Welcome to the electronic newsletter of the National Museum of American Jewish History. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed of exhibitions, programs and other activities of the NMAJH, the only Museum in the country exclusively presenting educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of the Jews in America.

___________________________________


MUSEUM GRATEFUL FOR GRANTS

The Museum recently received a grant from the Philadelphia Cultural Fund - one of a number of awards given to the NMAJH in support of its operations, programs and exhibitions.

The Museum was one of 220 arts and cultural organizations in Philadelphia to receive a grant. The Museum received $14,024, one of the highest awards in the competitive peer-review process for 2008.

"This grant is important to the Museum because it is one of the hardest to come by," said Gwen Goodman, the Museum's Executive Director/CEO. "It's an unrestricted grant, which we can use for any aspect of our operations or programs."

The Museum receives similar operating support from funders including Independence Foundation and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and it receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

"What these grants tell us is that funders understand that the Museum's mission is important, to invite visitors to discover what they have in common with the Jewish experience in America, and to explore the features that make this history distinctive," Goodman said. "The Philadelphia Cultural Fund grant is especially gratifying because the Museum was reviewed by its peers, other museums, that gave our institution the highest scores and consequently one of the largest several grants across all categories of arts and cultural organizations this year. That recognition reflects the good job we are doing in carrying out our mission and serving the Museum's audiences"

The Museum is constructing a new 100,000-square-foot, five-story building on Independence Mall that will stand directly across from the Liberty Bell, two blocks south of the National Constitution Center, and one block north of the birthplace of American liberty, Independence Hall.

For more information on how to support the Museum, contact Irv Hurwitz, the Museum's director of institutional advancement at 215.923.3811 x 133.


DON'T PASS UP THIS PASSOVER SALE
E-newsletter Subscribers Receive Discount

While children may not know where to find the afikoman at this year's seder, the Museum Shop's online store is where you can find this fused glass matzah plate (pictured) designed by artist Tamara Baskin. It is featured in time for the holiday at a 20 percent discount to E-newsletter subscribers.

Tamara Baskin was raised in Israel and is a self taught artist with 20 years experience working in several mediums. For the past several years she has been working with fused glass where her emphasis is creative elegant yet functional designs to celebrate Jewish life. Each piece is signed and dated. The technique of fusing glass goes back to biblical times. Layers of glass are cut and then arranged in a kiln to be fired to a temperature of 1550 degrees, at which point they meld and become one piece of glass. A second firing is required to form the piece into a bowl or platter.

This matzah plate is one of a variety of Passover-related items for both adults and children being sold at the Museum Shop and at its online store. Other items include a huge selection of seder plates, afikoman gifts, matzah plates, Elijah cups, Miriam cups, and matzah juggling balls. To receive the 20 percent discount on Passover items online, please write "Passover" in the coupon section when checking out.

Greeetings!

Welcome to the electronic newsletter of the National Museum of American Jewish History. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed of exhibitions, programs and other activities of the NMAJH, the only Museum in the country exclusively presenting educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of the Jews in America.

___________________________________

CONSTRUCTION MOVES FORWARD ON NEW MUSEUM

Following the official groundbreaking for the new Museum in September, construction commenced on the building on Independence Mall that will serve as the Museum's inspiring new home.

With the recent completion of demolition, INTECH, the new Museum's construction manager, began excavating the site and is now shoring up the hole with soil retention systems. The perimeter of the site must be secured otherwise the sides of the hole will give way.

After the perimeter is strengthened, the builder will pour the concrete for the Museum's foundation on which the structure of the building will rest. Soon after, structural steel will be erected and the profile of the Museum will begin to appear.

During construction, there are regular "working group" meetings with construction contractors, architects, exhibition designers, museum officials and various consultants. "These working groups are all working to ensure the Museum captures the history, dreams and visions of the American Jewish community, while ensuring it is relevant to all visitors," said Irv Hurwitz, director of institutional advancement.

For more information on the new Museum contact Irv at 215.923.3811 x133 of by e-mail.

Photo by Jeffrey E. Holder.


YOU TELL US, WE'LL TELL YOU
Visitors Give Storytelling Feedback at New Exhibition

"Can We Talk?," one of the interactive elements included in the Museum's new changing exhibition, Shaping Space, Making Meaning, asks visitors how they prefer to hear stories told.

The exhibit has six images, each with two versions of a story to go with them, one more personable, and one straight facts. These represent stories that will be included in the NMAJH's core exhibition when it opens in 2010, such as those of Emma Goldman, and Irving Berlin. Using voting slips visitors explain their preference. The answers to questions in the exhibition give the NMAJH's exhibition design team a sense of the opinions among visitors, and show if there are certain trends that can be discerned.

Other interactive elements in the exhibition include a forum asking questions having to do with contemporary American Jewish issues, touch screens to engage visitors in a conversation about the Museum's major themes of freedom, immigration, and religious tolerance, and a short quiz to help the Museum learn about its audiences' knowledge of American Jewish history.

In addition to the interactive elements, Shaping Space, Making Meaning has design sketches, computer-generated images, video and text that offer an insider's look at the process of developing a landmark exhibition about more than 350 years of American Jewish life. The NMAJH's exhibition design team is in the process of creating the 22,000-square-foot exhibition for the new Museum under construction and scheduled to open in 2010.


MUSEUM SHOP AND ONLINE SITE DRESSED UP WITH PURIM ITEMS
Holiday Items For Sale

Though it is customary to stamp and rattle gragers whenever the name of Haman is mentioned during Purim, sounds of joy should be heard when visitors purchase these Humentashan plates (pictured), designed and handcrafted by Arlene Ancona. They are now featured in the Museum Shop's online store in time for the holiday that this year falls on March 21-22.

Ms. Ancona received her formal training at Parsons School of Design in New York, where she also taught ceramic design and surface design. After leaving Parsons, she set up her own studio where she designs and produces her pieces. When designing her work, which has been featured in several publications, she tries to combine function without sacrificing aesthetics. The inspiration for her Judaica pieces comes from her cultural background and her modern perspective.

These Purim plates are two of a variety of Purim related items for both adults and children being sold at the Museum Shop and at its online store. The Museum Shop carries Judaica from a variety of artists. Visit the Museum Shop to browse the large assortment of items in all price ranges. For more information contact Museum Shop Managers Eva Schlanger, or Elaine Silverman, or call the Museum Shop at 215.923.0262.


The Museum Shop is open Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sundays 12 noon - 5 p.m.Proceeds from the Museum Shop support the National Museum of American Jewish History.


MUSEUM AND FILM FESTIVAL OFFER
French Film Weekend Is March 1-2

The Museum and the Gershman Y are joining together to offer five sets of tickets to E-newsletter subscribers for the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival's French Weekend taking place the first weekend in March.

Featured during the French Weekend are two films, "Family Hero (le Heros de la Famille)," and "Bad Faith (Mauvaise Foi)." "Family Hero" tells the story of an assimilated Jewish family with North African roots, who inherit their father's magical cabaret in Nice. Throughout the film, they discover that they never really knew their parents.

