Exhibit: “Oy, Joy! Can We Talk About (Jewish) Joy?”
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 4 p.m. – Thursday, February 25, 2027, 5 p.m.
“Oy, Joy! Can We Talk About (Jewish) Joy?” explores themes of joy through the work of contemporary artists and historical artifacts from Fordham’s Special Collections. We bring together in conversation works of artists Maira Kalman, Deborah Kass, Simone Levy Greenwood, Holly Markhoff, ES23, and Nina Talbot.
In a world filled with pain and suffering, tormented by wars, climate crisis, pandemics, and disruption, is it possible to talk about joy? Is it even appropriate? Yet, in the most difficult times, there is also a deep need for joy. As Maya Angelou once said, “We need joy as we need air.”
Speaking of joy does not mean disregarding sadness and pain. In fact, joy and pain often go together. In Jewish tradition, joy is very frequently tied to mourning and suffering. There is often an “Oy, vey” aspect in an experience of joy. Sometimes someone’s joy clashes with someone else’s suffering and pain. Sometimes joy is an act of resistance. Sometimes joy is a manifestation of resilience and recovery.
The exhibit was curated by Erez DeGolan, Amy Levine-Kennedy, and Magda Teter. It is made possible by the Hadassah Ruth Weiner Fund for Jewish Art at Fordham, the Henry S. Miller Judaica Research Collection Endowment.
“Oy, Joy” will be on view at the Walsh Family Library on the 4th floor in the Henry S. Miller Judaica Research Room and in the Special Collections and Archives from Octotber 15, 2026, through February 2027.
