EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMS New York City | Fall 2019 LEARNING THE PAST CONFRONTING THE PRESENT EDUCATING THE FUTURE
For more than 20 years, the Museum of Jewish Heritage–A Living Memorial to the Holocaust has served as New York’s contribution to the global responsibility to never forget. The Museum is committed to the crucial mission of educating diverse visitors about Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust.
This year, we deeply mourn the passing of our dear friend, mentor, and leader, Robert M. Morgenthau z”l, our founding Chairman and the namesake of the Museum’s Robert M. Morgenthau Wing (building in foreground below). Through his lifelong dedication to our mission and our Museum, Mr. Morgenthau ensured that people of all backgrounds can “confront and understand a painful history that can teach us, warn us, and also give us hope for the future.” HIGHLIGHTS
MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE ARTIFACTS IN Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. 2
Presented in NYC with Of the over 700 artifacts on display in this groundbreaking exhibition, nearly 100 come from the collection of New York’s Museum of Jewish Heritage. Read the stories behind some of these artifacts and how they enrich the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the history of Auschwitz and its role in the Holocaust ever presented in North America. Exhibition tickets on sale at the Admissions Desk, or online: Auschwitz.nyc
SPECIAL EXHIBITION Ordinary Treasures: Highlights from the Museum of Jewish Heritage Collection 4
ENCORE PRESENTATION The Number on Great- Grandpa’s Arm 5
Programs & Events 8
Kristallnacht Remembrance 10
Museum of Jewish Heritage Holocaust Curriculum 12
Cover image: German National Railway Model-2 freight car (collection of Musealia), one of the artifacts from Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. SPECIAL EXHIBITION ON VIEW ON MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE ARTIFACTS IN
David Polak’s Cloth Number, Gift of David and Malka Polak Of the over 700 artifacts on display in and family. the exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. Nazis liquidated the Swieciany Ghetto in April 1943 and Not far away., nearly 100 come from the massacred its inhabitants, Chaya alone survived among permanent collection of New York’s the Porus family, and ended up in the Vilna Ghetto.
Museum of Jewish Heritage–A Living It was there that Chaya received a package, sent from Memorial to the Holocaust. a friend of Rachel’s who had been tasked with sorting through the clothes of those who had been killed. The Many rare artifacts from our collection relay the friend recognized the embroidered blouse and made experience of survivors who found refuge in the greater sure that it was returned to Chaya. Chaya wore the New York area. These artifacts add a new dimension blouse defiantly as she engaged in partisan fighting in to the exhibition, reflecting a Jewish perspective on the forest near Vilna. the Holocaust and the Museum’s unique curatorial philosophy. The Museum tries to bring in to the Some artifacts are on display for the first time, like collection as many artifacts from a family as possible, Czech artist Alfred Kantor’s portfolio, containing over so that the variety of media—objects, documents, 150 original paintings and drawings created within photographs—can communicate the fullness of Auschwitz and other camps. Kantor’s depictions 2 each person’s life, and the various artifacts can of everyday life in the camps are a monumental inform and illuminate each other. complement to the Museum collection. Journalist John Wykert described the artwork as a revelation: “How Artifacts that the Museum has lent to Auschwitz. amazing that one so young could be so clear, explicit, Not long ago. Not far away. include the trumpet that and dispassionate.” musician Louis Bannet, who helped popularize American jazz in Europe, credits for saving his life while he was imprisoned in Auschwitz. Well-known as the “Dutch Louis Armstrong,” Bannet went into hiding in 1942, when the Nazis began deporting Dutch Jews. But it wasn’t long before Bannet was recognized and arrested at gunpoint. Registered at Auschwitz as prisoner 93626, Polish prisoner Heinz Frank told him, “Louis, play for your life.” Bannet became part of the inmate orchestra at Birkenau (Auschwitz II). Many who walked toward their deaths in the gas chambers heard the desperate music from Bannet’s trumpet on the way.
Consider another artifact with an illuminating narrative: a blouse that Chaya Porus hand-embroidered for her sister Rachel. The Porus family was part of the underground resistance in the Swieciany Ghetto SS helmet owned and used by Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler (modern-day Lithuania), storing guns, ammunition, (ca. 1933). Gift of David Dykaar in memory of (Corporal) and stolen machinery parts in their home. When the Raymond W. Dykaar. MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE—A LIVING MEMORIAL TO THE HOLOCAUST TO LIVING MEMORIAL JEWISH HERITAGE—A OF MUSEUM Auschwitz.nyc
Other artifacts on loan from the Museum have more complicated resonances. Alongside prisoner registration forms and identification cards, the Museum has lent a particularly evocative camp number on a cloth strip: 89896. That number was issued to David Polak, who quickly discovered that he could turn it upside-down (96868). With the ability to “change” numbers, Polak was able to move around the camp—and to be a saboteur.