Following the screening will be guest speaker Daniele Thomas Easton, director of France-Philadelphie and former honorary consul for France in Philadelphia and Wilmington.

French Weekend continues with "Bad Faith," a spunky comedy about the secret love affair of Clara and Ishmael, a Jew and a Muslim, though both are secular and egalitarian. When Clara becomes pregnant, their affair must be made public and they are suddenly faced with two families and two cultures who share their French Republican values.

Jean-Michel Rabate, professor of English and comparative literature and Penn, will be the guest speaker following the screening.

The Museum is a sponsor of the Jewish Film Festival's films about the American Jewish experience, including the New Filmmakers Weekend taking place this year March 22 through 23.

Among the films being shown are "Making Trouble: Three Generations of Funny Jewish Women," a film in which four of today's funniest women-Judy Gold, Cory Kahaney, Jessica Kirson and Jackie Hoffman sit in a kosher deli and talk about six of the greatest female comic performers, including Molly Picon, Fanny Brice, and Gilda Radner. The clips reveal what it means to be female, funny and Jewish.

Another film, "Enough," created by Zoe Greenberg as her bat mitzvah project, and which won the Princeton Prize in Race Relations for 2007, tells the story of five young people from different backgrounds who confront the taboo subjects of wealth, poverty, and class.

Other films being screened include "West Bank Story," "Unsettled," Ilona, Upstairs," and "A Hero in Heaven."

The first five people to e-mail oantsis@phillyjcc.com at the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival will receive two free tickets to either the Sunday 2 p.m. screening of "Family Hero" or the Sun., 7 p.m. screening of "Bad Faith." Write "French Film Tickets" in the subject line and include your name and address in the body of the e-mail.

Admission prices range from $10 to $12. Seniors and students with ID receive $3 off the single ticket price. For tickets and times of these or other films in the series call 215-446-3019 or visit the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival's website.

All films will be shown at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival screens some of the most acclaimed feature films and documentaries of the year, by some of the finest filmmakers from around the world, including Brazil, Israel, France, Germany, Mexico and the USA.


NMAJH CO-SPONSORS PLAY READING WITH INTERACT THEATER COMPANY

The Museum will be hosting InterAct Theater Company's reading of Larry Loebell's play "House, Divided," on Mon., March 17, 6 p.m. The reading is free.

The play tells the story of the Goldstein family of Philadelphia, torn apart when older brother Louis decides to embrace Jewish Orthodoxy and move to Israel during the height of the Vietnam War. Betrayed and bewildered, his younger brother Douglas builds a life around peace activism. More than 20 later, Louis, now a retired officer of the Israeli army and Douglas, a senior director with Amnesty International, are divided by familial wounds and opposing religious and political beliefs. The brothers are forced to re-engage with one another when their sons make surprising life decisions of their own.

"House, Divided" is a challenging and timely examination of family, faith and politics, and how the desire to distance ourselves from our past may only bring it closer to home in the future.

Loebell is a four-time recipient of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Playwriting Fellowship, and a 2006 recipient of a new play commission from the National Foundation for Jewish Culture. He is a member of The Dramatists Guild of America, and Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas. In addition to writing and teaching playwriting and dramaturgy at Arcadia University, Loebell works as a free-lance dramaturg.

The play reading is being held in conjunction with Shaping Space, Making Meaning, the new temporary exhibition at the Museum offering visitors the opportunity to learn how a museum creates a major exhibition and at the same time have input into developing the show prior to opening, which too allows visitors to explore contemporary Jewish issues/topics. For more information on "House, Divided," InterAct's website.

Founded in 1988, InterAct is now celebrating it's 20th anniversary. Its aim is to educate, as well as entertain its audiences, by producing world-class, thought-provoking productions, and by using theatre as a tool to foster positive social change in the school, the workplace and the community. Through its artistic and educational programs, InterAct seeks to make a significant contribution to the cultural life of Philadelphia and to the American theatre.



NMAJH SPONSORS PROGRESSIVE JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL
John Zorn Featured

Ars Nova Workshop is presenting five concerts sponsored by the NMAJH showcasing the progressive side of Jewish music and taking place March 1 through 4. Featured in the festival is the exceptional and dynamic work of composer, innovator, performer and MacArthur Fellow John Zorn (pictured).

Festival performances will be held in venues including International House Philadelphia, Society Hill Synagogue, and Kol Tzedek Synagogue. Zorn's first performance will include "John Zorn's The Dreamers," and "John Zorn and Essential Cinema," taking place on Sun., March 2, 2 p.m.. The first piece is a new and beautiful lyrical exploration of surf, exotica, easy listening and world beat sounds while the second features members of Electric Masada, founded by John Zorn, performing live scores to American experimental filmmakers' work.

Later that night at 8 p.m. John Zorn returns with an evening featuring his Masada songbook with a performance from Jon Zorn's Electric Masada, and opening sets by the Jamie Saft Trio and Eric Friedlander, both with acoustic interpretations of the songbook. Other performances at the festival include the Masada Guitars, Ayelet Rose Gottlieb/Anat Fort/the Michael Winograd Trio, and Daniel Blacksberg's Yiddish Sextet featuring Frank London.

The performances by Zorn and the other musicians are being billed by Ars Nova Workshop as the Radical Jewish Music Festival.

"As the Jewish people continue to grow into the 21st century," said Zorn, "they carry their culture along with them. Tradition, history and the past have always played a strong role in the life of the Jews but it is also important to think about the future. Just as jazz music has progressed from Dixieland to free jazz and beyond in a few short decades, and classical music went from tonality to chromaticism, noise and back again, it has occured to me that the same kind of growth should be possible-and is perhaps essential-for Jewish music. Questions arose, as did the need to address them.[...] the Radical Jewish Culture series is a first attempt at addressing some of these issues."

Ars Nova Workshop is a Philadelphia nonprofit jazz and experimental presenting organization. For dates, prices and times of the performances, visit the Ars Nova Workshop website.

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On March 12-15, 1972, a group of Jewish feminists who called themselves the Ezrat Nashim (Women's Help) appeared before the annual convention of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. There they presented a document entitled, Jewish Women Call for Change, which listed a number of reforms demanding religious equality for women and men. The document read in part: "For three thousand years, one-half of the Jewish people have been excluded from full participation in Jewish communal life."


National Museum of American Jewish History
Independence Mall East
55 North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2197
Tel: 215.923.3811 Fax: 215.923.0763
www.nmajh.org

Greeetings!

Welcome to the electronic newsletter of the National Museum of American Jewish History. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed of exhibitions, programs and other activities of the NMAJH, the only Museum in the country exclusively presenting educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of the Jews in America.

___________________________________


VISITORS GIVE MUSEUM FEEDBACK
Visitors Find Meaning In Shaping Space, Making Meaning

"Religion can be kept alive through action," wrote a recent Museum visitor from Palo Alto, Calif., in response to the question, "Is intermarriage a significant threat to religious communities" asked in the Museum's new changing exhibition. The visitor went on to say that, "If someone marries outside of their faith and stops practicing, that is their own fault. If a person marries within their faith and stops practicing, that is no different."

