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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MUSEUM-CAM NOW ON THE MALL

The Museum has installed a high definition camera that allows people to follow the progress of the new National Museum of American Jewish History on its website as it is being built.

The link to the picture, which refreshes every 15 minutes, can be found on the Museum's homepage at www.nmajh.org. From its position across the street from the Museum site, the camera captures the construction of the Museum's west and north facades. The camera, dubbed the Museum-Cam, will stay up until the building is completed in the fall of 2010, allowing the Museum to record the construction process for its archives.

As of July, 2008, concrete for the first floor, which will house the visitor and group entrances, bookstore, and a major multimedia exhibition entitled "Only in America", is being laid. In the fall, the steel frame of the building will be erected. Previously the site was excavated and then shored up. Following that, the foundation for the building was put in place.

The new 100,000-square-foot building on Independence Mall 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. Please look for the Museum-Cam link on the left-hand side of future NMAJH E-newsletters.For more information on the new Museum contact Irv at 215.923.3811 x133 .

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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

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. BUILDING FOUNDATION TO BE COMPLETED BY JULY

The foundation is in place for the pre-eminent museum exploring American Jewish history. Work continues on the core exhibition, education programs are being developed and fundraising continues, with more than $108 raised toward the Capital Campaign goal of $150 million.

The literal foundation for the new Museum is on track as well. Foundations for the five-story building being constructed on Independence Mall are being poured and will be finished in July. The foundations are being put in following excavation and shoring of the site. In the fall steel will be erected on the site and approximately a year later the building envelope will be enclosed.

The Museum is constructing a new 100,000-square-foot building on Independence Mall that will stand directly accross 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 the new Museum contact Irv at 215.923.3811 ex 133.

Photo by Ilana Blumenthal.



2. WEDDING MEZUZAH FOR SALE ONLINE
Mezuzah Hold Glass Shards

The breaking of the glass under the chuppah is one of the most memorable moments at a Jewish wedding. Now, the memories of that moment can be retained, along with the glass shards, in this beautiful mezuzah carried by the Museum Shop. The mezuzah's white glass is sandblasted and kiln fired and blue silvercoat mirror has been added to the back for the letters to appear in the same vibrant blue.The wedding shards are placed in the Plexiglass casing.

The mezuzah, designed and handcrafted as part of artist Susan Fullenbaum's Ahava collection can be found in the Museum Shop's online store. Fullenbaum's current work focuses on themes taken from Jewish life and her own developing awareness of Jewish tradition. She creates handcrafted stained glass art commemorating joyous life cycle events, illustrating Jewish customs, or to be used in ceremonial life, much of it available in the Museum Shop.

Susan's art is represented in juried art shows and exhibitions nationwide and her commissioned art pieces are displayed internationally in galleries, synagogues, and private homes. She is a member of Artsites and the American Guild of Judaic Artists.This Mezuzah is one of a variety of wedding related items for being sold at the Museum Shop.

The Museum Shop carries Judaica from artists all over the country. 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. IDENTITY PROGRAM HELD FOR JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Panel Discussion Held at Museum

When Andre Key was asked if he felt more African-American or more Jewish, he replied, "I'm just simply both." Key, a graduate fellow at the Institute for the Study of Race and Social Thought and Center for Afro-Jewish Studies at Temple University continued, "We, as black Jews, don't want to be known as black Jews vs. "normal" Jews, so instead we call ourselves Israelites or Hebrews."

Key's remarks came during a provocative panel discussion on Jewish identity held recently at the Museum. "Jewish Peoplehood in the 21st Century and Beyond" was held in conjunction with the Museum's current changing exhibition "Shaping Space, Making Meaning" and Jewish American Heritage Month.

Over the course of the evening panelists, who came from different cultural backgrounds, also addressed the personal and communal challenges, that they faced as multicultural Jews and as Jewish Americans. The program was created as a way to facilitate conversation surrounding the ethnic diversity of Jews in America today. This issue of contemporary Jewish life is addressed throughout the "Shaping Space, Making Meaning" exhibition by asking visitors hotly debated questions such as, "Are Jews White?"

Much like Key, Hannah Lau, a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania and a curatorial intern at NMAJH is a product of two backgrounds. When she spoke of her Chinese father and Jewish mother, she noted that she had never been conflicted about her own "experience as a 'Jewsian'. Jewish and Chinese cultural values are pretty similar." She went on to say, however, that "the only part that used to trouble me is the sense that I was never Jewish enough and never Chinese enough to really count."