As a counterpoint to these tales of Jewish life and resistance stand items from the Museum’s collection of antisemitica that depict the world of the perpetrators who created and operated the largest of the Nazi concentration and extermination camps. These artifacts include the SS helmet worn by Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler (ca. 1933), as well as a first edition of Hitler’s Mein Kampf (1925) that was Himmler’s personal copy. Neutral Zone by Alfred Kantor. Gift of Alfred Kantor. Twenty-five years old whenMein Kampf was published, Himmler found it to be “packed with truths.” He read the tome over a period of two years, underlining and making marginal notes in pencil throughout. Historians had not been aware of the book’s existence when it was given to the Museum of Jewish Heritage as an anonymous donation. It evidences a chilling continuity—the man studiously underlining this text would become the man 3
donning the SS helmet. & PROGRAMSEXHIBITIONS
The Museum is gratified to be able to contribute these rare artifacts to Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. We are pleased that so many survivors and family members have chosen the Museum of Jewish Heritage to safeguard and exhibit their precious artifacts and heirlooms—and thereby to amplify their stories of resistance, of survival, and of a depthless human injury | that must never be forgotten. SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2019
Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. is produced in partnership with Musealia and the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. The exhibition’s presentation at the Museum of Jewish Heritage–A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is made possible with lead support by Bruce C. Ratner, George and Adele Klein Family Foundation, Ingeborg and Ira Leon Rennert, and Larry and Klara Silverstein & Family. The |
exhibition is presented in part with major support by The David Berg MJHNYC.ORG Foundation, Patti Askwith Kenner, The Oster Family Foundation, and The Bernard and Anne Spitzer Charitable Trust. The New York premiere is made possible in part by Simon & Stefany Bergson with additional support from The Knapp Family Foundation. Trumpet played by Louis Bannet in Auschwitz. Gift of Louis Bannet. SPECIAL EXHIBITION
ON VIEW ON Six million Jewish people were murdered in the Holocaust. Millions of others’ lives were changed beyond recognition. European Jewish families, communities, and religious and cultural traditions were nearly stamped out forever. We live in the long shadow of this history, and we share the responsibility of remembering it.
The objects featured in this exhibition are ambassadors from a world that flesh-and-blood people created, inhabited, and fought to preserve. They illustrate Jewish life and reveal self-reliance in the face of exclusion. They were preserved through war and hardship, and with great care. They are treasures.
Ordinary Treasures is inspired by the Museum’s original Core Exhibition and by the Museum publication To Life: 36 Stories of Memory and Hope.
Ordinary Treasures is made possible in part by The Oster Family Foundation and The Krell Testimony Fund.
4 MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE—A LIVING MEMORIAL TO THE HOLOCAUST TO LIVING MEMORIAL JEWISH HERITAGE—A OF MUSEUM ON VIEW ON ENCORE PRESENTATION
THE NUMBER ON GRE AT- GRANDPA’S ARM The Emmy Award-winning HBO® documentary, The Number on Great-Grandpa’s Arm, presented with the Museum of Jewish Heritage, introduces Holocaust history to a new generation. The short family film tells the story of 10-year-old Elliott asking his 90-year-old great-grandfather, Jack, about the number tattooed on his arm. This question sparks a conversation about Jack’s life that spans happy memories growing up in 5
Poland, losing his family in the Holocaust, surviving & PROGRAMSEXHIBITIONS Auschwitz, and beginning a new life in America. Their tender exchange is woven with historical footage and hand-painted animation to tell a heartbreaking story of Jewish life in Eastern Europe before and during Artwork created by Jeff Scher the Holocaust.