The question about intermarriage and others like it about issues being debated in the American Jewish community are at the root of the exhibition Shaping Space, Making Meaning.

The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to learn how a museum creates a major exhibition and at the same time allows them to offer feedback through interactive experiences to the design team working on the new Museum.

One section of the exhibition, "Drawing the Line: A Contemporary Issues Forum," asks such questions as: Should the U.S. always support Israel's policies? Is it fair for rabbinical seminaries to refuse to ordain gay and lesbian rabbis? Does intermarriage represent the triumph of American pluralism?

Other interactive elements in the exhibition are touch screens to engage visitors in a conversation about the Museum's major themes of freedom, immigration, and religious tolerance, and a short quiz to help the Museum learn about its audiences' knowledge of American Jewish history.

The answers to questions in the exhibition give the NMAJH's exhibition design team a sense of the opinions among visitors, and show if there are certain trends that can be discerned. In addition to the interactive elements, Shaping Space, Making Meaning has design sketches, computer-generated images, video and text that offer an insider's look at the process of developing a landmark exhibition about more than 350 years of American Jewish life.

The NMAJH's exhibition design team is in the process of creating the 22,000-square-foot exhibition for the new Museum under construction and scheduled to open in 2010.


MUSEUM BRANCHING OUT WITH OFFER
Tu B'Shevat Related Items For Sale


The Museum Shop carries a variety of nature and tree related items, such as the pictured copper and brass candle holder by Infinity Art in Metal, which are perfect gifts for the Jewish New Year for Trees, Tu B'Shevat, which takes place on January 22.

Artist George Gabriel Q. designs each piece, which is then handcrafted and autographed. The metal used is melted together to create artwork symbolizing infinity - bonding the human, the divine and the spirit.

This candle holder is one of a variety of Tu B'Shevat related items being sold at the Museum Shop and at its online store.

The Museum Shop carries Judaica from a variety of artists. Visit the Museum Shop to browse the large assortment of items in all price ranges. For more information contact Museum Shop Managers Eva Schlanger, or Elaine Silverman, or call the Museum Shop at 215.923.0262.

The Museum Shop is open Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sundays 12 noon - 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Museum Shop support the National Museum of American Jewish History.



MUSEUM SPONSORS FESTIVAL FILMS
Oscar Nominated Film First In Line

Three films sponsored by the Museum are being screened this month as part of the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival.

The first film, Two Hands, makes its Philadelphia premiere on January 27 at 7 p.m. as part of the festival's Music Weekend. Nathaniel Kahn's inspirational documentary reveals the obstacles encountered by renowned concert pianist Leon Fleisher, when he lost the ability to play with his right hand. Hailed as one of the 10 most gifted musicians in America, Fleisher drove his right hand into extreme focal dystonia during his intensive preparation for a recording of Johannes Brahms's "B Flat Concerto." In Two Hands, Kahn tells this story via extended interviews with Fleisher, archival concert footage and vintage photographs.

Two Hands was nominated for the Best Short Documentary Oscar in 2007.

Immediately following the showing of Two Hands is the second film being sponsored by the NMAJH, Beethoven's Hair, a 17-minute long docudrama tracing the unlikely places where a lock of Beethoven's hair, taken from his deathbed, ends up. This film takes the audience on a musical tour, wandering from romantic 19th century Vienna, to the Holocaust, to kitschy Americana, and a forensic scientist's revelation of Beethoven's mysterious "medical secret." A lush Beethoven score complements the rich production.

Filmmaker Kahn will be the guest speaker following these two films.

The third Museum-sponsored film, Stealing Klimt, part of the festival's Documentaries and Dialogue series making its Philadelphia debut, chronicles the struggle of 90-year-old Maria Altmann to recover five Gustav Klimt paintings that were stolen from her family by the Nazis in Vienna.

The film shows the early days in fin-de-siecle Vienna, Maria's escape from Nazi terror and a winning fight to regain the seized works, taken all the way to the US Supreme Court. The glorious "golden" portrait of Maria's aunt Adele was sold for $135 million to Ronald Lauder and now hangs in his New York City museum, the Neue Gallery.

Dr. Jonathan Steinberg, Walter H. Annenberg professor of modern European history at the University of Pennsylvania, will be the guest speaker.

Admission is $10. Seniors and students with ID receive $3 off the single ticket price.

For more information on this or other films in the series call 215.466.3033 or visit the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival's website.

All films will be shown at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival screens some of the most acclaimed feature films and documentaries of the year, by some of the finest filmmakers from around the world, including Brazil, Israel, France, Germany, Mexico and the USA.

The Museum sponsors festival films that explore the American Jewish experience.


ANNUAL PRESIDENTS' DAY CELEBRATION TO BE HELD AT NMAJH FEB. 18
Washington Letter To Be Read

The Museum will be celebrating George Washington's birthday and Presidents' Day during its annual free program taking place Monday, Feb. 18, noon at Museum.

The celebration highlights religious liberty and features the reading by a re-enactor of the letter President Washington sent to Philadelphia's Congregation Mikveh Israel, and congregations in Charleston, New York and Richmond in 1790, after they wrote to congratulate him following his inauguration. In his reply Washington wrote, "The liberality of sentiment towards each other, which marks every political and religious denomination of men in this Country, stands unparalleled in the history of nations."

Invited to participate as they have in past years are the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, music by the Fifes and Drums of the Delaware Militia, and re-enactors from the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment. The Rev. Timothy Safford, of Christ Church, where George Washington worshipped, will deliver the invocation.

The program is co-sponsored by Congregation Mikveh Israel, which shares its location with the Museum.

Cherry pie, donated by Philadelphia's Tasty Baking Company, will be served after the program.


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On February 3, 1943, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode (b. 1911), a 1937 graduate of the Hebrew Union College, died when his ship, the USS Dorchester, is sunk in battle. Rabbi Goode and three Christian chaplains died together while joining arms in prayer after giving their life vests to other soldiers. Their heroism was commemorated in many ways, including the issuance of a U.S. postage stamp.


National Museum of American Jewish History
Independence Mall East
55 North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2197
Tel: 215.923.3811 Fax: 215.923.0763
www.nmajh.org

Greeetings!

Welcome to the electronic newsletter of the National Museum of American Jewish History. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed of exhibitions, programs and other activities of the NMAJH, the only Museum in the country exclusively presenting educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of the Jews in America.

___________________________________

FUN FOR JEWISH FAMILIES ON CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM
Comic Juggler To Perform at NMAJH Program

Michael Rosman (pictured), whose amazing feats of all-ages comedy have been seen on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, is returning to the NMAJH to perform at this year's annual "Being Jewish at Christmas" program of family fun. In addition to Rosman, the day includes music, refreshments, puppets and more, on Tuesday, Dec. 25, noon - 4 p.m.

Michael has been performing his eclectic mix of comedy and chatoic klutziness for the past 20 years. He is known for leaving his audience laughing in amazement. Making their debut this year at BJAC are award-winning recording artists, performers, musicians, and educators Peter & Ellen, who specialize in music for young children. Drawing on a rich tradition of musical experiences, they help children and families strengthen their Jewish identities through their lively performance and engaging, participatory shows.

