The Provost Collects: Dreidels as Art

September 27 - December 17, 2004, Extended until December 22, 2004
David Filderman Gallery, 9th floor, Axinn Library

The Provost Collects: Dreidels as Art features dreidels from the collection of Hofstra University Provost Herman A. Berliner. A dreidel is a spinning top that is most often used during the Jewish Festival of Lights (Chanukah). Some sources indicate that the dreidel was created as an educational object to remind children of the miracle of Chanukah. Others date dreidels earlier in Jewish history, and suggest that it was adapted at or after the origins of Chanukah.

The dreidels in this exhibition, selected from a collection of approximately 300, are more like works of art than toys. They exhibit a variety of different sizes and materials, including silver, gold, ceramic, glass and wood.

Dreidel