Miriam Elia New Book and Exhibition

This May, JW3 presents a significant new commission by internationally acclaimed artist and author Miriam Elia (We Go to the Gallery, Dung Beetle Ltd; The Diary of Edward the Hamster; Penguin Books) as part of Jewish Culture Month. Marking JW3’s 13th anniversary year, the exhibition and book launch of Moses and the 613 Health and Safety Commandments, will reflect JW3’s continued commitment to ambitious, artist led work.

With full colour illustrations and paired with her signature simple text, Moses and the 613 Health and Safety Commandments reimagines the biblical story of Moses through a sharply contemporary lens. Inspired by Cecil B. DeMille's ten commandments, Elia’s work offers a fresh perspective on Jewish tradition and the sense of caution and “safety” that can surround expressions of Jewish identity today. Drawing on the language of health and safety culture, the book opens broader cultural and social questions through her conceptual sharpness and signature wit. From slippery-when-wet signs to not having your feelings hurt by anyone, this epic surreal story of exodus is retold from slavery to safety.

Programming Director William Galinsky comments, Miriam Elia is one of the funniest working today. Her work is such a brilliant combination of brilliant concept and side-achingly funny. The exhibition is a huge coup for JW3. By using the language of modern health and safety culture to cast Jewish tradition in a brilliantly unexpected light, it’s a reminder that humour can be a powerful way to navigate complex, sensitive and difficult topics.

Title: Moses and the 613 Health and Safety Commandments

Location: JW3, 341-351 Finchley Road, London NW3 6ET

Date: Thursday 14th May – Tuesday 30th June 2026

Book Launch:  Sunday 24th May 2026, 7pm

Further Information & Tickets available HERE