2006 "Best of Philly" Party Entertainer Ken Fink from Wondergy, who fuels curiosity by making science fun and exciting, is returning along with the Mark Segal Puppet Theatre and its zany cast of characters. Refreshments are provided and all children will receive a goodie bag. Tickets to BJAC are $5 per person (children three and under are admitted free.) There is no charge to Museum members. Tickets will be available only at the door. For more information call 215-923-3811. "Being Jewish at Christmas" is made possible by the generous support of the Robert Saligman Jewish Heritage Fund.


IDEAS FOR NEW MUSEUM SKETCHED OUT IN CURRENT EXHIBITION ON VIEW

Once curators have decided on a theme for a section of an exhibition, designers begin to sketch out ideas about how to represent that theme in a physical environment. In the Museum's new temporary exhibition, Shaping Space, Making Meaning, visitors can see some of the ideas, such as the sketch (pictured above) of a summer camp exhibit, being considered for the 22,000-square-foot exhibition being designed for the new Museum.

"The hand-drawn sketches, scale models, and computer-generated renderings in the exhibition offer a portrait of how we are working to create a landmark exhibition about more than 350 years of American Jewish life," said Josh Perelman NMAJH deputy director of programs and museum historian. "The museum experience that we are creating will include captivating stories, original objects, and interactive experiences that will resonate with visitors."

Shaping Space, Making Meaning also provides an opportunity for visitors to offer feedback to the NMAJH design team through interactive experiences.

Shaping Space, Making Meaning's first interactive element uses touch screens to engage visitors in a conversation about the Museum's major themes, which include freedom, immigration, religious tolerance, as well as short quiz to help the Museum learn about its audiences' knowledge of American Jewish history.

The second section of the exhibition gives visitors the chance to help determine the tone with which the museum will speak to its audience. Visitors will be introduced to some of the colorful individuals from the past who will be found in the new exhibition and then asked to read two different versions of text about each person. They will then have the opportunity to vote on which they like best.

Controversial topics are addressed in the third section of the exhibition, "Drawing the Line: A Contemporary Issues Forum." Should American Jewish organizations continue to send millions of dollars to Israel? Is it fair for rabbinical seminaries to refuse to ordain gay and lesbian rabbis? Does intermarriage represent the triumph of American pluralism? These are among the many subjects that will be explored in an interactive presentation that will present information about current issues, ask provocative questions, and allow visitors to respond. Their answers will give the NMAJH's exhibition design team a sense of the opinions among visitors, and if there are certain trends that can be discerned.



MUSEUM SHOP CARRIES BAR AND BAT MITZVAH ITEMS
Plan Now For Upcoming Simchas

While the annual Jewish holidays come and go, bar and bat mizvahs are year round. The Museum Shop carries gifts for both boys and girls for their coming-of-age celebrations including talit clips, kippot, yads, and this glass kiddish cup designed and handcrafted by Steve Resnick.

Steve Resnick is the world's preeminent Judaic glass artist. His work is exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States, Europe and Israel. Also featured in the Museum Shop is this sterling silver Star of David necklace adorned with amethyst beads (pictured) by local artist Joan Horn.

For more than 20 years, Joan Horn has been working with metal fabrication and jewelry. Working with unique ideas in line, form and color, she hand fabricates each piece in her home studio located in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. The Museum Shop carries many of Joan's pieces.

The kiddish cup and necklace featured are only two of a variety of bar and bat mitzvah related items being sold at the Museum Shop and at its online store. The Museum Shop carries Judaica from a variety of artists. Visit the Museum Shop to browse the large assortment of items in all price ranges.

For more information contact Museum Shop Managers, Eva Schlanger, or Elaine Silverman, or call the Museum Shop at 215.923.0262. The Museum Shop is open Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sundays 12 noon - 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Museum Shop support the National Museum of American Jewish History.



THE JEWISH AMERICANS TO AIR IN JAN.
Directed By David Grubin

Emmy-award winning filmmaker David Grubin, who serves as the chief story teller in the development of the core exhibition of the new Museum, is also the producer and director of The Jewish Americans, a film airing on WHYY TV12 and PBS stations across the country on Jan. 9, 16, and 23 beginning at 9 p.m.

The Jewish Americans is a three-part documentary series exploring the opportunities, freedoms, and prosperity that Jews have found in America through the stories of Jews who have participated in major milestones and cultural phases of U.S. history since their arrival in the 17th century.

"Throughout the film there is a recurring theme," filmmaker Grubin said. "With each wave of Jewish immigration, Jews expressed an immense desire to become American while retaining their own identity. Out of this struggle emerged not just a Jewish-American culture, but also the integration of Jewish culture into the larger American landscape."

The Museum will be the repository of all the unedited footage shot by Grubin in the making of The Jewish Americans. Grubin also produced the Museum's campaign video, It's Your Story, highlighting Jewish American achievement and setting forth the vision for the new Museum building.



MUSEUM SPONSORS JUDY TOLL FILM

The quirky self-deprecating Judy Toll is the subject of a film sponsored by the Museum, being shown at the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival on January 7. Judy Toll: The Funniest Woman You've Never Heard Of is part of the festival's Documentaries and Dialogue series.

Weaving interviews and clips, this feature-length documentary explores the touching and hilarious story of Judy Toll, the always funny, comedian/writer/actress who died five years ago from cancer. Judy rose from a struggling comic in her home town of Philadelphia to an up-and-down Hollywood career while always retaining her honesty and ability to laugh in the face of adversity.

Following the screening will be guest speaker, Gary Toll, Judy's brother, who made the movie.Admission is $10. Seniors and students with ID receive $3 off of the single ticket price. For more information on this or other films in the series call 215.466.3033 or visit the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival's website.

All films will be shown at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia.The Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival screens some of the most acclaimed feature films and documentaries of the year, by some of the finest filmmakers from around the world, including Brazil, Israel, France, Germany, Mexico and the USA. The Museum sponsors festival films that explore the American Jewish experience.


MUSEUM OFFERS BERNSTEIN TICKETS
Leonard Bernstein Festival Takes Place At Kimmel Center

The Museum is joining with the Philadelphia Orchestra to offer discounted tickets to the Bernstein Festival being held from January 10 to February 2 at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Christoph Eschenbach will conduct the Leonard Bernstein festival as a celebration of the 90th anniversary of the birth of this iconic composer and conductor. Among the festivities will be four weeks of festival concerts each having a different musical program, movie screenings and pre and post-concert discussions and talkbacks.

The Orchestra begins the four-week Bernstein Festival with a concert pairing Tchaikovsky's dramatic Romeo and Juliet with Bernstein's modern-day retelling, West Side Story. The festival continues in week two with Bernstein's Jeremiah, portraying the epic story of the destruction of ancient Jerusalem and ending with a prayerful Hebrew lament. The program goes on to include new work by Jennifer Higdon and concludes with Bernstein's Second Symphony of Robert Schumann.

The third week's concert includes two brand new works created for four Philadelphia-based artist-ensembles: the string trio Time for Three, violinist Jennifer Koh, and the Philadelphia Singers Chorale, together with the Orchestra. The evening concludes with Bernstein's Jeremia.

