Blog from Battery Place

Homage To Andrzej Wajda

2017-02-27T11:02:00.002-08:00

During the In Memoriam tribute at the 2017 Academy Awards on Sunday, February 26, many notable talents were honored including the late Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda.

To honor his work and memory, the Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust will screen two of Wajda’s iconic films: Katyn on Sunday, March 5 and Afterimage on Wednesday, March 29. Each screening will be followed by a discussion with Professor of the History and Theory of Cinema Stuart Liebman, CUNY, joined on March 5 by Professor of Film Andrzej Krakowski, City College, CUNY.

Living in Kraków during World War II, Wajda hid on the second floor of his uncles’ house, going outdoors as little as possible for fear of the oppressive and brutal control of the Nazis. After the war, Wadja studied to be a painter at Kraków's Academy of Fine Arts before entering the Łódź Film School under Aleksander Ford. In 1954, Wajda’s first film, A Generation, expressed his disdain of war and blind nationalism. A Generation was followed by increasingly accomplished films, including Ashes and Diamonds and Everything for Sale. In 2000, the director was honored with an honorary Oscar for his many contributions to cinema. Over the course of his career, Andrzej Wajda was continually dedicated to chronicling the socio-political history of Poland. In October 2016, Wajda passed away.

Tickets for each screening are $15 for adults, $12 for members, and free for students with ID. Tickets are available on the Museum’s website at www.mjhnyc.orgor by calling the box office at (646) 437-4202.

Including People with Disabilities in the Galleries and in Programs

2016-12-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

Photo by Melanie Einzig

We appreciate Janice Lintz putting a focus on serving people with disabilities, both with programs and as part of museum exhibitions. In addition to an expanding roster of programs for people with disabilities, visitors to the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust can learn the history about Nazi discrimination against the disabled.

In the Core Exhibition, visitors learn that the Nazis justified their racism and discrimination through eugenics, a false science that taught that there was a biological and genetic basis for the superiority of some races over others. “Racial Science” textbooks illustrate how Nazi discrimination against the disabled was implemented. When visitors examine these textbooks, they learn that the Nazis considered some people to be threats to their own “Aryan race.” These so-called threats included people who were judged to have a “serious congenital illness,” which included hereditary deafness and other disabilities.

Visitors also learn that the term “mercy killing” (euthanasie) was used deceptively to mean mass murder of Germans considered a burden to the state. They learn that adults and children who had been identified as having physical or mental disabilities were killed in large numbers through gassing. The Nazis tried to keep this as secret as possible, but German citizens learned what was happening and expressed their outrage. In August 1941 the Nazis officially ended the gassing of adults with disabilities.

Because of the Museum’s commitment to accessibility, we offer regularly scheduled programs for the deaf community (ASL@MJH) and tours led in ASL by deaf museum educators. Assisted Listening Devices are available for visitors who are hard of hearing. In addition, we provide visual description tours, touch objects, and large print gallery text for visitors who are blind or with low vision. We regularly schedule tours for visitors with Autism and will soon offer programs for visitors with dementia.

We are constantly engaged in learning and incorporating best practices for accessibility. We follow the American Alliance of Museums’ guidelines for diversity, equity, and accessibility, and are active members of the Museum Access Consortium and the New York City Museum Educators Roundtable Access Peer Group.

Janice Lintz raises important issues about how society recognizes and serves people with disabilities and, thereby, all members of our community. This is a critical conversation, and the Museum of Jewish Heritage looks forward to continuing to engage, expand, and deepen its work in this area.

For more information about the Museum’s tours, programs, and services for people with disabilities, please contact Education@mjhnyc.org.

RUTH GRUBER

2016-11-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

Ruth Gruber discussing her book, Witness, with her niece, Dava Sobel, at a public program at the Museum on April 25, 2007

Photo: Melanie Einzig

Ruth Gruber z”l passed away on November 17, 2016 at the age of 105. Ruth was an integral part of Jewish history in the 20^th century and a beloved friend of the Museum. A trailblazing photojournalist and a fearless humanitarian, her life and work are inextricably bound with the rescue and survival of the Jewish people. While there are many articles detailing her life and extraordinary work, we want to highlight Ruth’s special relationship to the Museum.

In January 2007, the Museum showcased an exhibition featuring her work, From the Heart: The Photojournalism of Ruth Gruber. Ruth had backstage access to Jewish history: she escorted war refugees from Europe to America; visited DP camps; detailed the plight of the Exodus 1947; described the establishment of the State of Israel; and documented Israel’s ingathering of refugees from Europe, Iraq, Yemen, and Ethiopia. Emissary for Harold Ickes and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, friend to Eleanor Roosevelt and Golda Meier, Ruth was both a witness to history and a human rights advocate. A selection from the exhibition is permanently on view on the Museum’s first floor; entry is free.

Ruth was a devoted supporter of the Museum. She served as the guest speaker at the Spring Women’s Luncheon, an annual fundraiser, in three separate years – 1995, 1998, and 2003. In 2007, Ruth gave a talk about her memoir, Witness, which included photographs and stories that not only chronicled her daring adventures, but provided new insights into some of the most dramatic events of the last century.

One of the stories was her top secret assignment for FDR where she accompanied 1,000 refugees to America — the only Jewish refugees allowed in this country at the time — and brought them to Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. This chapter of her life, also the subject of her much-lauded book Haven, was made into a CBS miniseries starring Natasha Richardson as Ruth.

In 2012, the Museum was honored to present a screening of Ahead of Time: The Extraordinary Journey of Ruth Gruber, a documentary about her groundbreaking work in the 1930s and 1940s. Ruth was captivating as she participated in a post-screening discussion. The executive producers of this documentary included her dear friend and Museum Trustee Patti Kenner, and Doris Schechter, the restaurateur behind My Most Favorite Food, whose family had been among the Oswego refugees.

The Talmud says “Saving a single life is like saving an entire world.” Humanitarian, journalist, and activist Ruth Gruber saved the world a thousand times over.

Olympic Pride, American Prejudice and Munich ’72 and Beyond

2016-11-07T11:15:00.003-08:00

The documentaries Olympic Pride, American Prejudice and Munich ’72 and Beyond both follow the stories of several Olympic athletes that have impacted the world. The athletes in both films were subject to prejudices, and what happened to them while at their separate Olympic games are important parts of history. The stories told in these documentaries have the ability to teach important lessons of strength and perseverance to people today.

The film Olympic Pride, American Prejudice, written and directed by Deborah Riley Draper and narrated and executive produced by Blair Underwood, recounts the story of 18 African American athletes at the Olympic Summer Games of 1936 held in Berlin, Germany. This film covers the stories of the 17 lesser known teammates of Jesse Owens, which included two women athletes. The film was just selected for consideration as a potential Oscar nominee.

