That silver kiddush cup you save for special occasions? Your great-grandmother’s seder plate? Beautiful objects with sentimental and ritual value, sure, but what kind of cash value do you have sitting on your mantels and bookshelves? With a fun takeoff of a popular PBS show, the Judaica Roadshow will answer your nagging questions.
Professional appraisers specializing in Judaica will be on hand at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park-Simi Valley to offer appraisals of Judaica heirlooms, artwork and tchotchkes. These are informal appraisals, nothing in writing, but for a ballpark idea, the Roadshow has assembled some world-class talent. Have your family treasures examined by Joy Schonberg, editor of The Judaica Collector magazine; Beth Weingast, Appraisers Association of America board member, or Dr. Zia Ghahary, lecturer and museum consultant. Visitors may have two items appraised for free.
The event will also feature an exhibit of works by some world-renowned Israeli and American Judaica artists. Raphael Abecassis combines Jewish symbolism with contemporary styles in glass, paintings on parchment, prints and silverwork. Morocco-born and self-taught, Guillame Azoulay lives in Los Angeles and has built his reputation in etchings and especially poster art, designing the official posters for the 1983 Kentucky Derby and the 1986 Israel Independence Day among many other commissions.
Other artists include Jacky Itzhak Tordman, best known for his hand-illuminated megillot. Ruth Merritt, who created the seven stained-glass windows in Mt. Sinai’s Kamenir Chapel celebrating "Creation: The First Seven Days," will also be showing off her ketubot.
The exhibit, "In Tribute to Our Heritage," will be on view through June 9. So if even if it turns out that kiddush cup you thought was silver is made of tin, you’ll have a day full of fine art at the Judaica Roadshow.
Judaica Roadshow and Art Exhibit: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 19. Kamenir Chapel, Mt. Sinai Memorial Park, 6150 Mt. Sinai Drive, Simi Valley. For more information, call (323) 769-1399.
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