The film is on view as part ofOrdinary Treasures, with an expanded presentation including rotoscope | animation stills from the film and a look inside the SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2019 studio of acclaimed artist Jeff Scher. mjhnyc.org/encorepresentation Lesson Plans In partnership with Scholastic, the Museum has released free lesson plans that help teachers and parents introduce the Holocaust in an age-appropriate manner using The Number on Great-Grandpa’s Arm as source | material. Visit mjhnyc.org/ggpa for more information. Film still of Jack and Elliott MJHNYC.ORG SPECIAL EXHIBITION
6 MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE—A LIVING MEMORIAL TO THE HOLOCAUST TO LIVING MEMORIAL JEWISH HERITAGE—A OF MUSEUM Auschwitz.nyc EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMS | SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2019 | MJHNYC.ORG
Auschwitz.nyc and an unparalleled opportunity to confront confront to opportunity and an unparalleled human evil—one of the singular face that away. not far and ago not long arose at tickets Exhibition available tours group & student Adult with in NYC Presented is the
Holocaust ever presented in North America, America, in North presented ever Holocaust Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. Not far Not long ago. Auschwitz. dedicated exhibition comprehensive most in the role and its Auschwitz of the history to 400 photographs from over 20 institutions institutions 20 over from 400 photographs world. the around and museums This groundbreaking exhibition brings brings exhibition This groundbreaking and original objects 700 than more together NOW VIEW ON SELECTED PROGRAMS & EVENTS
PROSECUTING HATE CRIMES: ART CRIMES & CHARLOTTESVILLE RESTORATION SERIES AND BEYOND TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 | 7 P M HITLER’S HOSTAGE ART THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 | 7 P M Join leading litigator Roberta Kaplan for an insiders’ discussion of the lawsuit representing those injured at Mary M. Lane, former chief European art reporter the 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville. Kaplan at The Wall Street Journal and the author of Hitler’s will be in conversation with plaintiff Reverend Seth Last Hostages, will discuss how Hitler’s obsession Wispelwey, and Integrity First for America Executive with art fueled his vision of a purified Nazi state, Director Amy Spitalnick. The three will provide an and the fate of the artwork that was hidden, stolen, overview of this landmark case and discuss its impact or destroyed to “cleanse” German culture. Lane, on the broader fight against white nationalist violence in conversation with Erin L. Thompson, America’s in America. The program will be introduced by only full-time professor of art crime, will reveal 8 Abraham H. Foxman, Director of the Center for the events leading up to 2013, when the German the Study of Anti-Semitism, and moderated by government confiscated roughly 1,300 works by John Avlon, a Senior Political Analyst at CNN. Henri Matisse, George Grosz, Claude Monet, and other masters from the reclusive son of one of Co-presented with Integrity First for America Hitler’s primary art dealers.
SEPTEMBER 11 RECOVERING COMMEMORATION NAZI-LOOTED ART WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 | 10 AM–9 PM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 | 7 P M In memory of those who were lost in the attacks at Along with the genocide of millions of Jews, the the World Trade Center site and in honor of the first Nazis fomented the most extensive theft in history responders, the Museum invites the public to come of artworks from Jews and others as part of their reflect and remember. Admission to MJH Highlights program to eliminate all vestiges of Jewish culture is free for all. A separate, paid ticket is required for and identity. Lawrence Kaye and Howard Spiegler the special exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. and their colleagues at the law firm of Herrick, Not far away. Feinstein have led the fight to recover these looted artworks. They will discuss several cases and For a complete listing of programs and to register provide an overview of the ethical and legal issues in advance, visit mjhnyc.org/events. that are involved in recovering Nazi-looted art. MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE—A LIVING MEMORIAL TO THE HOLOCAUST TO LIVING MEMORIAL JEWISH HERITAGE—A OF MUSEUM CHILDHOOD AND SELFHOOD: IRENE BUTTER IN CONVERSATION WITH ANDREW SOLOMON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 | 7 PM
“Enemies are people whose story you haven't heard,” says Dr. Irene Hasenberg Butter, a survivor of two concentration camps who has dedicated her life to Holocaust education. She will share her story in a conversation with Dr. Andrew Solomon, author of Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity and the National Book Award-winning The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression. “TEHRAN CHILDREN” WITH AUTHOR MIKHAL DEKEL FORGOTTEN SOLDIER WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 | 7 PM TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 | 7 PM Tehran Children is the true story of Polish-Jewish children who escaped the Nazis and found refuge in (2018, 69 mins., English, French, and Dutch) The film Iran. Mikhal Dekel, the daughter of one of these child Forgotten Soldier tells the story of “Master of Bluffing” refugees, spent eight years extensively researching Salomon Noach, a Dutch citizen who risked his life in and traveling around the world to write a far-reaching Vichy, France to save hundreds from deportation to account of Jews who found asylum in Muslim lands. Auschwitz. This is the New York premiere of the film, which won festival awards in the UK, Canada, and the U.S. A discussion will follow with Noach's daughter Lady Irene Hatter, her brother Jacques Hatter, and STORIES SURVIVE SERIES survivor Herman Veder (featured in the film). At our monthly Stories Survive Speaker 9