These 18 athletes defied Adolf Hitler, Jim Crow segregation, and were representing a country that viewed them as inferior human beings. This past September all 18 of the Olympic athletes were recognized at the White House by President Obama, 80 years after their heroic summer in Berlin.

Director Riley Draper said, “Our film can change hearts and minds in the same way the black athletes did in 1936. We shed light on an 80 year-old act of bias and ignited a movement to ensure their story and legacy lives on.”

Whether or not you are familiar with the story of these Olympians, watching the film and hearing the recounted stories and experiences of these athletes will shed new insights on an incredible story of strength and perseverance. Munich ’72 and Beyond, directed by Stephen Crisman and executive produced by Michael Cascio, tells the story of the kidnapping and murder of 11 Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists at the Munich Summer Olympics in 1972.

The event known as the “Munich Massacre” was the first act of modern terrorism and became a historical turning point for not only for the Olympics, but for terrorism. In the documentary, family members, eyewitnesses, law enforcement, Olympic officials, Israelis, and Palestinians are all interviewed to recount the horrific crime that was committed in the summer of 1972.

The documentary uncovers negligence and misconduct of those involved with the case. The families discuss the four-decades-long battle that went into creating a public memorial to recognize, remember, and tell the story of the loved ones who tragically lost their lives at the Olympic games of 1972.

Both documentaries will be screened at the Museum: Olympic Pride, American Prejudice on November 13 at 2 P.M. and Munich ’72 and Beyond on November 16 at 7 P.M. Admission is free and advance registration is recommended.

Reserve tickets to Olympic Pride, American Prejudice

Reserve tickets to Munich ’72 and Beyond

From Austria to America

2016-08-23T08:27:00.001-07:00

This blog post is an interview of Florian Huelbig given by Esther Moerdler, the Communications intern.

Every Austrian man, when he completes high school, must serve his nation either through military service or through volunteer work. Florian Huelbig, Flo, chose to spend his year volunteering abroad. He spent part of his time in the Vienna office of Austrian Service Abroad, an NGO that focuses on memorial and service opportunities abroad for these post-high school young men, 6 months in Barcelona and 6 months right here, at MJH.

Do they teach a lot about WWII and the Holocaust at your high school?

They taught a lot about the Second World War and about the humiliation of Jews and the concentration camps. They focused mostly on Jews, but we hardly learned about the genocide of the Roma. I really wanted to learn new things and be an advocate, and make the world better.

What made you choose coming here versus going to the army?

I wanted to do something sustainable after graduating high school. I was always interested in studying the Holocaust and Roma culture. So I went to Barcelona for the first half of the year, where I worked for a Roma organization and the second half is here, working with my second focus.

What have you gotten to do here so far?

My main duties are translating and summarizing audio testimonies for the Collections & Exhibitions department. I also do research and help with the database. I try to help where I can.

What is one of the most interesting things you’ve learned while being here at the museum?

Now I’ve been measuring artifacts. They’re so interesting and mostly in German, so I can read them easily. It’s interesting and sometimes it’s a little…I’ll hold a bullet and know that this bullet killed people. It’s a little uncomfortable. It’s interesting to see all the things that people have donated to the museum.

Did you come here with other people?

No. I came here with no one.

How has that been?

It’s been really exciting. I’ve enjoyed living alone for the first time and making new friends. It has been super awesome. I’m glad I came here alone. It’s just a proof that I can survive on my own.

How do you like NYC?
It’s great. I really like it so far. Sometimes it’s a little too big and stressed out. I’m more the type to chill a little bit, not the type to stress. It’s NYC; you can’t compare any other city to NYC.

What’s your favorite part of the city?

I think it’s the Meatpacking District because it’s so cool with its many restaurants. It’s not really hipster, it’s just modern and has a lot of young people there. I like the shopping there too. I like Williamsburg as well. It’s cool, you meet interesting people there.

What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you in the city?

So I visited a friend in Brooklyn and after my visit I went to a barber nearby on Bedford Street. It was at like 9 o’clock PM. The barber turned to me after and said, “Don’t cross the street, if you do you’ll get robbed.” I was like, “what?!” and she said, “Trust me trust me, don’t cross the street.” It was crazy. Every city is at some point dangerous, but it was just unexpected. I went to the barber and after I couldn’t cross the street. That had never happened to me before.

What do you have planned after this?

I’m going after this to South America trip for a few weeks after this. I’m going to Mexico, Lima, Costa Rica, Cuba, and after that Buenos Aires. I have a friend who is doing the same program but in Costa Rica doing service there. This is my first time in South America and first time in America as well. It’s been a whole new experience. Next year I will go to university in Vienna, well in a suburb of Vienna. I’m going to study audio and film. I want to make documentary films. I like the idea of learning from the movie you’re seeing. I’m open for anything though. I’m just excited for the experience.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is coming to New York from, let’s say Austria, what would it be?

If it was someone coming from Austria, which is a pretty small country, they wouldn’t necessarily know about big cities like New York. I think they have to take their time and not be stressed out by the City, just enjoy it.

Any final thoughts?

I’ve really enjoyed my time abroad, especially at the museum. Everyone has been so kind to me. If I had the opportunity to come here again, I’d definitely do it.

Getting to know Rachel Zatcoff

2016-08-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

Rachel Zatcoff and ensemble. Photo: Justin Scholar.

This blog post is an interview of Rachel Zatcoff (starring as Khanele in the summer production of The Golden Bride) and was given by Esther Moerdler, the Communications intern.

Rachel Zatcoff didn’t know Yiddish before joining the cast of The Golden Bride, but that doesn’t seem to stop her. Having started acting and singing as a child, and later studying voice and opera, Zatcoff’s bubbly energy radiates from the stage as she takes on the character of Khanele, the main character Goldele’s best friend and love interest’s sister, in National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s production, which won two Drama Desk awards.

How did you get involved in Yiddish theater?

Well, for this particular project my agent submitted me for it. My first audition was here at the theater, I had a call back the week after and they ended up calling me. I had five days between my last day at Phantom [of the Opera] and starting here. So it was a very fast transition.

It must have been a stark contrast?

Yes it was, but a very interesting one for me.

How does it compare for you - coming from Phantom of the Opera and now performing in The Golden Bride?

Because the size of the shows are so different, this [Golden Bride] is such an intimate experience and I’ve really appreciated that coming off of Phantom, which is such a spectacle and such a big show. And I had no experience in Yiddish, zero. I had sung in other languages with my opera experience and training, but never Yiddish. I was excited to take on a new language but it was a huge challenge to do it in twelve days.

So you learned all of this in twelve days? How did you go about taking that on?