In the concluding week of the festival, the concert will feature violinist Joshua Bell performing melodies from West Side Story and Samuel Barber's violin concerto often called "the most beautiful American concerto ever written." Philadelphia Orchestra Associate Conductor Rossen Milanov will conclude the evening with Stravinsky's first grand ballet score.

To find out more about the festival and events, visit the Bernstein Festival's page on the Philadelphia Orchestra's website. To claim one of the seven pairs of complimentary tickets to the Bernstein Festival, respond to philadelphia_orchestra@philadelphiaorchestra.org with your name and address and write "Bernstein tickets" in the subject line. The Philadelphia Orchestra website has more information on their 2007-08 season.

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On December 26, 1931, the musical comedy Of Thee I Sing opened at the Music Box Theatre in New York City. Written by the Gershwin brothers, George (1898-1937) and Ira (1896-1983), the show became that year the first American musical to win the Pulitzer Prize.

National Museum of American Jewish History
Independence Mall East
55 North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2197
Tel: 215.923.3811 Fax: 215.923.0763
www.nmajh.org

Greeetings!

Welcome to the electronic newsletter of the National Museum of American Jewish History. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed of exhibitions, programs and other activities of the NMAJH, the only Museum in the country exclusively presenting educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of the Jews in America.

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1. MUSEUM SEEKS FEEDBACK ON NEW TEMPORARY EXHIBITION
Shaping Space, Making Meaning Opens December 16

Feedback wanted!

Shaping Space, Making Meaning, the new temporary exhibition at the National Museum of American Jewish History, offers visitors the opportunity to learn how a museum creates a major exhibition and at the same time have input into developing the show prior to opening. The NMAJH's exhibition design team is now in the process of creating the 22,000-square-foot exhibition for the new Museum now under construction and scheduled to open in 2010.

Opening Sunday, Dec. 16, Shaping Space, Making Meaning will have design sketches, computer-generated images, video and text that will offer an insider's look at the process of developing a landmark exhibition about more than 350 years of American Jewish life.

Shaping Space, Making Meaning will allow visitors to offer feedback to the NMAJH design team through three interactive experiences. "This is a unique opportunity for the public to get inside the mystery of exhibition design and really let their opinions be known," said Josh Perelman, NMAJH deputy director and museum historian. "We want our visitors to have a frank, healthy discussion with us about the history of the country and the future of our institution."

Shaping Space, Making Meaning's first interactive element uses touch screens to engage visitors in a conversation about the Museum's major themes, which include freedom, immigration, religious tolerance, as well as short quiz to help the Museum learn about its audiences' knowledge of American Jewish history.

The second section of the exhibition gives visitors the chance to help determine the tone with which the museum will speak to its audience. Visitors will be introduced to some of the colorful individuals from the past who will be found in the new exhibition and then asked to read two different versions of text about each person. They will then have the opportunity to vote on which they like best.

According to Perelman, "Finding the right voice is essential to the creation of a major exhibition. Like any conversation, museums seek to draw people in, make them feel comfortable, and communicate a message. Our goal is to tell stories and convey information in a tone that engages and inspires people."

Controversial topics will be addressed in the third section of the exhibition, "Drawing the Line: A Contemporary Issues Forum." Should American Jewish organizations continue to send millions of dollars to Israel? Is it fair for rabbinical seminaries to refuse to ordain gay and lesbian rabbis? Does intermarriage represent the triumph of American pluralism? These are among the many subjects that will be explored in an interactive presentation that will present information about current issues, ask provocative questions, and allow visitors to respond. Their answers will give the NMAJH's exhibition design team a sense of the opinions among visitors, and if there are certain trends that can be discerned.

"We value feedback," said Deputy Director Perelman. "Museums are public institutions and therefore it is essential to the development of this new museum that we hear from our audience. We want to know what they like, what they did not understand, or what they just wish will be in the new building. These comments enrich the design process and make create a fulfilling connection between the museum its visitors."



2. MUSEUM SHOP OFFERS DISCOUNT ON HANUKKAH PRESENTS

In preparation for Hanukkah, the Museum Shop has acquired a variety of new items, including this unique menorah (pictured) by Susan Fullenbaum. Dreidels, menorahs, books, and other Hanukkah items will be discounted 20 percent as part of a special Hanukkah promotion for last-minute shopping by E-newsletter subscribers from Nov. 29 through Dec. 4.

Susan's Tree of Life Menorah is made of stained glass with a dark green or blue beveled base. The glass adds dimensions of dynamic beauty through the interplay of colored glass with the candlelight.

For more than 25 years, Susan has created handcrafted stained glass art emphasizing Judaic themes. Most of her recent work has focused on these themes and on her own developing awareness of Jewish tradition.

Based in Silver Spring, Maryland, Susan's commissioned art pieces are displayed in galleries, synagogues, homes and are represented in juried art shows and exhibitions worldwide. Susan is a member of Artsites, the National Capital Stained Glass Guild, and the American Guild of Judaic Artists. This menorah is one of a variety of Hanukkah related items being sold at the Museum Shop and at its online store.

The Museum Shop carries Judaica from a variety of artists. Visit the Museum Shop to browse the large assortment of items in all price ranges. For more information contact Museum Shop Managers, Eva Schlanger, or Elaine Silverman, or call the Museum Shop at 215.923.0262.

The Museum Shop is open Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sundays 12 noon - 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Museum Shop support the National Museum of American Jewish History.


3. BE JEWISH AT CHRISTMAS AT NMAJH
Peter & Ellen Allard to Perform for First Time at BJAC

Captivating children's performers Peter & Ellen (left) are highlighting this year's annual "Being Jewish at Christmas" program of family fun at the National Museum of American Jewish History, which features music, comedy, puppets and more, on Tuesday, Dec. 25, noon - 4 p.m.

Peter & Ellen are award-winning recording artists, performers, musicians, and educators specializing in music for young children. Drawing on a rich tradition of musical experiences, they help children and families strengthen their Jewish identities through their lively performance and engaging, participatory shows.

Joining Peter & Ellen are returning BJAC entertainers Michael Rosman (pictured), whose amazing feats of all-ages comedy has been seen on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno; 2006 "Best of Philly" Party Entertainer Ken Fink from Wondergy, who fuels curiosity by making science fun and exciting; and the Mark Segal Puppet Theatre, and its zany cast of characters, which has been a part of BJAC in years past. Refreshments are provided and all children will receive a goodie bag.

Tickets to the event are $5 per person (children three and under are admitted free.) There is no charge to Museum members. Tickets will be available only at the door. For more information call 215-923-3811 x 120. "Being Jewish at Christmas" is funded by the Robert Saligman Jewish Heritage Fund.



4. HOLOCAUST LEGACY BROUGHT TO LIFE IN BATTLESHIP EXHIBITION

The Museum has teamed with Battleship New Jersey (pictured) to offer E-newsletter subscribers a two-for-one admission discount to The exhibition, The Holocaust and Genocide: the Betrayal of Humanity.

