And I Shall Dwell Among Them: Historic Synagogues of the World - Softcover

Neil Folberg is a former student and colleague of the late Ansel Adams. He now lives in Jerusalem.

Renowned photographer Folberg has been, primarily a landscape photographer so it was quite a challenge for him to adapt his vision and techniques to the interiors of historic synagogues. His success in capturing the beauty and grace of these cherished houses of worship is testimony as much to his talent and sensitivity as to the powerful spiritual aura of the synagogues themselves. Folberg traveled far and wide to find old, intact synagogues, and the array of architectural styles he discovered is awe inspiring. Folberg photographed synagogues in Italy, Turkey, Uzbekistan, the Caribbean, the U.S., Israel, and, most poignantly, all over Europe. Each synagogue reflects the indigenous architecture of its location, from the elaborate patterning of Turkish tile work to the clean cool stucco of the desert, to the carved wood, stained-glass windows, frescoes, and crystal chandeliers of Europe. The atmospheres range from earthy and homey to grand and showy, but every variation expresses devotion, pride, and gratitude. Although the seeds of Judaism have been forcibly dispersed all over the world, they have flourished wherever they've landed. This handsome and illuminating volume documents and celebrates that resilience and fortitude. Donna Seaman