I had the script and score for three days before rehearsal, whereas typically in most situations I’ve been in I’ve had it for significantly more time than that. So I would come to the first rehearsal with it pretty much learned which was impossible for me to do. But they had a diction coach for us, which was really helpful. Her name is Edit [Kuper] and she really helped me a lot. The cast, all of the other principles had done the show last year, and they were so supportive and helpful in helping me learn everything, and just being there for me because it was stressful. The creative team too, Zalmen [Mlotek], Bryna [Wasserman] and Merete [Muenter], were just really helpful in pacing out the twelve days and making sure I could get it under my belt.

How do you approach playing a comedic role?

It was a challenge, but a fun one. Good comedy, I think, is all about good timing. That’s something hard to gauge, especially while in rehearsal. Without an audience it is tough. I had no idea when they would laugh, and what they would find funny. You can’t guess that, you can’t play to get laughs and be funny. It’s so different from playing the romantic ingénue, and it’s so much fun. Standing there singing a ballad, I’m so used to that, and this is such a refreshing change.

How does the show speak to you?

I love the coming to America story always. It’s so inspirational. Especially in our world today, which is such a mess. We are so lucky to live in America, as cheesy as that may sound. And I love the sense of family, community, unity, and romantic love. The show is funny; it is really so fun and so exciting to be a part of.

If you could sum up the show in one word, what would it be?

Oh, love. I really would. There is a lot of love in the show; family love, love of culture, romantic love, friendship love, all sorts of love. I guess that would be my word. It is so nice. Yesterday I put a post on social media because I felt so touched by the show. I’ve seen people [in the audience] crying laughing, there are so many emotions that have been so awesome.

How is your character like you or different from you?

Well, she is a lot like me because she’s kind of spunky and most people in my life think I’m quite funny. Well, I don’t think I’m all that funny, but people think I am, so it’s nice to finally get my feet wet with a comedic role. I hadn’t had the chance in my career yet to dive into these types of roles. She’s also passionate; I’d say that I’m passionate…and a little crazy.

Is there anything challenging for you about bringing the show to life?

Well, the language is certainly a challenge. It’s one of those shows where you really have to keep reviewing it. You’re speaking in a foreign language and you really have to know what you’re saying... and what everyone else is saying! And for me, I’m usually playing the ingénue role, the Goldele role, you know? So to be playing the comic relief scenes is really just a blast!

The Second act is physically, emotionally and vocally difficult. I spend a large chunk of time on stage where it is scene, song, scene, song, and that makes it a huge challenge. But Glenn [Seven Allen] has been a total dream to work with. It has its general bone structure but it’s live theater and because it’s so comedic and so much about timing it shifts from show to show, which makes it a lot of fun.

Who in the show’s cast would you say is most like their character?

Ooh, I’m going to say Adam Shapiro as Kalmen. Just because he’s truly that hilarious in life and he would also totally wear a tutu. And that’s why I think he’s so amazing. He brings so much to himself to the role, and that’s why he has the whole house laughing from the start.

If you could play any other role in The Golden Bride, who would it be?

Ooh, anyone? I’d say…The mother, Regina’s [Gibson] role. It is so incredibly powerful, particularly because Regina is so amazing, but also because it’s one of those moments in a show when the whole audience gasps. That this little piece is written into this show that has such a huge impact. She (Regina) always brings herself into the role so deeply that it’s moving to the audience, and moving to me standing there on stage watching her.

What is the last thing you do before you step on stage?

I usually look up. I know this is strange to say but I usually just put my head up, look up, and remember where I am. Remember where I am as Rachel, in my life, and then just bring myself to the show and get excited to tell the story.

4 Things to Do on the 4th of July

2016-06-29T09:01:00.003-07:00

This blog post is written by Esther Moerdler, the Museum’s Communications Intern.

Did you know that New York City was the original capital of America? Here are four exciting ways to celebrate Independence Day in historic Lower Manhattan:

1. The Golden Bride

Due to popular demand, National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene brings The Golden Bride back to the Museum of Jewish Heritage this summer. Kick off your day by visiting the Museum, open 10 A.M. to 5:45 P.M., watch the return of this Drama Desk nominated show, then grab a hot dog and enjoy stunning views of Liberty Island at a post-show BBQ reception.

$55 includes show & reception – use code BBQ55.

Click To Buy Tickets or call 212-213-2120 x206.

2. Seaport District NYC Festival of Independence

On the east side of the island, check out South Street Seaport’s annual two-day art, music, fashion, and culinary festival from July 3 – July 4, 1 P.M. – 9 P.M. Get prepared for a Smogasburg of food, music curated by Noisey, and some IMPACT!(ful) art at Parson’s School of Design’s exhibit.

3. July 4^th Celebration at Federal Hall

Visit the place where the 1^st Continental Congress met, George Washington was sworn into office, and Bill of Rights was written. This July 3^rdand 4^th Federal Hall will be hosting programmingfrom 10 AM – 3:40 PM, ranging from meet and greets with George Washington to readings of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a great opportunity to watch history come to life.

4. July 4^th at Fraunces Tavern Museum

For a more historical look at July 4^th look no further than the Fraunces Tavern Museum. 54 Pearl Street was once home to the Departments of Foreign Affairs, War and Treasury, not to mention the site of Washington’s farewell to his officers. Take a leap into America’s colonial past this July 4^thby visiting the museum or experiencing one of its renowned walking tours.

Chiune Sugihara, Righteous Among the Nations

2016-06-01T07:24:00.001-07:00

Pictured (left to right): Madoka Sughirar -grand-daughter of Chiune Sugihara, Advisory Committee Sugihara UNESCO Memory of the World Project, Yaotsu Town, Prefecture Erica Blumenfeld Yukio Rimbara-Chairman Advisory Committee, Sugihara UNESCO Memory of the World Project, Yaotsu Town, Prefecture Masanori Kaneko-Mayor of Yaotsu Town Masaru Nakayama-Chief of Town Promotion Officer Yaotsu Town, Prefecture

This blog post is written by Erica Blumenfeld, the Museum’s Interim Director of Collections and Exhibitions.

During World War II, Chiune Sugihara was Japan’s consul to Lithuania. He issued transit visas to several thousand Jews so that they could leave Lithuania. In 1984, Yad Vashem recognized Chiune Sugihara as Righteous Among the Nations.

In the town of Yaotsu, the birthplace of Sugihara, there is a Chiune Sugihara Memorial Museum. Now the community is applying to have the Chiune Sugihara Memorial Museum designated part of the UNESCO Memory of the World program and to recognize Sugihara for the brave work he did saving people from the Holocaust.

A few weeks ago, I had the honor and pleasure to meet with representatives from Yaotsu, including Sugihara’s granddaughter, Madoka Sugihara, and the mayor, Masonori Kaneko.