The Holocaust and Genocide: the Betrayal of Humanity, a multimedia traveling exhibition about the history of the Holocaust and its lasting legacy, made its debut on the Battleship New Jersey on Nov. 10. The opening of the exhibition was timed to coincide with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the night in 1938 when the Nazis broke the windows of Jewish businesses and homes and desecrated synagogues.

The admission discount is included with all battleship tours until June 15, 2008.

Donations in support of the exhibition were made by Mr. & Mrs. Ed Feldman (in memory of Carl Ehrlich), the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, the Goodwin Holocaust Museum and Education Center, the N.J. Commission on Holocaust Education, and the Jewish Community Foundation.

To redeem the two-for-one offer, bring a printout of this story with you to the Battleship New Jersey or mention that you are a NMAJH E-newsletter subscriber when ordering tickets by phone. The ship is open daily for tours from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Located on the Camden Waterfront across the Delaware River from Center City Philadelphia, the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is a non-profit historic ship museum that offers guided and self-guided tours and gives visitors a variety of ways to experience the ship. For more information on the ship's many programs, visit www.battleshipnewjersey.org.


5. MOVIE POPS THE BUBBLE ON LIVES OF YOUNG ISRAELIS
Museum Offers Tickets for Movie At Ritz Theatres

The Museum is making available ten passes for two to The Bubble, a new film opening at Philadelphia's Ritz Theatres Nov. 23. The film tells the story of three Israelis who share an apartment in Tel Aviv's hippest neighborhood. Trying to put aside political conflicts and focusing on their lives and loves, these progressive 20-somethings are accused of living in an escapist bubble.

From the director of Walk On Water, Eytan Fox, The Bubble is as much a love song to the city as it is an exploration of the claim that people in Tel Aviv are isolated from the rest of the country and the turmoil it's going through.

The apartment mates include Lulu, a headstrong woman who works in a bath products boutique; flamboyant Yali, who manages a trendy cafe; and Noam, who spends his weekends serving in the National Guard at checkpoints and falls in love with a Palestinian man named Ashraf, who he and his friends conspire to help stay illegally in Tel Aviv. The Bubble was an official selection in the Toronto International Film Festival in 2006 and the Berlin International Film Festival in 2007.

To claim one of the ten complimentary tickets to The Bubble, respond to enews@nmajh.org with your name and address and write "The Bubble" in the subject line. Each pass admits two, good Monday-Thursday except holidays. Visit the official The Bubblewebsite for more information about the film. Visit Ritz Theatres for more information about the film.


6. HAPPY HANUKKAH FROM THE NMAJH
The Board, staff and volunteers of the Museum wish you a happy Hanukkah (and Thanksgiving).

This compact and portable Hanukkah lamp, whose eight oil reservoirs can be concealed within its sofa-shaped case when not in use, has survived a lot. It dates back to the early 1700s, from a Sephardic Jewish family. They lived on the island of Curaçao in the Caribbean. Many islands in the Caribbean during this time were home to Jews who were involved in the shipping trade.

Curaçao, like New Amsterdam where the first Jews settled in North America in 1654, was a Dutch colony and therefore undoubtedly friendlier to Jews than other places, given the greater religious tolerance practiced by the Dutch at home and abroad. The lamp's portable and inconspicuous design speaks to the itinerant nature of the Jewish people and also perhaps to the tradition of practicing Judaism in secrecy, especially after the Jews were expelled from Spain and Portugal in 1492 and then scattered.

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On December 2, 1763, members of the Jewish community of Newport, Rhode Island, consisting of perhaps 20 families, witnessed the dedication of the Touro Synagogue. The Georgian-style building, designed by Peter Harrison, is now the oldest North American synagogue and was declared a national historic site in 1946.

National Museum of American Jewish History
Independence Mall East
55 North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2197
Tel: 215.923.3811 Fax: 215.923.0763
www.nmajh.org

1. GROUNDBREAKING HELD FOR NEW MUSEUM
Independence Mall Home For New Cultural Icon

History was made on the historic ground of Independence Mall with the Sept.30 groundbreaking for the new National Museum of American Jewish History. "We're doing something important on this sacred ground," said George Ross, the Museum's co-chairman and campaign chairman. "In a sensitive and meaningful way, we're going to tell the story of how freedom has shaped people's lives and how people, given freedom, can contribute to their country."

Ross delivered his remarks under the sunny skies of a beautiful, early fall day to more than 400 people who came to witness the ceremonial start of a new cultural icon that U.S. Senator Arlen Specter declared was going to be "a tremendous unifying factor for the Jewish people in America and, really, for the Jewish people in the world."

Planned to open in 2010, the new 100,000-square-foot building, six-story building, designed by Polshek Partnership Architects, will stand directly across from the Liberty Bell, two blocks south of the National Constitution Center, and one block north of the birthplace of American liberty, Independence Hall.



Among its architectural elements, the new Museum's facade facing Independence Mall is a glass prism that expresses the accessibility of the Museum and the openness of America, as well as the perennial fragility of democracy.

Exhibitions will explore how Jews created a new home in a free land and will examine how America shaped the lives, communities and livelihoods of its Jewish citizens. Exhibits will also explore how Jews shaped America, using their unprecedented freedom not only to create the largest and most prosperous Jewish community in the world, but also to help make America one of the most prosperous and vital countries in the world.

Museum Co-Chairman Ron Rubin thanked all those in attendance for "who have believed and supported and will continue to support this great institution." The Museum has raised $105 million toward its $150 campaign goal.

For more information about the Museum, or the campaign, contact Irv Hurwitz, the Museum's director of institutional advancement, at 215.923.3811 x 133


2. BE THANKFUL FOR THANKSGIVING JUDAICA

Judaica might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Thanksgiving, but the Museum Shop has a variety of items such as this Grapeleaf Decanter by Steve Resnick that would satisfy the most dour of Pilgrims and the most exuberant of Jewish families. Thanksgiving this year falls on Thursday, Nov. 22.

Borrowing on his experience in stone sculpture, his glass carving is characterized by its wonderful textural quality which utilizes intricate organic motifs. Resnick art pieces and sculpture have been exhibited throughout the United States, Europe, and Israel. Resnick's works are part of fine museums and gallery collections and have been presented to dignitaries worldwide including Shimon Peres, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Al Gore, Bill Clinton, and Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Museum Shop carries Judaica from a wide variety of artists. Visit the Museum Shop to browse the large assortment of items in all price ranges. For more information call the Museum Shop at 215.923.0262.

The Museum Shop is open Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sundays 12 noon - 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Museum Shop support the National Museum of American Jewish History.

3. MUSEUM SPONSORS FIRST PERSON PERFORMANCES


On Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, the Museum will be sponsoring two performances that are part of the annual First Person Festival, a project of First Person Arts, which will feature an array of memoir and documentary artists from around the country. The first of these two performances explores the world of pre-Holocaust Poland through paintings done by Mayer Kirshenblatt, a self taught artist living in Toronto.

