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January 7, 2005/Tevet 26 5765, Vol. 57, No. 19
Have history, will travel
DEBORAH SUSSMAN SUSSER
Associate Editor
In support of Celebrate 350, the Sylvia Plotkin Judaica Museum of Temple Beth Israel has created a traveling exhibit that is available for rent to public schools, Jewish day schools and synagogues. Also available is a hands-on "traveling trunk" project.
The museum's director, Pamela Levin, says the museum created the displays "to encourage local synagogues and educational institutions to participate in the National 'Celebrate 350: Jewish Life in America' year."
The traveling trunk exhibit comprises two suitcases filled with domestic ritual objects packed among simple clothing, to illustrate the dedication of early immigrants to the process of immigration and the preservation of their heritage and religion. The larger exhibit consist of 10 panels that hook together to form a free-standing display. It travels in a compact case weighing 100 pounds and can fit in a van or pickup truck. Topics presented on the panels include the arrival of the first Jews in America, great opportunities of this country, freedom of religion, and others.
Under Levin's direction, the museum's capable intern, Ruth Callahan (a Ph.D. candidate and professor at Glendale Community College) compiled the information for the exhibits. (Callahan's doctoral thesis on Franz Kafka will be a future museum program.) Levin says that the easily transportable exhibits allow "any synagogue, regardless of size, to share our rich Jewish American heritage with their congregation."
The museum will present several related exhibits and displays during this commemorative year. Currently on display are 120 gold medals from "The Metallic History of the Jews of America," a bicentennial commemoration by the Judaic Heritage Society.
The museum's next exhibit, opening on Feb. 6, will feature the works of Archie Rand, one of the many Jewish pioneers of the American comic book industry.
For more information on the museum or the traveling exhibits, contact Levin, 480-951-0323, or e-mail museum@templebethisrael.org.
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