Washington, DC–October 8, 2019—Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wore the ‘Tzedek Collar’, a gift commissioned for her by Moment Magazine on the opening day of the new U.S. Supreme Court term.
The collar, designed by Michigan artist Marcy Epstein, honors the Justice’s decades of work as a champion of human rights, particularly for women.
“Justice Ginsburg embodies a principal tenet of Judaism: Tzedek Tzedek, Tirdof – Justice, justice you shall pursue,” said Moment editor-in-chief Nadine Epstein. “We cannot think of a more appropriate way to thank her for her perseverance and willingness to defy long-held traditions to expand rights to so many.”
The gift was presented to Justice Ginsburg on September 18 at a dinner in New York where she received Moment’s inaugural Human Rights Award. The Justice was also interviewed by NPR Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg and serenaded by Denyce Graves at the event.
The collar is a classically styled European jabot based on a late 19th century Belgian lace. Blue Ethiopian drop opals on the hemline are intended to suggest the wearer’s composure and passion. Sacred geometric beading along the neckline adds a Judaic design element, while the Hebrew letters, tsade, dalet and kuf, which form the word tzedek, are woven in silk.
“This collar is an affirmation of the foundational values on which the Supreme Court rests,” said Nadine Epstein. “We are delighted that the Justice chose to wear it on this important day.”
The artist teaches at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her multi-media work includes designing Judaica such as tapestries and chuppahs.
Moment is based in Washington, DC. It is an independent magazine that explores the political, cultural and religious complexities of Jewish life. It was founded in 1975 by Elie Wiesel and Leonard Fein and has been led by Nadine Epstein since 2004.
For more information or interviews, contact Pat Lewis, plewis@momentmag.com, 202.363.6422.