Life v.s. Death in the Dominican Monestary

The Museum of San Marco offered those on our phenomenal trip to Florence a unique glimpse into the lives of the friars living in the Dominican Monestary. In particular, we were able to explore the individual cells of the novices and friars and bear whitness to the magnificent frescos by Fra Angelico, which depict scenes from the life of Jesus. While there were many standard themes, such as Mary and Child and the Crucifixion, I was struck by one work showing Jesus preaching to his followers. It occured to me that this was the only time in ten days that I saw a painting offering details of the life of Jesus. After all, Mary and Child, while showing the miraculous nature of his birth, is simply a view of Jesus as an unaccomplished child. The crucifixion shows him as a tragic figure, helplessly suffering. Never was there a scene showing how he inspired others, or why he was deserving of a following-a far more riveting subject in my opinion. I was struck by the focus on death and tradgedy in Christian art and wondered why the only glimpse of life was captured in a cell where one single man once meditated. I could sense a deep contrast with my own religion, which I believe celebrates life as opposed to focussing on tradgedy. When I visited Poland to see the place where 6 million of my people perished, our guides were sure to show us not only the death camps but also the synagogues and centers of learning, to appreciate the lives that were lived, not only the tragic circumstances in which they perished.
Our trip was one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and have returned home a changed person, touched by the things I have seen.

Gala Dinner

Final Presentations

A Lovely Day in Siena

As much as I love Florence; being that it became my 'home away from home'; it was very exciting to venture to the 'mountains' of Italy and explore Siena. It was an exciting change of pace focusing on Florence's rivals during the Middle ages; a city so vastly different than Florence in terms of structure socially, politically, economically and artistically.
We were fortunate to be in Siena on the day of an event that occurs only once a year: the day that celebrates the district of the dragon. You see, Siena is still living under the confinement of tension between its 17 districts that were established during the Middle ages as an effort of establishing their new found democracy. Each district devotes 1 day a year to celebrate and glorify their district. This is done by means of a parade fully lavished with hand made drums, uniforms and flags displaying the districts color and symbol. As we stood in the square next to which the town hall resides we heard loud beats of drums as the parade of many men rolled down the street.
In the afternoon we focused on Jewish Siena and were fortunate to learn about the ghetto of Siena that lasted until the 18th century (and back in its day was referred to as "the new Jerusalem")and tour the synagogue of Siena. It was an amazing change just coming out of shabbat where we prayed 3 times in the synagogue of Florence: a glorious massive synagogue; and then coming just a day later to the synagogue of Siena: a more modest synagogue. Sadly, there isn't much of a Jewish kehilla (religious community) that remains in Siena. Siena has merged together with the Florence's Jewish community and services continue of holidays by means of importing other Jews from around the world.

For the past 3 mornings I was up at 6 am with jet lag, and wondering why I wasnt woken up the big clanging bell of the Duomo. This trip was absolutley amazing. We saw an incredible amount of art, architecture and sculpture. We had heard and learnt about a lot of these peices, but seeing them up close, being able to analyze the brush strokes or chizzle marks, that were made over 500 years ago, was absolutley unbelievable! I think this was especially present on our last day when we saw "David". After a week of intellectual discussions and in depth anylization of other great art works, our minds were set to really analyze and spend a long time scrutinizing every part of this piece. I noticed how other groups walked by looked, nodded and walked away, but our group stayed there just staring and talking for a good half hour.We had such a great group. I'd like to thank everyone for making this experience amazing, between our group discussions and our meals at Ruth's, we really became a family.Thank you Michelle for Chaperoning us...I cant think of anyone who'd do a better job than you did.And, Thank you Dr. Wisse, for sharing with us your mass knowledge and wisdom of Art, Archirecture and Sculpture.

Cant wait for the Reunion! And next year..... Spain anyone?

Have a great summer!!

P.S. I've been making my own breakfasts, and yearning od Ruth's...my omelletes just arent as good as Mamma Ruth's

Hi all!

I can't believe that it's over. What a wonderful trip! It was a true honor, and a blast, to get to know all of you over the course of these past 10 days. I am so impressed by all of you.

Dr. Wisse, thank you so much for bringing me to this amazing city and teaching me in your unique and engaging way. You are an exceptional Professor. Any chance I can audit your next class??

I thought of you all yesterday, when a funny moment upon my arrival to Rome had me laughing out loud and alone! I had a Rena-esque experience, sans bruising. While lowering my heavy suitcase off of the train, the doors started to close and knocked me off balance, causing my suitcase to slip and pull me headfirst onto the platform! Luckily a kind Italian man was able to use his one cigarette free hand to save me from landing flat on my face. Grazie! That would have been a great photo for the blog. Good times.

I miss you all and can't wait to see you soon.

And remember, if you have extra money on your caf-card, let me know and I'll meet you for dinner.

Ciao! -Michelle

"Art & Experience in Medici Florence" came to an official close this morning, though I imagine it will have an ongoing and powerful impact on all of us - students, professor, staff and, perhaps most of all, Simcha, the proprietor of Ruth's Kosher Restaurant, who looked positively heartbroken to see the students leave after dinner last night. This past week's presentations and visits to the former convent of San Apollonia, the monastery of San Marco, the Accademia and the Medici Chapel were especial highlights. I cannot recall more sensitive and vibrant discussions in front of art, with intelligent, passionate and wide-ranging exchanges. Students reacted eloquently not only to the paintings, sculpture and architecture they saw but were able to contextualize the work within the framework of the Renaissance and its themes. Not easy going and very uncommon. Their insight into the "unfinished" character of much of Michelangelo's later work was sharp, sensitive and riveting to behold. Meanwhile, as they head back toward Israel, New York and, in a few cases, other spots in Italy, our first group reunion is already in the planning stages. Arrivederci!

Pictures from Tuesday 6/5/07

michelangelo and his perfect slaves

well yesterday was the last day of our amazing trip and i have to say that i was not disappointed at all. it is as if the best was saved for last for me. the most inspiring thing that i saw was the slaves by michelangelo, i spoke today about what they meant to me but i cannot stop feeling this way. i felt so connected to those sculptures, i feel like Michelangelo sculpted them for me to look at and for it to inspire this feeling that i feel. the way that he scupted them makes u feel the raw emotion that he must have been feeling at the time when he created them, and in that sense i think that he succeeded in producing a perfect sculpture!

Pictures from Monday 6/4/07