An artist's exploration of matzah’s cracks has become a poignant reflection on Jewish identity and unity.
Emily Drew Miller, now based in New York and New Jersey, discovered the metaphorical significance of matzah's imperfections while studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University. She began printing these cracker-like sheets through a collograph press to create dark, textured artworks that symbolize both political tensions and shared traditions.
Miller’s works are not just visual; they carry deep meaning about the fractures within the Jewish community. She contrasts those rooted in texts and tradition with those driven by territorial claims, highlighting how these divisions can be seen through the lens of a ubiquitous Passover food.
“Everyone I know who grew up Reform has consumed matzah, and every Orthodox person I know has consumed matzah,” Miller shared. “This is something that unites us—food—but there are fractures.”
Much like Miller's cross-border experiences in Israel and Palestine, her art invites viewers to confront the complex reality of Jewish identity. As Passover approaches globally, these artworks remind us of the common threads and diverging paths within our shared history.
