Graphic design in the printed translations of Franz Rosenzweig. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ben-Pazi, Hanoch
• Is Part Of: Journal of modern Jewish studies. Volume 18:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 298
• Page End: 313
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Franz Rosenzweig -- prayer book -- translation -- design -- poems; Jews -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Judaism -- Periodicals; Jews -- Periodicals; 305.8924
• DOI: 10.1080/14725886.2019.1612571
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-5886

Abstract

ABSTRACT: One of Franz Rosenzweig's most significant ventures for Jewish renewal was the translation into German, which he initiated, of the Bible, prayerbook and religious poems. The aim of this essay is to explore the graphic design of the page that Rosenzweig selected for the printed edition of his translations. I will argue that the graphic design of the Siddur page is not just an aesthetic aspect of the translation but should be recognized as an educational and dialogic concern. Rosenzweig's preoccupation with page design is not limited to the Siddur, as the reader of The Star of Redemption will also notice his distinctive influence on the visual aspects of the text. It is expressed in the way he forms the six-pointed Star of David, the triangles which make up the star, and the way in which they appear in the book and are positioned on the page. And if the graphic depiction of the triangles is not enough, one only needs to visually experience what is described by Rosenzweig at the end of the book: the image of the star reveals the face of man.