Kirshenblatt created these paintings of his childhood memories later in life, "lest future generations know more about how Jews died than how they lived." His memories of Polish-Jewish life are captured in They Called Me Mayer July, an exchange between Mayer and his daughter, Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett (pictured above), based on an upcoming book which includes stories she has collected from him over the past 40 years. Barbara Kirshenblott-Gimblett is a professor of performance studies at NYU and has served as a consultant for the core exhibition being created the new Museum. They Called Me Mayer July will be performed at 11:30 a.m. at First Person Stage, located at 2111 Sansom Street, Philadelphia. The cost is $20 including brunch..

At 2:00 p.m., follow the stream-of consciousness style of Maira Kalman (pictured below), a Manhattan-based author, illustrator, and designer, as she gives her personal take on life, love, history, and candy in The Principles of Uncertainty. Part memoir, part history and party travelogue, this multi-media presentation explores topics from the momentous to the mundane Kalman's work has enlivened children's books, product designs, New Yorker covers, New York Times op-eds and the latest edition of the Strunk and White's The Elements of Style. Tickets are $10.

Founded in 2000, First Person Arts transforms the drama of real life into memoir and documentary art to foster appreciation for a unique and shared experience. First Person Arts supports the development of new memoir and documentary work and creates opportunities for it to be seen and appreciated by many. It explores stories by people from all walks of life.

For more information go to www.firstpersonarts.org or call 267.402.2059.



4. NMAJH ON SAME PAGE AS FEDERATION PROGRAM

Aaron Lansky's Outwitting History, the compelling true-life tale of how the author came to rescue a million Yiddish books, has been chosen for the One Book, One Jewish Community program.

Modeled after One Book programs across the country, One Book, One Jewish Community has a special angle. "It's an opportunity to spark a community-wide conversation about what it means to be Jewish," says Elana Rivel, Director of Education and Outreach for Jewish Outreach Partnership which is co-sponsoring the initiative with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. "Whether you're more comfortable in a synagogue or a book store you're invited to talk about Jewish culture and ideas and what we take from the past and give to the future. That's what Outwitting History is ultimately about and why we decided to choose it for our program."

The Museum is a partner in the One Book program and the Education Department has two programs that are being used in One Book's resource guide. The first program is "Histories, Herstories, Yourstories, Ourstories," a performance where engaging personal stories of Jewish immigrants are brought to life through the dramatic presentation of heartfelt letters to and from the editor of the Jewish Daily Forward. Also included in the guide is the Museum's "J-Tour," an interpretive walking tour exploring the Colonial Jewish experience, the stories of Philadelphia's Jewish community, and the roles these pioneers played in this city and our emerging nation.

Among the programming partners joining in One Book with the Museum are approximately 20 congregations along with such institutions as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Gratz College, the Jewish Publication Society, and the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival.

Among the events scheduled as part of One Book, One Jewish Community is an opportunity to meet Aaron Lanksy on Sunday, Nov. 4 during a free program at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Center City, Philadelphia. Other programs taking place in the next few months include a klezmer music performance, a family program day at the Philadelphia Art Museum dedicated to book arts, Yiddish language classes, and film screenings.

Programming will continue through March 2008. Click here for more information.

Visit the Museum's Education Department webpage for more information about programs it offers.


5. NEW FILM ON CREATION OF ISRAEL AT RITZ
Museum Offers Tickets To Subscribers

The Museum is making available ten passes for two to O Jerusalem, a film which meticulously re-creates the historic struggle surrounding the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.

The film, opening Wed. Oct. 24 at the Ritz Theatres in Philadelphia, is based on historical accounts from the best-selling novel O Jerusalem, written by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, and offers a rich background to an explosive conflict that echoes the situation in the Middle East today.

O Jerusalem follows the story of two young American friends - one Jewish, the other Arab. The film is told from the alternating viewpoints of the Jews, Arabs and the British, all of whom collide in their fight for the control of Jerusalem while bringing to the forefront themes of courage, terrorism, deprivation, politics, and a strong sense of morality. Their involvement takes them from the streets of New York to what was then called Palestine, where they risk their lives to fight for what they believe in, as the city of their dreams teeters on the brink of destruction.

To claim one of the eight complimentary tickets to O Jerusalem, respond to this E-newsletter at enews@nmajh.org with your name and address and write "Jerusalem tickets" in the subject line. Visit the official O Jerusalem website for more information.

For more information on Ritz Theatres in Philadelphia, visit the http://www.ritztheaters.com/synopses/films.php?movie_id=1238


6. MUSEUM OFFERS TICKETS TO CELEBRATION OF SONDHEIM MUSIC
First Production in Theatre Company's New Home

Four decades of Stephen Sondheim's music and lyrics are combined with the passion and style of jazz, blues, soul, R &B, hip-hop, and gospel in the new musical, Being Alive, being performed Oct. 24 - Dec. 2, 2007, at Philadelphia Theatre Company.

The Museum and Philadelphia Theatre Company are offering two free tickets to the play to the first 20 people to respond through e-mail by October 23. Director/conceiver Billy Porter brings Sondheim's music and lyrics to life, with added text from William Shakespeare in this production that features such songs as "Send in the Clowns," "Pretty Women," "Children Will Listen," and "Being Alive." A brilliant ensemble cast will take you on a glorious and unforgettable musical journey.

To claim one of the 20 sets of complimentary tickets to Being Alive, e-mail JAmadio@philadelphiatheatrecompany.org by October 23rd with your name and address and write "NMAJH offer" in the subject line. The offer is good for performances on October 25 and 26.

For tickets and more information on Being Alive, visit http://www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/2008/alive.html or call 215.985.0420. Tickets run from $10 to $36.

For more information on Philadelphia Theatre Company, visithttp://www.ritztheaters.com/synopses/films.php?movie_id=1238.

Philadelphia Theatre Company is dedicated to presenting Philadelphia and world premieres of major works by contemporary American playwrights and has done so for more than 30 years. It is located at its new home, the Suzanne Roberts Theatre on 480 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Theatre Company's state-of-the-art theatre is named after the actress, playwright, and director Suzanne Roberts, who for more than 40 years has devoted her energy and talent to the Philadelphia theater community. The Suzanne Roberts Theatre is a symbol of new growth, and stands as eloquent testimony to her artistic vision. It will include a 365-seat traditional proscenium auditorium, a flexible black box theater space, a dramatic lobby and mezzanine level reception areas with an expansive view of the Avenue of the Arts.


7. YOU SHMOOZE YOU DON'T LOSE

The Museum is a partnering organization at Schmooze '07: 2nd Annual Sidney Krum Jewish Culture Conference, being held Oct. 22 and 23 at the UJA-Federation of New York, 130 East 59th Street, New York.

Schmooze '07 will brings together creative individuals with leaders from Jewish cultural organizations across the country. Professionals and students from the Jewish culture, art and media worlds will engage in dialogue about current developments, visions and goals at the conference. Schmooze '07 will featured keynote addresses by Theodore Bikel and Shmuley Boteach, a conversation with Neil Sedaka, concerts, artist showcases, and state of the art panels with more than 40 presenters and artists from the theater, films, JCCs, Hillels, congregations, and performance venues from coast to coast.

The cost of the conferene is $150 and participants can register at www.oyhoo.com. Space is limited to 250 participants. For more information, contact david@oyhoo.com or (212) 608-0555. Schmooze '07: 2nd Annual Sidney Krum Jewish Culture Conference is part of the 2007 Oyhoo Festival, which features eight days of concerts throughout New York, October 20-28, 2007.

