PopUp Exhibition: Alan Elbaum | Between Magic and Medicine: Karaite Manuscripts at The Magnes

Alan Elbaum is a second-year medical student at the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program. While at Berkeley, he is working toward a master’s degree in the history of medicine, using manuscripts from the Cairo Genizah. More broadly, Elbaum is interested in the literature and culture of the Jews of Arab lands; historical perspectives on medicine and the social determinants of health; and how insights from the past can guide the way medicine is practiced today. His project at The Magnes is based on a collection of Egyptian Karaite and Rabbanite manuscripts. Before moving to the Bay Area, Elbaum received a BA in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Yale College in 2014, and spent the year between college and medical school working at AlManarah, a disability advocacy organization in Nazareth (Israel).

Each week, UC Berkeley faculty and graduate students, visiting artists and other notable guests will present brief lectures focused on selected treasures from the The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life. One speaker and one object at a time, these “flash” exhibitions will include the opportunity to view the art and artifacts discussed intimately and up close.

Bring your own lunch, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and take part in an exciting learning program, free and open to the public. Close-up view of collections included.

SPRING 2017 SCHEDULE
February 15, 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 19, 26

No lecture on April 12 (Passover)

Check The Magnes calendar and Facebook page for updates