The famous story of Esther and Mordechai begins the complicated and fascinating history of Jews living in Iran. Far from being a remote story told only on Purim, to Iranian Jews Esther is the quintessential heroic figure who saved the Jews from one of the many persecutions they would face for years to come. Pilgrimages to her tomb, amulets, and beautiful depictions of Megillat Esther pay tribute to Esther’s greatness. This is how “Light and Shadows: The Story of Iranian Jews”, a recent exhibit at the YU Museum, begins. The exhibit was created and organized by Beit Hatfusot – The museum of the Jewish People – in Tel Aviv. It is presented in partnership with the American Sephardi Foundation and is on view until April 27, 2014.
Life for Iranian Jews was often very difficult. In the early 16th century the Safavid kingdom rose to power and established a strict Shiite Islamic doctrine, which discriminated against Iran’s religious minorities. For the Jews who lived in the mahale, the Jewish quarter, there were many strict rules. One seemingly outrageous law, that Jews could not wear matching shoes, stood out to me in its depiction in a colorful drawing on the wall. In the mid 1800’s many Jews were forced to convert to Islam. Of these Jews, many lived double-lives, practicing their Judaism privately and living publicly as Muslims. In order to prevent marriages of their children to Muslim partners, many families married off their children at very young ages. The dresses of these child-brides, heartbreakingly small in size, are visual proof of the difficult times.
Despite persecution, the Jews of Iran led a rich and vibrant cultural life. Because the Jews were considered “people of the book” who valued literacy, they were vital in preserving much of Persian literature, including books and poetry. Additionally, music was a strong element of their culture, as is evidenced by the traditional instruments, for example those called a tār, setār, and santū, encased in the middle of the room. Traditional Persian music plays from speakers filling the exhibit.
In addition to their love of music and art, the Iranian Jews had deep spiritual and religious roots that are preserved through their religious artifacts. The marriage contracts are embroidered with vibrant colors, the standing torah covers are intricate works of art in jewel tones, and engraved silver amulets were said to keep away harm and to protect young mothers, newborn babies, and others who may have been vulnerable.
The exhibit closes with a portrait of Iranian Jewish life in modern times. Over 25,000 Jews remain in the Jewish community of Iran, now able to practice their religious freedom. Many have immigrated to parts of the United States and Israel, all the while preserving their strong roots to their cultural traditions. All in all, “Light and Shadows” portrays a full picture of Iranian Jewish life, both in its trials as well as its triumphs.