"Masterworks of The Jewish Museum begins with two complementary essays: a lively overview of the museum's history by Joan Rosenbaum, documenting the evolution of the collection and the key figures who founded the institution; and a provocative discussion by Maurice Berger of the museum's significance within the context of collecting and exhibiting practices over the past century. The book features a range of artworks grouped thematically into four categories: memory and history; spirituality and faith; society and politics; and portraiture and identity. Each work is accompanied by a short essay providing description and interpretation. Together the reproductions and informative text reveal how Jewish culture has evolved through the centuries and across continents."--Jacket.