As the High Holiday Season approaches, we return to the image of the Book of Life—a record of destinies penned by a mysterious Scribe. But what does this book look like? What is it made of? How does imagining its material and function shape how we see our own lives?

In this class, we’ll explore the Book of Life from a material history perspective, drawing on sources about Jewish scribal arts and book making from the biblical period to today. Along the way, we’ll examine biblical verses, archaeological finds from ancient Israel, medieval illuminated manuscripts, High Holiday liturgy, and even traditional holiday greetings. Together, we’ll look beyond the familiar metaphor: could the Book of Life be a sapphire tablet, a parchment scroll, or a formless, many-authored document?

Everyone is welcome—no background in art history, book making, liturgy, or Hebrew needed.

Deborah Shalshelet is an educator and scholar of Jewish Art, Jewish Book History, and Masorah. She received her BA from Brandeis University in Art History and Near Eastern & Judaic Studies and wrote her thesis on the painted synagogue of Dura-Europos. Pursuing her passion for the intersection of art and Judaism, Deborah went on to earn her MA in Jewish Art and Visual Culture from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Her Masorah research explores the tradition of Otiot Meshunot (Extraordinary Letters) in the Torah scroll.
Currently a sixth year PhD candidate in Jewish History & Culture at Harvard University, Deborah's current research focuses on manuscript and print history of the Jewish book and the impact of the printing press on Jewish culture. Deborah is also a letterpress printer, bookbinder, Hebrew calligrapher, and naturalist.