A groundbreaking exhibition bringing together 10 artists from around the world, Chutzpah: Spirit. Recollection. Self. sought to explore what it means to be Jewish today.

Originating from the Aramaic word חֲצִיפָא (ḥăṣîpāʾ) or חֲצַף (ḥaṣap), meaning ‘to be barefaced’ or ‘insolent,’ early negative connotations of the Yiddish word ‘chutzpah’ have today given way to meanings like ‘having courage’ or ‘guts.’ The exhibition used the multi-layered meanings of the word to celebrate and critique in equal measure – reflecting the Jewish tradition of questioning, debating and challenging assumptions.

In Chutzpah: Spirit. Recollection. Self., visitors were invited to engage in a creative dialogue, examine the multiplicities of Jewish identity and process the courage it now takes for artists to engage with Jewish themes. Works by Inbal Nissim, Ori Gersht and Hedy Ritterman drew on personal memories and collective traumas; Jordy Kerwick and Elinor Sahm reclaimed their Jewish roots; Nina Sanadze and Navot Miller considered the the synagogue as spiritual sanctuary and an historical and contemporary target of Jewish hate; Stephania Windholz Leigh, Allison Zuckerman and Joel Mesler’s aspiring and often humorous takes on Jewish food, iconography and language conjured hope, healing and strength in the face of adversity.

While the exhibiting artists live and work across the world, Chutzpah was a testament to the remarkable resilience they all share. Through these narratives, the exhibition offered audiences a dual lens: a place to grapple with the darkness of the world but also embrace the enduring light that fuels our hope and faith in humanity.

Chutzpah: Spirit. Recollection. Self. was guest curated by Alana Kushnir.

Image: Allison Zuckerman, Day of Rest, 2024.