They were visiting museums in the United States that hold visas signed by Sugihara in their collections. Copies of these documents will be used to complete the application process for the UNESCO Memory of the World. We were able to show this delegation the nine visas in the collection of the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

While at the Museum, the group from Yaotsu met with a docent and school group that were visiting our Rescuer’s Gallery and learning first-hand about the gift of life that Chiune Sugihara gave to the people he saved by the stamp of his office. This was an unforgettable experience for both the students and the delegation from Yaotsu.

Jordana Reisman Stone – Commemoration Speech for Annual Gathering of Remembrance, 5/1/2016

2016-05-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Photo by Melanie Einzig

Good afternoon. My name is Jordana Stone. I am honored to be here today, speaking to this room of Holocaust survivors and their families. All 4 of my grandparents were Holocaust survivors; but sadly, none of them are alive today. I do not have a clear recollection of when I first learned about the horror and tragedy of my grandparents’ young lives in Europe. I recall hearing terrifying stories throughout my childhood, of the catastrophic events that shaped their lives.

I regret that I never spoke directly to my nana about her life story. Growing up, I was very close with her. She was the best babysitter, always playing games with us, singing, and cooking. We had so much fun together. She often cried as she told me that I looked like her father, or how she missed her childhood cat, Tune. I never asked her to tell me more because I did not want to make her cry. I learned about her past from my mother and aunt, and in even more detail watching her video testimony. My mother told me that Nana thought I was too young to hear the stories, and by the time I was old enough, she was sick with Alzheimer’s disease and unable to tell them.

My Nana, Henny Durmashkin Gurko, came from a musical family in Vilna, Poland. Her father was the director of the Great Synagogue's choir. Her sister and brother were pianists, her brother was the only Jew and youngest conductor of the Vilna Symphony Orchestra, and she herself was a singer. When her family was taken to the Vilna ghetto, her brother convinced workers who were able to leave, to smuggle in a piano, piece by piece, over the course of many days, and put it back together inside the ghetto. He established an orchestra and choir within the ghetto, where my nana sang. Originally they played for other Jews in the ghetto, but eventually the Nazis learned of their great orchestra and came to listen. After the ghetto was liquidated, my nana’s family was separated. She and her sister were sent to a series of concentration camps, and ended up at Dachau where they lived for two years before they were liberated by the American army. They later learned that their brother was killed just hours before liberation. They were the only two family members to survive.

After they were liberated, she and her sister went to St. Otilien DP camp, and became members of the Ex-Concentration Camp Orchestra. They traveled to many DP camps to entertain Holocaust survivors. One of my nana’s proudest moments was when the Ex-Concentration camp orchestra was conducted by Leonard Bernstein, while he was on a tour of Europe. In 1949, she met my grandfather on the boat coming to America. They eventually settled in New Jersey where they had three children, my mother, her sister, and her brother, and 6 grandchildren. For all of us, music, piano playing and singing, are still a great part of our family traditions.

For the past ten years I worked as a math teacher at a high school in Harlem. I heard that my math students were learning about the Holocaust and World War II in history class, and reading Elie Wiesel’s Night in English class. I helped their English teacher to bring 3rd generation speakers into our school to tell their grandparents’ stories. My students were spellbound and in shock as they listened to the horrific stories. Afterwards, during a question and answer period, my students asked simple questions like “Why didn’t the Jews just run away, or revolt against the Germans?” To me, their questions showed that they had never thought about the events of the Holocaust on a personal level, or thought about the victims as individuals, even though they had studied it before. When it came time for the 3g speakers to leave, the students continued to ask questions, so I offered to stay and answer them. I told them that I was Jewish and that all four of my grandparents were Holocaust survivors. I also shared the story with them about when my nana, her sister Fanny, and their mother were on line at a concentration camp. At the head of the line stood a Nazi guard who decided who would live and who would die. Nana and her sister rubbed rouge on their mother’s cheeks, to make her look younger and healthier, but at the end of the line their mother was torn from them, and they never saw her again. As I spoke, I began to cry. My students were stunned into silence.

That unforgettable day reaffirmed to me the importance of knowing and telling my grandparents’ stories. It showed me how crucial it is for students to hear personal Holocaust Survivor’s stories from current and future generations. My students had been learning about the Holocaust in history class throughout their education, but I know that day of learning the stories from living people had a lasting impact for many of them as it did for me. Several of them even went on to become volunteers at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. These stories have so much more power, beyond what books alone can teach, when they are heard first hand.

After that experience, I joined the Young Friends of the Museum of Jewish Heritage, where I found many other people like me, who saw the importance of remembering the Holocaust and discussing it. They felt, like me, that it is our duty to honor our grandparents’ legacy and tell our families’ histories. I will make sure that my daughter, Leah Henny, who I named after my nana, will know her family history and the importance of sharing our story. My baby Leah is already so musical; as soon as she hears music, she stops what she is doing and starts dancing. I want to promise all the survivors here today, and those who are not with us, your stories will never be forgotten, and your important legacy will live on. Thank you.

Fashion Has No Age Limit

2016-05-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

The fashion industry is often portrayed as a youth-orientated world run by the youngest innovators and icons. Photographer Ari Seth Cohen showcases another perspective capturing ladies aged sixty and over. His blog, Advanced Style, has attracted a large following of viewers who are fascinated by the eccentric and unique personalities. In 2014, seven of the women regularly featured were profiled for the documentary of the same name, which is available on Netflix, iTunes, and DVD.

As a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, it is unassigned homework to read articles and watch documentaries about anything going on in the industry, so I was I attracted to this documentary when I saw it on Netflix. While watching it, I was immediately inspired. The women proved that fashion doesn’t have an age limit and that getting older is not something you should be scared of, but something you should embrace. They emphasized the importance of being unique and standing out from the crowd. Fashion isn’t just about following the trends and looking like everyone else; it’s about being individual and expressing yourself with clothes.

One of the women who especially caught my attention was Tziporah Salamon, a NYC style icon. Over many years, Tziporah, nicknamed “Tzippy”, has built an impressive collection of vintage clothing, costume jewelry, and accessories. She views fashion as an art form and expresses herself every day, never leaving the house without a complete outfit. She has a strong presence on social media, with 2,000 friends on Facebook and over 19,000 on Instagram. Her website, tziporahsalamon.com, features hundreds of pictures showcasing her unique style.

Tziporah embraces her heritage and celebrates the lives of her parents, recognizing their hard work and strength. Her parents were Hungarian Jews who survived the Holocaust and fled to Israel where she was born. They later relocated to New York City. Her parents worked in the garment industry – her father as a tailor and her mother as a dressmaker.

Recognizing that she had a story and talent that other people were interested in, she started hosting live events such as “Tziporah’s Stories (With Clothes!)” and “Art of Dressing”. During these events, she stresses style and individuality while teaching fashion as an art form.

