By Sheila Orysiek
SAN DIEGO –– Esther’s Children: A Portrait of Iranian Jews edited by Houman Sarshar, published by the Center for Iranian Oral Jewish History, 2005, is a large book which opens with a three page foldout of the timeline of significant events in Iranian-Jewish History. It is a history which begins in 539 BCE with Cyrus of Persia liberating the Jews from Babylonian exile and continues to the day of publication.
This long, complex and colorful chronicle is presented in a series of articles detailing Jewish involvement in the life of the country from ancient Persia to modern day Iran. The Jewish community fully participated in the arts and crafts for which Persia/Iran is justly famous such as Persian carpets, sculpture, calligraphy, decorative design, literature and clothing, Also detailed are the life cycle events, religious study of the Jews and other activities of this lively community.
The glory of this book are the many full page color plates. Beyond merely eye catching – this art is mesmerizing in its symmetry, color and intricate delicacy. In addition, there are hundreds of photographs of the Jewish Community through the centuries in every possible setting; as city dwellers, farmers, in the market, in the synagogue, in school, young and old; living out the life cycle in the many varied styles of clothing and activities of their time.
The history of the country is presented epoch by epoch and dynasty by dynasty. For those for whom this might be too hearty a meal – then revel in the beautiful art work – let it delight your eye and wonder at its splendor.
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Orysiek is a freelance writer who specializes in arts and literature. Comments may be made in the space provided below this article or sent to the author at sheila.orysiek@sdjewishworld.com