מצורע |M’tzora

Sarah Zell Young, USA

This image shows the tzaraat, a widespread eruption of skin lesions, ravaging both the physical and psychic body, as the magnitude of the shame from one's hidden actions is revealed and visible to all. The ritual continues after expulsion from the camp, as the afflicted woman, the m’tzora, tears her garments, refrains from cutting her hair, and covers part of her face, as if in mourning. The m’tzora, in isolation, grieves for loss of community and mourns her personal agency since she is powerless to return until the High Priest declares her free of tzaraat. 

Professional Background  Sarah Zell Young received her MFA degree from Hunter College and her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design.   She has exhibited and lectured internationally, including in the United States, Mexico, Hungary, and Israel.  Young has been an artist-in-residence at numerous Jewish institutions including Brandeis University and the American Jewish University.  Young lives and works in Jerusalem, Israel.