Constructed from recycled tin cans, Eons of Exodus speaks to the history of the Jewish exodus, both in form and narrative. The design of the Seder plate reflects the Egyptian pyramids of the original exodus and mirrors the angular architecture of the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco.

The narrative begins with a silhouette image of the Exodus from a 1923 Union Haggadah that my family has used for the Seder service for generations. Each side portrays iconic landmarks where the Jewish people have lived throughout the eons. At times the Jewish people were required to wear identifying clothing as illustrated by the pointed hats of Germany. Between times of peace and acceptance, the Jews have been attacked and persecuted or forced to choose between death, conversion, or exile.

Despite much improved awareness of history, countries, religions and cultures around the world continue to exhibit intolerance and violence against other races and religions. Even the United States resorted to forcible internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII to so-called “relocation camps.” Now, in the 21st century, the persistence of man’s inhumanity continues, as seen in Africa, with the lost boys of Sudan and the civil unrest in Darfur. The pathways of history reach across the millennia in the Seder ceremony – the parsley dipped in salt water reminds us of our tears and the tears that others continue to shed today.

It is my hope that Eons of Exodus inspires conversation and reflection. When we acknowledge and learn from the brutalities in our history, we can reclaim a sense of humanity for ourselves and for future generations.

Materials: Recycled tin cans; 10 k gold, sterling silver and aluminum rivets; stainless steel and brass screws.
Permanent Collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art
Length 26” x Width 11” x Height 4.5” Weight 9.5lbs.