The Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) will present the U.S. debut of the “Women of the Book” art exhibit from Sept. 22-30, in partnership with the University of Washington Stroum Center for Jewish Studies.

Created by artist and Torah scribe Shoshanna Guggenheim, “Women of the Book” is a collection of 54 original artworks on parchment — one for each of the 54 weekly Torah portions — each created by a female artist. The exhibit coming to the J will include limited edition prints of the originals.

“The project is so unique because, traditionally, men have been the interpreters of the Torah, so it’s particularly inspiring to see women share their perspectives,” said Dana Weiner, SJCC senior director of community connections, who was instrumental in bringing the exhibit to the SJCC.

When Weiner and SJCC CEO Judy Neuman first glimpsed the artwork of “Women of the Book” during a trip to Jerusalem last fall, they knew they had to find a way to share it with the community.

The artists land all along the spectrum of modern Jewish life: they hail from America, Europe and Israel, and run the religious gamut from ultra-Orthodox women to lesbian Jewish converts. Weiner hopes the exhibit and surrounding events spark dialogue about Torah, women in art and Judaism worldwide.

“It’s so inspiring to see the Torah in visual form — it’s an exciting new way of engaging with an old text,” she said.

In addition to the exhibit, the week-long exploration includes many activities. Most are free, though RSVPs are encouraged.

The exhibit will be open from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 for a free opening celebration, when Judith Margolis, associate curator and participating artist, will lead a tour of the exhibit and share stories behind its creation.

The exhibit will then be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 27, Sept. 28 and Sept. 29 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 30.

Local women artists will lead exhibit tours for middle and high school students from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, which will include a hands-on workshop. Contact SJCC Jewish Life and Learning Professional Danniell Nadiv for more information or to set up a tour, at DanniellN@sjcc.org or at 206-388-2594.

There will be a free panel on women spiritual leaders from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 27, when local women rabbis and educators will lead a discussion on women’s voices in Judaism, and a lecture from UW professor Mika Ahuvia on “Drawing on the Past: Biblical Women in History, Memory and Ritual Life” from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 29.

Other events include a “Deep Breath Challah Baking” workshop at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 28, at a cost of $20 and $15 for SJCC members, students, youth and seniors, and a painting workshop led by local female artists inspired by the exhibit from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 27.

For more, visit http://sjcc.org/cultural-arts/women-of-the-book/.