [Men] Dedicated to the Wonderful Memory of Abraham Nunez Bernal, Who was Burned Alive Sanctifying the Name of his Creator in Cordova on May 3rd 5415 [=1655]
- Sermons Which were Delivered by the Talented Gentlemen of the Kahal Kadosh [=holy congregation] Talmud Torah, in this city of Amsterdam, in the happy opening, and public celebration of the building that was dedicated to God, as a house of prayer, for which festivities commenced on Sabath Nahamu. . Year 5435 [=1675].
Citation Information
The Phoenix, the Exodus and the Temple:Construction of Self Identity in the Portuguese Jewish Community of Amsterdam in the Early Modern Period
Limor Mintz-Manor, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Accessed on Wednesday 08th of September 2010
http://www.earlymodern.org/citation.php?citKey=72&docKey=p