Light and Shadows: The Story of Iranian Jews

Light and Shadowshighlights the 2,700-year history of Jews in Iran. It reveals centuries of oppression, fascinating cultural borrowings, and great artistic achievements. The story is told through rare archaeological artifacts, illuminated manuscripts, beautiful ritual objects and amulets, ceremonial garments, musical instruments, photographs, and more. It examines as well the large-scale exodus of the Jewish community following the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Today, at least 25,000 practicing Jews remain in Iran, unwilling to give up their ancestral home and the distinctive way of life they have led there. Light and Shadowsis a co-publication between the Fowler Museum at UCLA and Beit Hatfutsot--The Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. David Yeroushalmiis professor of Middle Eastern and African history and a senior fellow at the Alliance Center for Iranian Studies, Tel Aviv University. Other contributors include Kathleen Abraham, Ariella Amar, Orit Engelberg-Baram, David Menashri, Orly Rahimiyan, Houman Sarshar, Hagai Segev, and Esther Shkalim.