October 20, 2007
Enews October 2007
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.
CAPTIONS:
Photo 1. At the groundbreaking (from left) are Ruth Sarner-Libros, NMAJH president emerita;D. Walter Cohen, NMAJH chairman emeritus; Gwen Goodman, Museum executive director/CEO; U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter; Lyn M. Ross, NMAJH board member; and George M. Ross, NMAJH board co-chairman and capital campaign chairman.
Photo 2. Digging the groundbreaking (from left) are Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell; Ron Rubin, NMAJH board co-chairman; Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street; Dr. Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University, head of the scholars committee crafting the Museum's core exhibition; and James S. Polshek of Polshek Partnership Architects, designers of the new Museum.
Photo 3. A view of Independence Mall from the site of the new Museum.
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
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.
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.
___________________________________
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
Independence Mall Home For New Cultural Icon
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.
CAPTIONS:
Photo 1. At the groundbreaking (from left) are Ruth Sarner-Libros, NMAJH president emerita;D. Walter Cohen, NMAJH chairman emeritus; Gwen Goodman, Museum executive director/CEO; U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter; Lyn M. Ross, NMAJH board member; and George M. Ross, NMAJH board co-chairman and capital campaign chairman.
Photo 2. Digging the groundbreaking (from left) are Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell; Ron Rubin, NMAJH board co-chairman; Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street; Dr. Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University, head of the scholars committee crafting the Museum's core exhibition; and James S. Polshek of Polshek Partnership Architects, designers of the new Museum.
Photo 3. A view of Independence Mall from the site of the new Museum.
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.
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 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.
___________________________________
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