Series, hear a Holocaust survivor, World War II & PROGRAMSEXHIBITIONS SNAPSHOTS FROM veteran, teacher, or descendant of a survivor A LOST WORLD share their life story in their own words. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 | 7 PM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 | 1 PM In 1986, during a tour of Auschwitz, Ann Weiss Rene David Alkalay was born in Croatia during the discovered a storage facility and came across an war, and was imprisoned as an infant and toddler archive of 2,400 personal photographs, which had been from 1941–1943 in the Kraljavica concentration confiscated from Jewish deportees. In this lecture and
camp with his mother and grandparents. | presentation, Dr. Weiss, author of The Last Album: Eyes SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2019 from the Ashes of Auschwitz-Birkenau, will share 200 Free; advance reservations recommended of these unforgettable images—over 30 of which are at mjhnyc.org/events currently on display in Auschwitz. Not long ago. Mark your calendar: Not far away. SUNDAYS, OCTOBER 6, NOVEMBER 10 & DECEMBER 1 | 1 PM Complimentary admission to most programs; reserve tickets at mjhnyc.org/events. Speakers to be announced. |
MJHNYC.ORG 81ST ANNIVERSARY KRISTALLNACHT Throughout our commemoration of KRISTALLNACHT HISTORY the 81st anniversary of Kristallnacht, & SIGNIFICANCE: TALK Museum admission to MJH Highlights WITH NATALIA ALEKSIUN and remembrance programs will be free MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | 7 PM for all from November 7–11. Natalia Aleksiun, Associate Professor of Modern Jewish History at Touro’s Graduate School of Jewish Studies, will discuss the history leading up to KRISTALLNACHT Kristallnacht and the impact of Kristallnacht on the COMMEMORATION religious, economic, and social dynamics of Jews SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 | 10 AM – 9 PM within Germany and Nazi-occupied territory.
In commemoration of the 81st anniversary of Free; advance registration recommended Kristallnacht, the Museum will provide a public candle-lighting area in the Anne & Bernard Spitzer Grand Foyer and free admission to MJH Highlights, STORIES SURVIVE: AN which includes Ordinary Treasures: Highlights EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT from the Museum of Jewish Heritage Collection, OF KRISTALLNACHT the Pickman Keeping History Center, and Andy MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | 2 PM Goldsworthy’s contemplative Garden of Stones. On November 10, 1938, 10-year-old Ruth Zimbler and A separate, paid ticket is required for the special her brother Walter watched from their apartment as exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. the largest synagogue in Vienna was destroyed. Hear Ruth’s first-person account ofKristallnacht .
Free; advance registration recommended
10 MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE—A LIVING MEMORIAL TO THE HOLOCAUST TO LIVING MEMORIAL JEWISH HERITAGE—A OF MUSEUM SELECTED PROGRAMS & EVENTS
LIMITED RUN THEATER OF WAR PRODUCTIONS’ “THE INVESTIGATION” NOVEMBER 13 & 14 | 7 PM at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, Brooklyn Heights JANUARY 16, 2020 | 7 PM at the Museum of Jewish Heritage Theater of War Productions and the Museum DR. YAFFA ELIACH THIRD of Jewish Heritage, in partnership with National ANNUAL MEMORIAL LECTURE Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, will present scenes from Peter Weiss’ play The Investigation, a searing SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 | 2 PM piece of theater adapted from the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials of 1963–1965. Internationally-renowned scholar Debórah Dwork, Founding Director of the Strassler Center for Holocaust The scenes will be performed by a diverse cast and Genocide Studies at Clark University, and the of leading actors from stage and film, including co-author (with Robert Jan van Pelt) of Auschwitz, international performers from countries affected will present the third annual Dr. Yaffa Eliach Memorial by genocide. Lecture. Family members of Dr. Eliach’s will also speak Performances will be followed by guided about her groundbreaking Center for Holocaust Studies, discussions about the lasting impact of mass Documentation and Research, which merged with the murder on individuals, families, communities, Museum of Jewish Heritage in 1990. and countries. Free; advance registration recommended Free; advance registration recommended at mjhnyc.org/eliachmemorial 11 at mjhnyc.org/theinvestigation EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMSEXHIBITIONS
friends to commemorate those who were lost, and to look toward a future of hope and renewal.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Holocaust survivor, longtime