Tziporah will perform her autobiographical, one-woman show, The Fabric of My Life, at the Museum on Wednesday, May 11 at 7 P.M., telling the story of her life with pictures and, of course, clothing. Admission is $15, $12 for students with valid ID, and free for members.

A School Play

2016-04-27T10:18:00.004-07:00

Courtesy of the Cuba Family Archives for Southern Jewish History at The Breman Museum

Last year, I bought a ticket to my cousin’s upcoming play Parade at Syracuse University. I had never heard of it and, judging by the title, it sounded cheerful and fun, just like a parade would be. As it turns out, I could not be more wrong. To give you a very brief synopsis, Parade depicts the historical events about the murder of a thirteen-year-old girl and the subsequent trial, and ultimate lynching, of a Jewish man named Leo Frank who was accused of her murder.

I was fascinated by this true story so I went home to do some research. There are so many significant and scandalous elements that are part of this history – child labor laws, the Ku Klux Klan, racial prejudices, yellow journalism, anti-Semitism – the list goes on and on. It’s no surprise that the media so heavily covered this story at the time and why it is still of tremendous interest today. I can’t help but think what Netflix would have done with this story if it had been around to make Leo Frank the subject of “Making a Murderer.”

Fast forward to January 2016 and I had just started working at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. I learned that one of my first tasks was to start promoting an upcoming exhibition, Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited. Thanks to my cousin, I was prepared. Coincidence, luck, fate, call it what you will. If you get an opportunity to see your cousin’s play, you should go. You never know what you might learn.

To learn more about the exhibition, visit our website:

http://www.mjhnyc.org/leofrank/

If you would like to learn how the history of Leo Frank was transformed into the Tony-winning musical Parade,watch this video:

https://youtu.be/L1nCHVDVXgs

In Honor of Black History Month - A Display about African Americans in a Nazi Internment Camp, 1943

2016-02-16T10:36:00.001-08:00

Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, Gift of Jerome and Carolyn Mahrer

In honor of Black History Month, the Museum is presenting a display in the main lobby about African Americans in a Nazi internment camp for foreign nationals in Tittmoning, Germany. Inmates included African Americans who were living in Europe, many because of their careers as athletes, performers, or musicians.

The foreign prisoners in this internment camp were treated very differently than prisoners of a concentration camp. They were given regular food rations and did not have to work. At Tittmoning, the YMCA even donated a piano.

In 1999, Jerome and Carolyn Maher donated to the Museum an album of caricatures inside a folder created from a Red Cross package. Jerome received these drawings when he was an inmate in Tittmoning. The drawings feature prisoners and guards sketched by fellow prisoner Max Brandel, who ultimately went on to a career at MAD magazine. The inmates autographed the drawings for Jerry (Jerome), who was the youngest inmate and as such the camp “mascot.” The album gives a glimpse into the dynamics of the internment camp.

The African Americans included in the album are:

· Johnny Mitchell, a musician from Baltimore who was arrested in Amsterdam and during his internment, together with pianist Freddy Johnson, taught young Jerry Maher to play the accordion;

· Oscar Mathis, a Georgia native who was a wrestler or boxer and was living in Prague when he was arrested;

· Jack Taylor, a boxer who fought many famous fighters including Max Schmeling;

· Kemal Abdel Rahman Berry, a Kansas City native and well-known wrestler who was living in Prague with his European wife and their son when he was arrested;

· William Walker, described as a “medicine man” (a type of performer with a traveling show); and

· Freddy Johnson, an American pianist who worked as Coleman Hawkins’ pianist and backed Marlene Dietrich on one recording; he was arrested in Amsterdam along with his wife and two daughters.

While we know some information about these men, much remains unknown. Occasionally our research breakthroughs come from visitors saying “I know that person!” or “Hey, that’s me!” We hope when you see this display you will let us know if you have any information to share. Email us at communications@mjhnyc.org.

Learning about Toronto’s Hot Jewish Cuisine

2015-11-09T14:07:00.001-08:00

Enjoy a Recipe to Make at Home

Some of the most delicious Jewish cuisine being cooked up in Toronto will be featured this coming Sunday, November 15, at the Museum.

Eating Jewish in Canada begins with cookbook author Jayne Cohen in conversation with chef and owner Anthony Rose of Fat Pasha and Rose & Sons, Ruthie Ladovsky of the legendary United Bakers Dairy restaurant, food personality Bonnie Stern, and author Michael Wex.

This annual food program honors the Museum’s late Gallery Educator Marilyn Feingold.

Following the mouthwatering panel, nosh on some signature dishes, such as popped on the spot popcorn seasoned with za’atar, warm hummus with braised chickpeas served in a pita cup, roasted cauliflower with tahini, schkug and pomegranate molasses, quintessential split pea soup, cheese blintzes, fried-on-site falafel with assorted fresh toppings, shakshouka, sabich, apricot rugelach, Nutella babka bread pudding with a maple drizzle, Canadian butter tarts – and last but not least, – a signature spiced lemonade – all catered by our friends at Beth Torah Caterers (Glatt Kosher).

You won’t want to miss out as we dish on the haimishe and hip cuisine straight from our neighbors to the north. Reserve your tickets here, and whet your appetite this week by whipping up a batch of Bonnie Stern’s Butter Tart Squares.

Bonnie Stern's Butter Tart Squares
From Bonnie Stern's Essentials of Home Cooking
by Bonnie Stern (Random House Canada, 2003)

Bonnie writes: "These delicious squares are much easier to make than butter tarts, and you can have just a little piece and not feel guilty. Unless, of course, you have another little piece. And another."

Yield: Makes 25 squares

Pastry
1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, cut in cubes

Filling
1/4 cup (50 mL) butter
1 cup (250 mL) brown sugar
1/4 cup (50 mL) corn syrup
2 eggs
1 teaspoon (5 mL) vanilla
1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) baking powder
4 teaspoons (20 mL) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (125 mL) raisins, optional

1. To prepare pastry, combine flour and sugar in a bowl or food processor. Cut in butter until it is in tiny bits.

2. Press flour mixture evenly into bottom of a lightly buttered and parchment-lined 8-inch (2 L) square baking dish, letting paper hang slightly over two sides of pan. Bake in a preheated 350 F (180 C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.

3. Meanwhile, to prepare filling, in a bowl or food processor, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in corn syrup and eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla.

4. In a small bowl, combine baking powder and flour. Stir into filling.

5. Sprinkle raisins, if using, over pastry base. Spread filling over raisins. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until set. Cool. Loosen edges of pastry and lift out of pan. Cut into squares.

Enjoy!

Upcoming at the Museum of Jewish Heritage

2015-08-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

This blog comes from Esther Moerdler, our college intern in the Communications Department.

