Jewish bookplates have been in evidence since 1946. In that year, Joseph Levi designed a bookplate for another Jew named Isaac Mendes. Since then, Jewish bookplates have proliferated throughout the western world. Open a prayer book in any temple or synagogue and you will find a bookplate on the inside front cover that reads “in honor of” or “in memory of”. Before the advent of the computer, every temple bookplate was unique in design and character. The Temple, the Ark, a Jewish saying or symbol (like a menorah) was a signature sign of the importance of Jewish life and thinking. Today, many bookplates are totally homogenous, indistinguishable, one from the other, without even a hint of the city or state where the synagogue is located or a Jewish symbol. I’d appreciate any thoughts on how to revive interest in Jewish bookplates among Jewish librarians. Robert J. Weinberg Curator, Rowe Bookplate Museum Greenwich, CT
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