“My Synagogue is in Prague...” In Memory of Mark Podwal (1945–2024)
“My Synagogue is in Prague...” In Memory of Mark Podwal (1945–2024)

Summary/Abstract: The synagogue with which the New York-based physician and artist Mark Podwal was most associated was indeed in Prague. His many friends there were deeply saddened by his death on Friday the 13th of September 2024 – at the age of 79 after a long, serious illness, which he endured with great courage. He had only just managed to send word via his son that his days were ending and that he was bidding farewell with love. Nevertheless, the news of his death hit us hard. We had great affection for him. Since the early 1990s, his witty illustrations had been our faithful companions, just as he himself had been. He consistently returned with new ideas, which he carried out with remarkable ease, pleasure, and generosity. Moreover, he always said that he himself was the one most enriched by these experiences. He viewed the opportunity to create new textiles for the Old-New Synagogue (Altneuschul) and, later, for the synagogue in Brno as the highest honour. As he often said, work was a kind of prayer for him. He respected tradition, seeing it as a profound mystery and inspiring knowledge. His life’s journey was also defined by the many friendships he forged and nurtured. We will never forget him.

• Details
• Contents