The NMAJH will have a representative at the conference to distribute information about the Museum's programs and new building. The conference is supported by the Charles & Lynn Schusterman Foundation, Steinhardt Foundation/Jewish Life Network, FJC - A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds, Natan, The UJA-Federation of New York and from board members, volunteers and donors.

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On October 22, 1947, the Board of Governors of the Hebrew Union College adopted the proposal of Professor Jacob Rader Marcus to establish the American Jewish Archives for the creation of a national institution to preserve the documents of American Jewry.

National Museum of American Jewish History
Independence Mall East
55 North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2197
Tel: 215.923.3811 Fax: 215.923.0763
www.nmajh.org

Greeetings!

Welcome to the electronic newsletter of the National Museum of American Jewish History. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed of exhibitions, programs and other activities of the NMAJH, the only Museum in the country exclusively presenting educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of the Jews in America.

___________________________________


1. THE TIME HAS COME FOR A GROUNDBREAKING EVENT
Public Invited to September 30 Ceremony


U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, and Philadelphia Mayor John Street are among the guests scheduled to speak at the groundbreaking for the new Museum taking place on Sept. 30, 11 a.m. on Independence Mall at 5th and Market Streets. The program will begin with the bells of Independence Hall ringing 11 times, and will include music in addition to the speakers and other activities.

Joining in the celebration with dignitaries from federal, state and local government will be Museum trustees and donors, scholars, educators, religious leaders, and young people, wishing to take part in a historic event for the national Jewish community and all Americans.

"The Museum will be a cornerstone in the modern-day American Jewish community, and a source of national pride," said Ronald Rubin, co-chairman with George M. Ross of the Museum's Board of Trustees. "The new NMAJH is dedicated to keeping Jewish culture alive and giving a new generation greater appreciation of their heritage. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help create a special place in the American Jewish community and to tangibly demonstrate what's possible when people live in freedom."

"I hope that people from throughout the region will celebrate with us in this landmark community event," said Gwen Goodman, Museum Executive Director and CEO.

The new Museum, an architecturally distinctive 6-story, 100,000 square foot building, will be the pre-eminent national educational and cultural institution presenting American Jewish history. Designed by the leading New York architectural firm of Polshek Partnership Architects, the Museum will build on the dynamic interaction between its location on Independence Mall, the history and traditions of the Jewish people, and the broader national experience. Galleries, exhibition halls, an education center and an auditorium will be among the features of this new Museum.

The new Museum is scheduled to open a half block away from 5th and Market streets on July 4, 2010, 34 years after its first opened its doors during the Bicentennial.

To make a reservation to join us for the groundbreaking ceremony, please contact Jannine Medrana at 215.923.3811 ext. 111.

To view a recent news story about the new Museum, visit http://cbs3.com/video/?id=44269@kyw.dayport.com.


2. ONE LAST TASTE OF FORSHPEIS!
Exhibition To Close October 21


Before Forshpeis! A Taste of the Peter H. Schweitzer Collection of Jewish Americana closes on Sunday October 21, visitors can take one last look at artifacts in the exhibition that helped to reveal aspects of American Jewish life by examining food in a range of settings, including in the kitchen and at the deli.

Among the objects displayed in the exhibit (above) are seltzer bottles, ca.1910-1940, which stand at the entrance to the exhibition as a vivid reminder of seltzer's heyday in the 1920s and 1930s; the Zion Kosher salami pillow which was used as a promotional item in 1967; pickle jars from Bloch & Guggenheimer which continues to be a predominant seller of pickles today since it's founding by two immigrant families from Manhattan in 1889; and an array of buttons, humorously proclaiming Jewish identity by referring to foods associated with the American Jewish experience.

Forshpeis! explores, through the Schweitzer Collection, the role food played in helping immigrant Jews adjust to life in the United States and illustrates how Jewish foods, like American Jews themselves, have become a part of the American mainstream.

To schedule a visit to the exhibition and Museum, or to learn about our special programs, view our webpage at http://nmajh.org/education/index.htm. The Education Department web page has more information about programs and booking tours. Tours and special programs must be scheduled at least six weeks in advance.

The Forshpeis! exhibition was made possible in part through the generous support of the Independence Foundation, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. The Museum receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.


3. TIE ONE ON AT THE MUSEUM SHOP


Kippah and tie sets made by Yama [pictured], a dynamic fast growing New York based company specializing in high-end, modern Jewish fashion are among the new, items the Museum Shop is now carrying in the new year.

Yama kippot have two unique patents; the inner loops to attach a hidden hair-pin and a silicon band inside the base for maximum grip. Both the kippah and the tie are made from fine silk.

Also new in the Shop are women's decorative tallit clips handmade by artist Judit Leiser from Cliffside Park, N.J. Decorated with semi-precious stones and Jewish symbols, her work is a favorite among collectors. Judit's crafts are sold throughout the country at galleries, museum shops, and craft shows.

The Museum Shop carries Judaica from a wide variety of artists. Visit the Museum Shop to browse the large assortment of items in all price ranges. For more information contact Eva Schlanger, Eva@judaicashop.net , or Elaine Silverman, Elaine@judaicashop.net , or call the Museum Shop at 215.923.0262. The Museum Shop is open Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sundays 12 noon - 5 p.m.

Proceeds from the Museum Shop support the National Museum of American Jewish History.


4. MUSEUM TAKES PART IN SMITHSONIAN DAY OF CELEBRATION


The Museum is participating in Smithsonian magazine's Museum Day Sunday, Sept. 23 - a week earlier than the official event.

On Museum Day museums and cultural institutions nationwide open their doors free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors. Because the official Museum Day is September 29, on Shabbat, the NMAJH has received permission to hold the event here on a Sunday. Museum Day is presented by Smithsonian magazine and Hyundai Motor America.

The first 25 visitors to the Museum on Sunday who become Smithsonian magazine subscribers will receive a complimentary Museum Day tote bag.

Celebrating culture, learning and knowledge, Museum Day reflects the spirit of the magazine, and emulates the free-admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution's Washington, DC-based facilities. This year's Museum Day is supported by CITGO Petroleum Corporation and, for the third consecutive year, TIAA- CREF.

Last year, approximately 30,000 people attended Museum Day. Forty-nine states were represented by 448 participating museums, including 55 Smithsonian affiliates.

The public is welcome to participate by going to the Smithsonian.com website and downloading the Museum Day Admission Card. Listings and links to other participating museums' and sponsors' sites can be found at www.smithsonian.com/museumday.

In the fall of 2002 the Museum became a Smithsonian Affiliate. The Museum now has greater access to the Smithsonian's collections and resources, giving it the ability to borrow artifacts from the Smithsonian's estimated 142 million piece collection - from Irving Berlin's piano to Colonial American Judaica and fine art - which can be used as part of special exhibitions or to be incorporated into our permanent exhibition.

The affiliation also allows the Museum to take advantage of the Smithsonian's educational resources and expertise in the areas of co