Page 35 - Holyland Magazine - 2020 Edition

by American designer Patrick Gallagher, calendar – practices crucial to the continuing
founder of Gallagher & Associates, a firm connectivity between Jews around the world.
spearheading creation of an engaging visitor
experience through specialized exhibition The New Wing
design, media programming and development; The New Wing opened in May 2016, and
and architectural designer Daniel Mintz, Mintz its exhibitions, which are currently on view,
Melamed Architects. illustrate the spirit and vision of the Museum
The team has created a permanent exhibition of the Jewish People. Its two permanent
depicting the interconnected stories of Jewish exhibitions will remain open to visitors
life throughout the centuries, an account that alongside the new Core exhibition:
begins following the destruction of the First Hallelujah! Assemble, Pray, Study –
Temple in the 6th century BCE and tracks the Synagogues Past and Present.
cultural traditions that have emerged since to This exhibition showcases the Museum’s
forever bond the Jewish people from all walks prestigious collection of twenty-one world-
of life. renowned synagogue models. Each model
The Core exhibition reflects millennia of Jewish intricately reveals the functions of a synagogue:
life and history through works of art and prayer, study, social gatherings, celebrations
multimedia displays. Original artifacts, sourced and fundraising. The exhibition asks and
from all corners of the globe, include: a Torah answers questions such as: “How did creativity
case and crown from Cochin, India, dating back develop in synagogues over the years?” and
to 1908, one of the riches from the Paradesi “Why do Jews congregate?”
Synagogue brought to the museum as a gift Heroes: Trailblazers of the Jewish People
from the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi; Designed for children, this gallery is an open
Scarlet Thread: Shabbat Set, by contemporary space encouraging free movement and play
Judaica silversmith Sari Srulovitch, and an across fifteen interactive stations and six animated
ancient scroll of Esther from a community movies. Comprised of separate categories of
of Jews expelled from Spain who settled in Jewish heroes throughout history: scientists,
Western Europe at the beginning of the 16th philosophers, revolutionaries, cultural giants,
century, a gift of the Mimran family of Yavne. athletes, courageous individuals and economic
leaders, the exhibition is an opportunity to learn
Renewal and Creativity about more than one hundred and fifty Jewish
The museum visit starts on Floor 3, where heroes, including their place and role in society.
identity and culture lead the way to an
immersive encounter with the contemporary Special Christian and Interfaith
Jewish story. Visitors will explore ideas of
Jewish culture in modern times through Tours
displays about folklore, theater, music, dance, Those of both the Jewish and Christian faith
are connected to the Bible through a shared
film, television and the arts, showcasing the historical, cultural dialogue and the Bible’s
contributions individual Jews have made to
global civilization. influence on the world. The museum reflects
this shared heritage through a display of bibles
in various languages from different eras, film
From Biblical Times Until Today and interactive displays. Visitors will explore
Floor 2 unfolds a historical narrative of global ideas of leaders, and a road sign inscribed The Atrium
Jewry, with galleries tracing the presence of with locational names from the Bible used
diverse Jewish communities throughout the everywhere in the world. Of particular interest The entrance and lobby
ages, from antiquity to the present. Focus and unique to this museum is the opportunity to
galleries provide a deeper look at Jewish trace one’s own family history in the museum’s
migrations, the evolution of Jewish culture, genealogical and ancestral name databases.
the Holocaust and its aftermath, and the Specialized tours for Christian and interfaith
establishment of the State of Israel. Of special groups provide an overview of Jewish history
note is in an interactive media map tracking and its origins in Israel during Biblical times.
Jewish journeys through time and place.
Audio guides are available in a range of
At the Core languages and a free museum app offers an
audio guide, supplemental videos and images
Floor 1 focuses on the cultural and religious
foundations of the Jewish religion, reflecting and more in-depth commentary in the galleries.
the Bible as a universal story. Here, the Bible is The museum is located on the campus of Tel Aviv
depicted through art, artifacts and multimedia University and is open 7 days a week, including
displays. The key tenets of Jewish life are Saturdays and late on Thursday evenings. For
reflected through galleries about the Sabbath, more information, visit the museum’s website at
the Covenant, and the Jewish life cycle and www.bh.org.il

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