David Krakauer in "The Big Picture," photo credit Melanie Einzig

There are many great programs coming up in September and October at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – here are just a few highlights we would like to share with you:

The Museum will screen two films in tandem with our exhibition Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945. The first is Different from the Others, a silent film from 1919 in which two male musicians fall in love. This film sought to expose the injustices of Germany’s anti-gay laws. Banned at the time of its release and later burned by the Nazis, Different from the Others is one of the few sympathetic portrayals of homosexuals from this era of cinema. This groundbreaking film will be shown on September 10 at 7 P.M. Later in September, join us for a 15th anniversary screening of Paragraph 175. This documentary tells the story of how gay men and lesbians went from being a part of a vibrant subculture of artists and intellectuals in Germany to being systematically persecuted under the Nazi regime. Both films include free admission for ticketholders to Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945 prior to the screening.

From October 25 – November 1, the Museum will host a Polish film series, The Unknown Holocaust: Recent Polish Films. The fall of communism ushered in a new era of candid and artistically accomplished Polish filmmaking about the Holocaust. This week-long series presents features, documentaries, and short films rarely seen in the United States. Discussions with experts follow the screenings. The all-access pass will allow you to see any or even all of the films for only $15, $12 for Members. For a complete listing of the films and accompanying discussions, click here.

On September 9 at 7 P.M., eminent historian Timothy Snyder of Yale University will speak about his new book Black Earth: The Holocaust as History and Warning, which chronicles the humanitarian risks we face in the 21^st century in the context of the history of the Holocaust.

Popular podcast Person Place Thing is also making its way to the Museum. Randy Cohen will host a live-recording of the podcast as he interviews clarinetist David Krakauer on Wednesday, October 7 at 7 P.M. We’re keen to find out what person, place, and thing are meaningful to this great musician.

On October 21 author Roger Cohen will discuss his new book The Girl from Human Street. Cohen traces his family history across continents and reveals vital patterns of struggle and resilience. Tickets are $12; free for Members.

Grammy-nominated clarinetist David Krakauer will return to the Museum for a limited engagement of his vibrant concert The Big Picture. In this cinematic concert, Krakauer adds his contemporary style to beloved songs from films ranging from Funny Girl and Fiddler on the Roof to Sophie's Choice and The Pianist.

To buy tickets and for more up-to-date information on programs, please visit our calendar page. We hope to see you!

MJH at the Disability Pride Parade

2015-07-31T07:32:00.001-07:00

This blog is from Yael Friedman, Museum Educator.

On Sunday, July 12, Shu, one of our High School Apprentices, and I participated in New York City’s first annual Disability Pride Parade in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We marched with the Museum Access Consortium (MAC) from Madison Square Park to Union Square Park. Representatives from more than 10 cultural institutions joined the MAC contingent.

Despite the heat, there was a tremendous showing at the parade. It was remarkable to see the enthusiasm and determination of thousands of parade participants, many of whom are disabled. The NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities ensured accommodations for people with different types of disabilities. Many signs addressed challenges that people with disabilities face in their everyday life and the desire to be treated equally. For example, one sign stated "Treat me the way you want to be treated." Not only was this a celebration, it was an educational experience for those unfamiliar with the needs and perspectives of people with disabilities.

During the parade, I held the MAC banner as Shu ran up and down the street giving out Museum flyers and our calendar of events. MAC participants chanted “museums for all” as we made our way down Broadway. Shu cheerfully engaged with all of the supporters lined up alongside the parade and introduced them to the Museum. She reflected that, “Many people said thank you back, which was probably a courteous gesture in others' eyes, but to me, it really meant my work had an impact on them. I had long conversations with a few people on the sidewalk and in the parade. The onlookers were so pleased that people with disabilities are better accommodated in public spaces now than they were 25 years ago, before the ADA. I was also impressed by such advances in society. It was moving to share my happiness with them and be part of this historical moment.”

The Museum has worked with the American Sign Language (ASL) community over the past year, and it has been very successful. We consistently have a large showing at events and have been fortunate to work with three deaf Museum Educators who lead tours in ASL and Russian Sign Language for deaf visitors. Our focus this year is on expanding our programs for people with visual impairments.

A new season of programs for the ASL community will begin in the fall. Bookmark our ASL programs page and check back in September for new ASL events.

"Designing Home" Artifacts in Everyday Life

2015-07-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

This blog is from Danielle Charlap, our Associate Curator.

Whenever I take groups through the Designing Home: Jews and Midcentury Modernism exhibition, everyone shares a knowing look when we get to Henry Dreyfuss. Whether or not visitors recognize Dreyfuss’s name, they certainly recognize his designs. We are lucky to have four of his products on display: the Honeywell Thermostat (c. 1953), Big Ben Alarm Clock (1939), Princess Phone (c. 1959), and Oxford Sink (1945).

Dreyfuss was incredibly committed to making modern design user-friendly. To better understand how humans interacted with products, Dreyfuss studied the body and movement. He even created two graphical representations he named Joe and Josephine whose measurements were based on his research. He used this information to think about how to make products as ergonomic and practical as possible for their owners.

We see Dreyfuss’s user-centered approach reflected in his thermostat and phone design. Trying to help homeowners avoid unsightly crooked thermostat installations, Dreyfuss thought to make the thermostat round. This shape also comfortably fit in the user’s hand for easy thermostat adjustments. And not only did Dreyfuss’s Princess phone have a light-up dial to make it easier to see, but the same number dial could also be used as a night light. No wonder these products have remained popular for so long!

Joining the Staff and the Museum’s Free Tuesday Afternoon Tour

2015-07-02T09:33:00.001-07:00

This post comes to us from Ruth Frankel, our new Communications Assistant, who in an effort to familiarize herself with the collection, joined a Museum tour.

Having explored the Museum on my own accompanied only by the voices of Meryl Streep and Itzhak Perlman, narrators of the Museum’s free audio tour, I was excited to learn more from a real-live Gallery Educator. On the second day of my new job, David Zagor was the tour guide.

Throughout the tour, David used dialogue to teach us. To start the tour, he asked why we thought the Museum was called a “Living Memorial to the Holocaust” rather than just a “history” of the Holocaust. As the tour reached completion in Andy Goldsworthy’s Garden of Stones, he asked the youngest member of the tour, a girl of about 9 or 10 years old, “What does it mean – trees growing out of rocks?” This type of questioning allowed for meaningful conversation amongst the group.

CAPTION : Gallery Educator David Zagor introduces himself to a group of visitors before leading them on a tour Tuesday, June 30th.

The tour was diverse in audience. Londoners Penny Jones and her daughter Ellie sought out the Museum during their week-long visit to New York. Over a period of two years, Ellie had studied the Holocaust for her A-level exams, which she had just completed to finish high school. Though both visitors made it clear they were riveted by the Museum’s content, upon finishing the tour, they praised David’s inclusion of family stories. Penny told David, whose mother-in-law is a survivor, “Listening to you speak about your family was very important.”