Museum Board member, author, and advocate, has | SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2019 SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2019 been a major pillar of our Museum family. In the recent documentary Ask Dr. Ruth we learn more of her extraordinary story. Join us as we honor Dr. Ruth and help us guarantee that her message GENERATION TO of hope and resilience is GENERATION EVENT carried forward by future generations. |
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 | 6 PM MJHNYC.ORG For sponsorship and For decades, the Generation to Generation Event has ticket information, visit brought together survivors and their families and mjhnyc.org/generation. MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE HOLOCAUST CURRICULUM
The Museum of Jewish Heritage In addition to downloadable, mobile-friendly versions of Holocaust Curriculum is an innovative the lesson plans, holocaustcurriculum.nyc features: teaching resource featuring free, flexible nnArtifacts from the Museum collection lesson plans and primary sources for nnHolocaust survivor testimony videos
middle and high school students. nnComprehensive timeline and glossary
We created this curriculum to support teachers, nnProfessional development videos community leaders, and others with structured lesson nnAdditional activities and resources for plans, multimedia resources, and options for a range of teachers and students 12 uses to teach about the Holocaust across grade levels and subject areas. INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS Active classroom teachers of Social Studies and English Language Arts are invited to introductory, one-day workshops on the Museum of Jewish Heritage Holocaust Curriculum. Primary source-based workshops, discussions of best practices, and survivor testimony will prepare teachers to bring these lessons to their classrooms. Participants will earn CTLE hours. Workshops are free; pre-registration is required.
Find more information at holocaustcurriculum.nyc/events
Our curriculum incorporates best classroom practices, emphasizing instructional outcomes and integrating The Museum of Jewish Heritage Holocaust Curriculum is made primary sources for artifact-based learning from our possible through the generosity of The Molly Blank Fund of the Museum collection. Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Major support has been provided by The Myron and Alayne Meilman Family Foundation in memory of Alayne Meilman, and the Mildred and Alvin Caplow Fund of The Leo Rosner Foundation. Additional support has been provided by Young Friends of the Museum, and the Gallery Educator Friends MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE—A LIVING MEMORIAL TO THE HOLOCAUST TO LIVING MEMORIAL JEWISH HERITAGE—A OF MUSEUM of the Museum Fund. EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMS | SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2019 | MJHNYC.ORG 8/14/19 12:28 PM
Merete Muenter . 200. 200
EXTEXT Choreographed by Zalmen Mlotek 212-213-2120 212-213-2120 or call Musical Direction by AT Previews Previews December 1–5,December 1–5, 2019 2019 Motl Didner IN YIDDISH WITH ENGLISH AND RUSSIAN SUPERTITLESIN YIDDISH WITH ENGLISH AND RUSSIAN SUPERTITLES Performances Performances December December 8–29,8–29, 2019 2019 Directed by A fairytale-like story of a pure-hearted young woman who A fairytale-like story of a pure-hearted young woman who A fairytale-like story of a pure-hearted young woman who
TICKETS: NYTF.ORG or call 212-213-2120 TICKETS: NYTF.ORG TICKETS: NYTF.ORG
triumphs over her tormentors, a scheming stepmother and a wicked witch. triumphs over her tormentors, a scheming stepmother and triumphs over her tormentors, a scheming stepmother and a wicked witch. triumphs over her tormentors, a scheming stepmother and The fully restored orchestration are based, in part, on pre-Holocaust musical arrangements that were saved from destruction The fully restored orchestration are based, in part, on pre-Holocaust musical arrangements that were saved The fully restored orchestration are based, in part, on pre-Holocaust musical arrangements that were saved from destruction The fully restored orchestration are based, in part, on pre-Holocaust musical arrangements that were saved at the hands of the Nazis by the famed “Paper Brigade” of the YIVO in Vilna, who risked their lives to save thousands of unique at the hands of the Nazis by the famed “Paper Brigade” of the YIVO in Vilna, who risked their lives to save thousands at the hands of the Nazis by the famed “Paper Brigade” of the YIVO in Vilna, who risked their lives to save thousands of unique at the hands of the Nazis by the famed “Paper Brigade” of the YIVO in Vilna, who risked their lives to save thousands Avrom Goldfaden Avrom This delighful operetta by Avrom Goldfaden is one of the earliest works of Yiddish theatre and the first to be produced in America. earliest works of Yiddish theatre and the first to be produced in America. Goldfaden is one of the Goldfaden is one of the This delighful operetta by Avrom This delighful operetta by Avrom documents and manuscripts. This fully-staged work is the culmination of a project that NYTF began in 2017 to restore this classic. began in 2017 This fully-staged work is the culmination of a project that NYTF documents and manuscripts. documents and manuscripts. This fully-staged work is the culmination of a project that NYTF began in 2017 to restore this classic. began in 2017 This fully-staged work is the culmination of a project that NYTF documents and manuscripts. Avrom Goldfaden Directed by Motl Didner Musical Direction by Zalmen Mlotek Choreographed by Merete Muenter By By Avrom THE THE SORCERESS SORCERESS 11101_MuseumJewishHerit_FallCatalog_v2.indd 13 BEYOND THE MUSEUM
