This Passover at a time of global and religious reaction, let’s be done with political theology. And let’s remember Spinoza, the exodus from tyranny, and the blueprint of a Hebrew commonwealth, based on the Bible, in which religion and state reflect distinct social spheres, and where philosophy curbs superstition and fanaticism and rational religion contributes to the common good.

[image by Judith Joseph, Vision of Spinoza]

artist’s statement:

As a descendant of Marranos, Spinoza understood the tyranny of prejudice and religious fanaticism.  He was born in Amsterdam, into a city surrounded by water, where the ships of the Dutch East India Company came and went.

I imagine Spinoza flying above the rooftops of Amsterdam, free from the intellectual limits that bound his community, loving the beauty and order of science and logic.  In such a flat land, the sky is huge, and the light is great, reflected by water all around, like a huge lens.  I like to think that Spinoza knew that eventually the world would catch up with him.

Printed by artist on Takach press, 20” x 16”. Small edition, up to 25 prints. Numbered and signed by artist.

Printed by artist on Takach press, 20” x 16”. Small edition, up to 25 prints. Numbered and signed by artist.