Like the Jones family, I, too, was moved by David’s personal approach. As a new member of the Communications department, I am interested in different ways to tell stories and how to share the unique experiences that the Museum has to offer. I look forward to learning more on future tours from other Gallery Educators.

Free guided tours are offered with admission every Tuesday at 3 P.M. Click here to learn more about tours of the Museum.

The Hanukkah Guests: A Lovely Story to End the Holiday

2014-12-23T10:53:00.001-08:00

This blog comes to us from Samira, our Manager of Strategic Initiatives, who recently had an unexpectedly lovely Hanukkah moment while at the Association for Jewish Studies meeting.

On the first night of Hanukkah, I found myself in Baltimore, having dinner with the Paula E. Hyman Mentoring Program. It was the last night of what had been, for many of us, a busy conference.

We gathered in the back room of the Black Olive, a charming Greek fish restaurant owned by the Spiliadises, an elderly couple who greeted us as guests at their home.

Anne Lapidus Lerner, the director of the program, had called ahead to make sure we could light a menorah all together. When we arrived, we found that our hosts had arranged for us to have a table with a piece of tin foil laid out, ready to protect the table cloth from falling wax, and a box of matches. One of the participants, Vanessa Ochs, lit the menorah and discussed the ritual, and we all chanted the blessings then sang “Maoz Tzur.” At some point, I realized that we had an audience. Mr. and Mrs. Spiliadis and several of their wait staff were standing in the doorway in reverence.

When we were done, as they brought the appetizers than Anne had ordered ahead of time, Mr. Spiliadis excitedly announced that in honor of the first night of Hanukkah and our presence in the restaurant, his wife had made a “special, Greek latke” to replace the restaurant’s normal side dishes. Mrs. Spiliadis had spent time researching recipes online and lovingly doing prep work in order to present us with a thick sweet potato pancake, full of Greek spices, and served with a side of Greek yogurt. The proud and delighted hospitality made that potato pancake one of the best I have ever eaten.

As we left, Mr. Spiliadis stood in the hallway shaking our hands and marveling, “A Jewish festival holiday! In my restaurant! My Greek restaurant! This is what makes America great.” As he shook our hands, he told us that we had honored him, his wife, and their restaurant by coming to celebrate with them.

I never knew the late Paula Hyman, for whom the mentoring program is named, but she was one of the best scholars of American Judaism of her generation. When I posted an abbreviated version of this story to Facebook, her students and her daughter told me how much she would have loved the encounter.

Spend December 25 with Us: Win Two Tickets to Joshua Nelson and His Kosher Gospel Choir

2014-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Come join us on December 25 for a full day of concerts, tours, and exhibitions.

Click on the link below to win two concert tickets

to hear Joshua Nelson and His Kosher Gospel Choir

Click here to enter for free tickets.

Menorah Saved by Polish Jewish Community Near Auschwitz

2014-12-16T10:07:00.003-08:00

In honor of Hanukkah this month, we will spotlight one of the Auschwitz Jewish Center's most treasured artifacts: a menorah. The AJC is the Museum's affiliate in Poland. We invite you to learn more about their important work.

In 2004, Polish archaeologists began a dig at the site of the former Great Synagogue in Oświęcim, just a few minutes’ walk from the Auschwitz Jewish Center.

More than 400 objects were discovered during the excavation, including a menorah, which became a symbol of the AJC and their work. It is believed that the Jewish community buried these objects before Nazis destroyed the synagogue in November 1939.

In addition to the menorah, other objects were found: candlesticks, the Ner Tamid (Hebrew: Eternal Light) lamp, a plaque listing names of individuals who likely were synagogue donors, and other object fragments.

Today, a plaque marks the site of the former synagogue and its ruins. As the largest and most important Jewish house of prayer at the turn of the twentieth century in Oświęcim, the 2,000-seat Great Synagogue – and its surviving artifacts – symbolizes the vibrant Jewish life that once existed in the town.

Sign up for the AJC's newsletter to read more stories like this one and to learn about their programs, exhibitions, and educational offerings.

Photo courtesy of the AJC.

Preserving History at Mystic Seaport

2014-12-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

This blog comes to us from Chris Freeman at the Mystic Seaport.
We're so grateful for everything they do to preserve this history.

Howard Mansfield wrote that, “Good preservation is the life preserver thrown to us in a shipwreck. Good preservation keeps us in touch with the graces of this life….But true preservation is like the hand that shelters a fire from the wind. It protects the spark of life.”

So it was and is with Gerda III. During her working days she protected life. Her people took great risks to save their fellow man, because it was the humane thing to do. Now as a museum ship she embodies and preserves the important stories of her crew and her passengers so that future generations may remember them and we hope learn from them.

However, the fact that Gerda III survives to carry this story forward is in itself a demonstration of the power and importance of good preseveration. The story of Gerda III is something of a contradiction, being at once a singular, remarkable story of heroism and at the same time a rather common tale. History is replete with stories of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary feats and that is largely the story of Gerda III.

Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea; is proud to have been asked by the Museum of Jewish Heritage to take on a stewardship role to maintain the artifact that is Gerda III but also to carry forward her important stories. Moored to the wharf at the Museum, she attracts a good deal of attention. She has also attracted a passionate group of volunteers who commit their time to maintaining her.

On a recent October weekend, volunteer Howard Veisz led a small group of Mystic Seaport volunteers who are part of the Mystic Seaport PILOTS** on a day long work project to apply some fresh paint to Gerda III. After a full day of work around the Museum, the PILOTS convened for dinner, socializing and a special presentation. At the October gathering the evening presentation was the story of Gerda III, delivered by Howard. One of the PILOT volunteers had this to say about his experience that weekend:

“Dear Howard….It was an honor to have the opportunity to work on a vessel with such a proud history. I thoroughly enjoyed your evening presentation and have shared my recollections of Gerda III's history with many of my friends and co-workers since my return. ….The Mystic Seaport PILOTS program has always provided me the opportunity to work with staff and volunteers whose love for Mystic Seaport and commitment to the preservation and interpretation of maritime history is inspirational.”

**The Mystic Seaport PILOTS are a group of active Museum members who volunteer their time two weekends each year to work alongside the professional staff and other regular Museum volunteers at a wide variety of work projects throughout the Museum.

Photos courtesy of Mystic Seaport.

