The National Museum of American Jewish History
Rendering of the future National Museum of American Jewish History
November 08, 2009
Enews November 2009
Become Founding Member of New Museum

artJoin more than 2,200 people who have recently become a Founding Member of the National Museum of American Jewish History.

Founding Members of the new Museum are supporting what will be an iconic institution on Independence Mall as well as a leading national education and cultural center. The Museum will include unique exhibitions, lecture series and films, as well as online initiatives, distance learning and outreach programs for students of all ages across the country. Founding members who make a minimum gift of $90 will receive a limited edition print depicting world-renowned architect James Polshek's design of the new Museum, seen above.

Founding Memberships are valid for 18 months, allowing participants to be a part of the opening celebrations and to visit the NMAJH for free whenever they choose throughout the membership term. Founding Members' names will also be permanently listed in the Museum along with other Jewish Americans who have played important roles in shaping the history of this country.

Visit the Museum's website for information on becoming a Founding Member and about the benefits provided at each level of donation or call the development office at 215.923.3811 x 104. For information on ways to participate in the Museum's Capital Campaign, contact Irv Hurwitz, the Museum's Director of Institutional Advancement, at 215.923.3811 x133.


Hanukkah Shopping Provides Discount for E-Newsletter Readers

artStart Hanukkah shopping early at the Museum Shop and receive a 20 percent discount on holiday items such as this handcrafted menorah pictured below by artist Gary Rosenthal.

The uniquely structured menorah is made of woven copper strips of metal and has a brass vine climbing the wall and holding up the shamash. Among the other Hanukkah items sold at the Museum Shop are children's gifts, both collectable and plastic dreidels, Hanukkah books, and a wide assortment of other menorahs for children and families.

Visit the Museum Shop to browse the Hanukkah items online at www.judaicashop.net. For more information e-mail Eva Schlanger or Elaine Silverman, or call the Museum Shop at 215.923.0262. The Museum Shop is open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sunday 12 noon - 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Museum Shop support the National Museum of American Jewish History.


Family Day of Fun is December 25

artJon Nelson's Rockin' Kids Review is returning to rock the house at this year's annual "Being Jewish at Christmas" program of family fun at the National Museum of American Jewish History. "Being Jewish at Christmas," which features music, comedy, refreshments and more, will be held Friday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Nelson is a mainstay on the national children's music scene, both as a solo artist, and with his Jon Nelson's Rockin' Kids Review. His unique performances for kids and their families are rooted in his love of rock & roll and his desire to teach children through fun and interactive music. Jon Nelson's Rockin' Kids Review treats audiences to a rip roaring, hand clapping, foot stomping, educational and interactive concert that every child, parent and grandparent will love.

Joining Jon Nelson's Rockin' Kids' Review is returning BJAC entertainer Michael Rosman, whose amazing feats of all-ages comedy has been seen on "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and who has performed numerous times in Atlantic City. All children will receive a "goodie bag."

"Being Jewish at Christmas" is held Friday, Dec. 25 at the National Museum of American Jewish History, Independence Mall East, 55 North 5th Street, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person (children three and under admitted free). BJAC is free to Museum members and members of the military. Tickets are available only at the door. For more information call 215-923-3811 x 148.

"Being Jewish at Christmas" is made possible by the generous support of the Robert Saligman Jewish Heritage Fund.


Exhibit Renderings on View at Museum

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"Shaping Space, Making Meaning," the Museum's current exhibition, 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.

Design sketches, video and text 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.







Rockin' Book Offer

artThe Museum is teaming up with author Scott Benarde to offer four free copies of his book, "Stars of David: Rock 'n' Roll's Jewish Stories." The book chronicles the contribution of Jewish singers, songwriters and musicians during the rock era. The book also sheds light on the surprising influence and impact Judaism has had on the music and those who made it and still make it. It includes not only household names like Bob Dylan and Billy Joel, or fabled songwriters such as Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, but many of the most sought after studio musicians; unsung but vital musicians who back-up rock's superstars, and members of some of rock's most beloved and influential bands.

"These stories needed to be told. These people deserved credit for their accomplishments. The Jewish influence on the musicians and the music had to be revealed and stated for the historical record," Benarde said.

Scott Benarde served as the pop music columnist for the "Fort Lauderdale News/Sun Sentinel" in the 80's and later for the "Palm Beach Post." Throughout his tenures at both publications, Benarde freelanced for a variety of music and general interest publications, including "Rolling Stone" and "Billboard." In 1996, he began writing about Jewish rock stars for Jewish publications. He is currently media relations director in theMarketing Department of the JCC of the Greater Palm Beaches in Palm Beach County, Florida, and also gives his "Jews and Blues and Rock n' Roll: A Musical History Tour" presentation to Jewish groups around the country.

To receive an autographed copy of the "Stars of David: Rock 'n' Roll's Jewish Stories,"be one of the first four people to contact the Museum at info@nmajh.org. Please put "Stars of David" in the subject line and include your name and address in the body. Only winners will be notified.

To purchase a copy of the book, please contact Eva Schlanger or Elaine Silverman, or call the Museum Shop at 215.923.0262.


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 *
nmajh@nmajh.org

 

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