Lau added that she feels children of intermarried families, particularly ones who do not "look Jewish" do not ultimately feel less Jewish. "It just may take them a little longer to understand what that really means. I've never had someone tell me to my face that I'm not Jewish." In response to the experiences related by the panelists, an audience member asked during a question-and-answer session following the panel discussion, "Given that we can be culturally different, what would you say is the core of Judaism, what is the one defining core piece of this religion that all Jews should embrace? What is the common thread?"

"The story we accept of ourselves. That is the thread. Sinai, the covenant, the Diaspora. The history we relate to keeps the community as a community," responded panelist Rabbi Jon Konheim, of Beth Am Synagogue in Baltimore, MD. The program's moderator, Dr. Rebecca T. Alpert, an associate professor of religion and women's studies at Temple University, agreed with Rabbi Konheim, but added that while a common narrative is in fact the core of the Jewish people, Jews do not have to all believe the story to be a religious one. It can just be thought of as the history of the Jewish people.

Rabbi Konheim, who leads the Conservative synagogue described as urban and egalitarian, concluded by saying, "The acceptance [of all types of Jews] has been good. It's a "bend over backwards" acceptance at my congregation. The challenge for us in the Conservative movement is to create a Judaism that is distinct, but not ethnic. I think it's so wonderful to look at the younger generation and see where I've come from. How times have changed. When I was young, Ashkenazis stayed in one group. In this generation Jews all mix together." Following the discussion, audience members were divided into groups to further discuss issues presented during the program.


4. NMAJH RECEIVES COLLECTIONS ASSESSMENT GRANT

A guest conservator will spend two days at the Museum in July evaluating current artifact collections care, thanks to a recently awarded $3,000 grant from Heritage Preservation, formerly the National Institute for Conservation. The conservator will examine storage methods and conditions as well as policies and procedures related to the Museum's collection of approximately 20,000 artifacts. The assessment will include a look at the Museum's security and climate control systems.

The assessment will be a collection-wide survey. Conservators have conducted more limited surveys of paper and textile artifacts in the collection in past years. After the site visit, the conservator will give the Museum a report enabling the institution to evaluate its current collections care policies, procedures, and environmental conditions. The report will also help the Museum make appropriate improvements for the immediate, mid-range, and long-range care of its collections.


The Museum is one of 2,500 that have been chosen to participate in Heritage Preservation's Conservation Assessment Program since its creation in 1990. Heritage Preservation's President Lawrence L. Reger, praised NMAJH for "making the vital work of caring for the collections and sites a priority and helping ensure that they are available to present and future generations." Heritage Preservation's Collections Assessment Program is supported through a cooperative agreement with the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Heritage Preservation is the national organization dedicated to preserving our nation's heritage. Its members include museums, libraries, archives, historic preservation organizations, historical societies, conservation organizations, individual professionals, and other groups concerned with saving the past for the future. To learn more about Heritage Preservation, please visit www.heritagepreservation.org.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services' mission is to grow and sustain a "Nation of Learners". Through its grant making, convening, research and publications, the Institute empowers museum and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain cultural heritage, build 21st century skills, and provide opportunities for civic participation. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.


5. BOOK OFFER IN CONJUNCTION WITH SHAPING SPACE, MAKING MEANING

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. WE'RE ON THE MALL, GIVE US A CALL




Visitors to the National Museum of American Jewish History now being constructed on Independence Mall will experience 350 years of American Jewish history, explained Dr. Jonathan Sarna, chief historian of the Museum. Through the stories told in the exhibition now being planned, he said visitors will understand how Jews changed America and how America changed the Jews.

Sarna's explanation of what visitors will find in the new exhibition comes courtesy of Guide by Cell, a new service installed by the Museum that allows people to receive updates on plans for the New Museum. By calling 215.525.1685, visitors can hear from Sarna and other individuals involved with creating the new Museum, including Museum Director/CEO Gwen Goodman and James Polshek, the Museum's architect. After calling the number, visitors can select who they would like to listen to, and have the opportunity to provide feedback.

The messages are changed periodically as the project proceeds so callers can receive new information on the Museum plans if they call every-so-often. The number also appears on signage at the construction site (pictured) so that curious pedestrians and drivers can learn about the project. 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.


2. JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CONTINUES WITH IDENTITY TALK
Free May 22 Program Explores Aspects of Jewish Identity in the 21st Century

"Jewish Peoplehood in the 21st Century and Beyond," a free panel discussion on Jewish identity, is being presented by the Museum as part of Jewish American Heritage Month on Thursday, May 22, 6:00 p.m.