JEWISHGEN AUSCHWITZ JEWISH CENTER JewishGen.org, a proud member of the Museum of The Auschwitz Jewish Center in Oświęcim, Poland, Jewish Heritage family, is the global home for Jewish operated by the Museum of Jewish Heritage–A Living genealogy. Featuring unparalleled access to over 30 Memorial to the Holocaust, is just two miles from the million records, it offers unique search tools, along Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps. The only Jewish with opportunities for researchers to connect presence in the vicinity of Auschwitz, the Center opened with others who share similar interests. its doors in September 2000 to provide a place for individuals and groups from around the world to gather, Thousands each day make use of award-winning learn, pray, and remember the victims of the Holocaust. resources such as the Family Finder, Discussion Groups, and ViewMate. In addition, JewishGen’s New this fall is a Memorial Park at the site of the extensive informational, educational, and historical Great Synagogue in Oświęcim. In November 1939, the offerings, such as the Jewish Communities Database, Nazis burned the Great Synagogue to the ground. Now, Yizkor (Memorial) Book translations, InfoFiles, 80 years later, the Center led crowdfunding campaigns 14 and KehilaLinks, provide critical insights, first-hand in English and Polish that have brought 200 donors— accounts, and context about Jewish communal and including current residents of Oświęcim—together to familial life throughout the world. ensure a welcoming and reflective space for visitors. The Memorial Park will include historical photographs JewishGen recently launched the Miriam Weiner Routes of the Great Synagogue and a piece of the original floor to Roots Collection, making thousands of Eastern discovered during archaeological excavations in 2004. European name lists, archive inventories, maps, and photographs, available for the first time. Learn more about the Auschwitz Jewish Center at ajcf.org. Offered as a free resource, JewishGen.org has facilitated thousands of family connections and is currently engaged in an intensive expansion effort that will bring many more records, tools, and resources to its collection.
Start your search today at JewishGen.org. MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE—A LIVING MEMORIAL TO THE HOLOCAUST TO LIVING MEMORIAL JEWISH HERITAGE—A OF MUSEUM JEWISH HERITAGE TRAVEL GERDA III AT MYSTIC SEAPORT Curated by the Museum of Jewish Heritage–A Living MUSEUM IN CONNECTICUT Memorial to the Holocaust, in partnership with Jewish During World War II, in defiance of their German Heritage Travel, each trip is rich in content and superior occupiers, the people of Denmark saved nearly the in comfort. These are excursions that will allow you to entire Jewish population of their country. Gerda III was explore the traditions, achievements, and faith of Jewish one of the boats used to secretly ferry Danish Jews to communities—past and present—around the world. safety. Approximately 300 Jews, in groups of 10 to 15, were hidden in the workboat’s cargo hold and brought Portugal | OCTOBER 2019 to neutral Sweden in October 1943. In 1989, an act of Cuba | JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020 Danish Parliament donated Gerda III to the Museum of Alsace | APRIL 2020 Jewish Heritage–A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. Poland | JUNE 2020 Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut, has Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia | SEPTEMBER 2020 expertly maintained and exhibited the vessel, keeping alive the history and values that the workboat so Berlin (week-long study trip) | OCTOBER 2020 15 powerfully represents. Barcelona to Provence | OCTOBER 2020 & PROGRAMSEXHIBITIONS Funds for the restoration were generously provided by Argentina | NOVEMBER 2020 Dr. and Mrs. Justin Lee Altshuler, the A.P. Moeller and Seville | NOVEMBER 2020 Chastine McKinney Moeller Foundation, and the J. Aron Foundation. For more information, visit jhtravel.org or call 845.256.0197. Learn more at mjhnyc.org/gerda. | SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2019 SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2019 |
MJHNYC.ORG JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
We invite you to join our vibrant community of members. Museum members receive a range of MEMBERS LEARN benefits, including special access to the exhibition THREE CLASSES IN NOVEMBER 2019 Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. and free Join us for an exclusive, members-only three-part admission to Museum installations, including learning experience featuring classes by acclaimed Ordinary Treasures: Highlights from the Museum of scholars and museum professionals, object talks, Jewish Heritage Collection, as well as exclusive and lunch. Members Learn opportunities. Class topics and descriptions available online at You can explore our membership program online at mjhnyc.org/memberevents mjhnyc.org/join or call 646.437.4334. Membership also makes a great gift for a family member or friend.
