IIJS Mourns the Loss of Mark Podwal

With profound sorrow, the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies at Columbia University records the death of our dear friend Dr. Mark Podwal. Dr. Podwal was a renowned physician and an artist and illustrator of great wit, insight, and ingenuity. From the introduction to a retrospective volume of his work:
 

“At a point in history when faith in political institutions has been shattered, scholarship grows ever more arcane, when people have lost faith in faith itself, Podwal’s art says: “Let us begin with Aleph-Bet,” and from the primordial building blocks of creation, we can forge a new idiom, one that speaks directly to the imagination and engages the soul. It begins to answer the question of how Jews can create connection in a mechanical age, transcendence in the face of rationalism, and joy in an age of despair. Uncompromising in his remembrance of history’s dark side, Podwal’s art nevertheless seeks beauty, affirmation, and fresh meaning in the treasure houses of ancient lore, a necessary art for the new century.”
 

Mark’s artwork graces our space at Kent Hall, and he recently arranged to donate his papers to the Norman Alexander Library of Jewish Studies at Columbia, ensuring that his place in the history of Jewish art will be treasured and studied for generations to come.

We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, Ayalah, Michael and Ariel.