The program will be moderated by Dr. Rebecca T. Alpert, associate professor of religion and women's studies at Temple University, and feature a group of presenters representing the complexity of American Jewry. Panelists include Rabbi Jon Konheim, a member of the Conservative Movement's Rabbinical Assembly and the Reform Movement's Central Conference of American Rabbis; Andre Key, a graduate fellow at the Institute for the Study of Race and Social Thought and Center for Afro-Jewish Studies at Temple University; Hanna Lau, a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania and a curatorial intern at NMAJH; and Danielle Selber, an undergraduate student at Gratz College majoring in contemporary Jewish studies.

Among the topics that will be explored will be the ethnic diversity of Jews in America today and its implications for Jewish identity. Presenters will also address the personal and communal challenges multicultural Jews face as Jews and Americans. "Jewish Peoplehood in the 21st Century and Beyond" begins at 6:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the program. To RSVP, call 215.923.3811 x 142.

People attending the panel discussion are encouraged to bring a kosher canned/non-perishable item which will be donated to the Mitzvah Food Project.

This program is being held in conjunction with "Shaping Space, Making Meaning," the changing exhibition at the Museum, and American Jewish Heritage Month. Information on JAHM can be found at http://www.jewishheritage.us/. Refreshments will be provided by Kaplan's New Model Bakery.


3. VISITORS ANSWER QUESTIONS ON AMERICAN JEWISH ISSUES
In addition, 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. Other interactive elements in the exhibition include 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 exhibition design team uses the answers to these questions to give them a sense of the 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.


4. WHY TOUR WITHOUT THE J-TOUR?
Jewish Tours of Philadelphia Offered by Museum

A number of Philadelphia's earliest Jewish settlers lived on Elfreth's Alley, an approximately 300 year old historic still inhabited neighborhood. David Salisbury Franks, a controversial officer in the Continental Army is buried in Christ Church Burial Ground in historic Philadelphia. The history of Elfreth's Alley's early Jewish community and the life of Franks are among the many fascinating stories that groups will hear during the Museum's J-tours.

On the J-tour, groups explore the Colonial Jewish experience with a seasoned guide who tells the story of Philadelphia's Jewish community and the role that Jewish pioneers played in this city as well as in our emerging nation from Colonial times until now. The J-tour also explores how Jewish Philadelphians collaborated with the rest of their diverse community and contributed to the founding, maintenance and growth of the country.

"We designed the tour to be interactive," said Robert Levin, the Museum's education director. "As the tour meanders through the Old City historic district, we want participants to ask questions and engage in discussions about what it meant to be a Jew back then, and what it means to be one now."

The J-tour begins and ends at the Museum. Depending on the time a group has, the J-tour stops at such significant sites as the Statue, Religious Liberty (pictured above), Elfreth's Alley, Christ Church and Cemetery, Franklin Court, as well as other historic places where Jewish connections and contributions are highlighted.

To schedule a J-tour, please call the Museum Education Department at least six weeks in advance of the desired tour date at 215.923.5984 or fill out a group tour request form located online at our website.


5. KETUBAHS FEATURED AT MUSEUM SHOP

Wedding season is here. Visit the Museum Shop, or the Museum Shop's online store, to browse its extensive array of ketubahs such as the one pictured below, "Bashert! Meant to Be," by Michelle Rummel, premier designer, fine artist and owner of Shell Artistree LLC.

Rummel creates wedding products contemporary in design that offer a fresh creative vision.
Well known for her clean style, an artist's eye for color, texture and form, Rummel enjoys a loyal following for her award-winning fine art, which can often be found exhibited at juried shows, as well as in personal and corporate art collections around the world.

This ketubah is only one of a variety of ketubahs being sold at the Museum Shop and its online store.

In addition to ketubahs, 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 , 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.


6. AMERICAN JEWISH PLAY OPENS IN MAY WITH READER DISCOUNT OFFER

The NMAJH and Interact Theatre Company are joining together to offer E-newsletter subscribers a special offer of $18.00 tickets to see "House, Divided," a challenging and timely examination of family, faith and politics, running at The Adrienne theatre from May 23 though June 22.

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.

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. He teaches playwriting and dramaturgy at Arcadia University.


"House, Divided" is being performed at The Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St., Philadelphia.

The $18.00 discount offer is only for performances taking place from Thursday, May 29 through Sunday, June 8. Purchase by phone by calling InterAct Theatre Company's Box Office at 215.568.8079 and mentioning that you are an NMAJH E-newsletter subscriber. Discount tickets are also available by ordering online at www.InterActTheatre.org, by entering promo code "NMAJH18" at check-out. The offer is not applicable toward previously purchased tickets, cannot be combined with any other offers, and is subject to availability.

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.

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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

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