Spirituality and Jewish Ceremonial Art

Maimonides (1138-1204) was the earliest medieval rabbi to raise the question of the appropriateness of art in a liturgical space, whether a synagogue or a home. His concern was that art might interfere with the attainment of spirituality during prayer ("kavanah" in Hebrew). Maimonides' discussion was cited by other rabbis asked to rule on the question of art. Their responsa allow an understanding of the types of art found in medieval synagogues, and the conflicting attitudes of rabbis to their presence, some believing that art enhanced spirituality and others viewing it as a distraction.