To become a member when you visit the Museum, YOUNG FRIENDS please speak to a Visitor Services representative at the SHABBAT DINNER Ann & Abe Oster Welcome Desk in the lobby. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 | 7 PM–9 PM
Young Friends (ages 21–39) are invited to join us for an MEMBER MORNING HOURS exclusive Shabbat dinner at Colbeh restaurant. Dinner includes wine and dessert. Dietary laws observed. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 | 8 AM–10 AM Space is limited. All proceeds benefit the Museum. Join us for exclusive, members-only access to the exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. Special thanks to the Elias A. Cohen Foundation. Members do not need to redeem their complimentary For ticket information, visit premium ticket(s) to attend Member Morning. mjhnyc.org/yfshabbatdinner Each member is welcome to bring one guest. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. LIGHT UP THE NIGHT: Please visit mjhnyc.org/membermorning to reserve YOUNG FRIENDS your timeslot. HANUKKAH GALA Member Morning attendees will be able to explore THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 | 8 PM–12 AM the exhibition through both self-guided and Gallery Educator-led tours. Young Friends (ages 21–39) celebrate the Festival of Lights with an evening of dinner, mjhnyc.org/join drinks, and dancing. Black tie optional. mjhnyc.org/youngfriends For ticket information, visit mjhnyc.org/lightupthenight VISIT THE MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE–A LIVING MEMORIAL TO THE HOLOCAUST All are welcome to join us in learning and remembrance. In LOX at Café Bergson, the Museum’s café with We strive to ensure that our exhibitions, programs, and incredible views of New York Harbor, enjoy a fresh take facilities are accessible to everyone. on classic favorites including blintzes and lox cured in-house (OU kosher certified). On September 11 and throughout our Kristallnacht commemoration programming period (November In Edmond J. Safra Hall, experience compelling 7–11), Museum admission to MJH Highlights and public programs including talks, performances, and remembrance programs will be free for all. Please note film screenings. Visitmjhnyc.org/events for more that a separate, paid ticket is required for the special information about our programs. exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. Museum hours through November 7, 2019 are: To arrange group visits and tours, contact Sunday–Thursday | 10 AM–9 PM [email protected] or 646.437.4304. 17 Friday | 10 AM–5 PM Saturday | CLOSED & PROGRAMSEXHIBITIONS #StoriesSurvive Starting November 8, 2019, Friday hours change to 10 AM–3 PM
For a list of holiday closures, visit mjhnyc.org/holidays.
Image credits: Cover, inside cover (Museum exterior), Page 4, Page 8 (art restitution), Page 11 (Generation to Generation 2018), Page 12, Page 16, Page 17: John Halpern; Inside cover (Robert M. Morgenthau): Karjean Ng; Page 5 (bottom |
photo): ©HBO; Page 8: Shane Thomas McMillan (Charlottesville march photo); SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2019 The Museum is supported, in part, by public funds from the Page 9: Nina Subin (Mikhal Dekel); Page 10: Candlelighting image from shutterstock.com; Page 11: Yaffa Eliach from the Museum’s collection; Amazon New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with Publishing (Dr. Ruth); Page 14: ©JewishGen (JewishGen photos); ©Narchitektura, the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts. Kraków, Poland (Memorial Park); Page 15: Joe Michael, ©Mystic Seaport (Gerda III) |
MJHNYC.ORG Edmond J. Safra Plaza 36 Battery Place New York, NY 10280 646.437.4202 mjhnyc.org
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