It is in light of the proliferation of women and images dealing with infants and children that Epstein believes the Golden Haggadah may very well have been created initially for a woman, and perhaps even a woman who suffered the loss of a child. This is of course a matter of scholarly speculation. But what is not speculation is the rigorous and dynamically creative methodology Epstein has introduced into the analysis of this towering masterpiece, convincingly bringing it alive today. Additionally, I believe that the most exciting contribution he has made with this kind of complex, non-linear relational visual thinking is its possible utilization to the creation of contemporary works of Jewish art. It is a way of thinking and seeing perfect for our time.
Richard McBee is a painter and writer on Jewish Art. Contact him at [email protected].