Sharing Culture Through Food

2014-11-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, there is one subject that’s on everyone’s mind – food. If you’re looking for new and delectable additions to your Thanksgiving Day table, or perhaps simply a new way of making an old favorite, then the participants of our Interfaith Living Museum may be able to help you. Each year, fifth grade students from Jewish and Muslim schools in New York City learn about each others' religions and cultures and curate an exhibit that showcases their own family’s traditions. As part of this program, the students also put together a cookbook of their favorite family recipes. From Egypt to Latvia, these dishes represent a diverse array of cherished family traditions:

Goulash (Egypt)
1 lb. of lean ground beef
½ medium onion, finely chopped
½ package of phyllo dough, finely chopped
½ cup of butter
½ cup of milk (any kind will do)
1 egg
Spices (parsley, basil, Italian spices, salt and pepper) – really any variation will do, just be sure to include some salt and pepper
Shredded 3 cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the pan (9x13”) and place half of the phyllo sheets in the pan and set the other half aside. Sauté ground beef and onions until they are cooked through and sprinkle on some spices and drain excess oil. Place beef and onions onto the phyllo sheets in the pan. Cover with the other half of the phyllo sheets that were set aside earlier. Cut into small squares. Mix together butter, milk, and eggs and sprinkle over sheets. Place in the oven for about 25 minutes or until the top becomes golden. Sprinkle on some cheese and let it melt. Eat and enjoy!

“This recipe was given to my dad when he was a kid. When he eats it, it reminds him of his mother. When I went to Egypt, my aunt gave it to me for the first time. Whenever I eat it, it reminds me of my aunts.”

- Nouraldeen, Al-Ihsan Academy

Moroccan Fish (Morocco)
2 lbs. of white fleshed fish (preferably filets)
10-15 tomatoes, peeled and minced
5 red, yellow, or green peppers
10 cloves of garlic, chopped
2-3 tsps. of cumin, to taste
4 tsps. of paprika, to taste
2 tsps. of turmeric
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ - 1/3 cup of olive oil
1 cup of white wine (optional)

Warm olive oil in a large deep pan with paprika until paprika is brown. Add peppers and garlic until tender for 3-4 minutes. Add tomatoes and (optional) white wine, and leave to simmer for 20-30 minutes. Add water to thin sauce as needed. Cover fish with cumin and turmeric and add to sauce to simmer 20-30 minutes uncovered. Add salt and pepper. Eat with quinoa or rice!

“My great-aunt was Moroccan, and so I am part Moroccan. Every Shabbat that my family hosts guests we make this recipe.”

- Elan, Kinneret Day School

Mandel Broidt
3 eggs
1 tsp. of baking powder
1 cup of sugar
1/3 finely chopped nuts (optional)
1 cup of vegetable oil
½ package of chocolate chips
3 cups of flour
Cinnamon and sugar

Cream the eggs, sugar, and oil. Add flour and baking powder. Add nuts and chocolate chips. Dough will be sticky. Flour your hands and form into four loaves. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees until barley brown (roughly 20 minutes). Cook very slightly, and slice on diagonal, turning pieces onto their sides. Cool oven to 325 degrees and return pans to oven and bake again until light brown and crispy (roughly 15 minutes).

“My savta (grandmother) was at her friend’s house in St. Louis and they served these Mandel Broidt. She asked for the recipe and has been making it ever since. That was about 40 years ago. She passed it down to everyone in the family. We have it a lot when we all get together and it is special to everyone.”

- Bella, Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan

Bassboussa (Algeria)
1 cup of semolina
2 cups of shredded coconut
½ cup of sugar
1 cup of plain yogurt
1 cup of melted butter
½ tsp. of baking powder
½ tsp. of vanilla powder
Warm honey

Mix all of the dry ingredients (semolina, shredded coconut, sugar, baking powder, vanilla powder). Add all the liquids (plain yogurt and melted butter). Pour that in a medium sized tray (10”). Put it in the oven. Preheat oven up to 300 degrees. Keep it in the oven for about 30 minutes. Bake it until you see the top has browned. Remove from oven and pour the warm honey. You can decorate it or make it flavorful by adding any nuts you like or some shredded coconut.

“This recipe (Bassboussa) was invented by the Turkish people when they were in Algeria in the 1800s. They make Bassboussa for special occasions like holidays. This recipe spread throughout the country of Algeria and it soon became very popular. Usually many Algerians like to enjoy it with refreshments, especially coffee and tea.”

- Imen, Al-Ihsan Academy

For more information on the Interfaith Living Museum and to learn how you can support this important work on December 2, Giving Tuesday, please visit www.mjhnyc.org/givingtuesday.

Photo by Melanie Einzig.

Help Us Give Muslim and Jewish Fifth Graders Something to Celebrate on Giving Tuesday

2014-11-12T12:46:00.001-08:00

This blog is from Amanda, our Manager of Curriculum and Teacher Programs.

Last April, in a bowling alley in Queens, two 5^thgraders exchanged email addresses written on napkins. It doesn’t sound like an extraordinary event. Many kids across the country stay in touch with their friends via email. But a seemingly ordinary event like this one became less so: one of these students was Muslim, and one was Jewish. They go to religious schools in different neighborhoods. It is very likely the two might not have ever met, but both were participants in our Interfaith Living Museum program.

The Interfaith Living Museum program brings together 80 fifth graders from four schools, two Jewish (Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan and Kinneret Day School) and two Muslim (Al-Ihsan Academy and Islamic Leadership School). Over the course of a semester, the students work together to learn about how artifacts can teach us about heritage and bring in artifacts from their own homes to teach each other. They visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a mosque, a synagogue, and each other’s schools. To help students get to know each other better, we also have a Social Day, in which the students get the opportunity to bowl, eat pizza, and get to know each other in a less formal environment. The program culminates in an exhibition of their artifacts, arranged thematically (“How We Pray,” “Food and Faith,” etc.). We hope that they learn more about their own backgrounds, as well as learn more about each other and find that despite differences, there are many similarities.

And we also hope that, as a result of the time spent together, friendships like these form. More rewarding than seeing students articulate lessons learned about their heritage are the lessons learned about each other, most importantly that it is possible, despite the differences they perceive, to form friendships and find common ground. Without the Interfaith Living Museum, these students would not have had the opportunity to meet and form these friendships.

There is no cost to the schools to participate in this important program. In order to continue providing funding, the Museum is asking for donations to help keep the program free for participants. We hope that you will join us in supporting the Interfaith Living Museum on December 2, Giving Tuesday. For more information, please visit www.mjhnyc.org/givingtuesday.

Photo by Melanie Einzig

Recipe from Janna Gur's new book: Jewish Soul Food

2014-11-03T08:59:00.002-08:00

It's no secret that one of our favorite things to do is to share recipes. This one, by Janna Gur, is perfect for a chilly November night. Her anticipated new book is Jewish Soul Food: From Minsk to Marrakesh and she'll be at the Museum on Sunday November 23 at 2:30 p.m. to chat about it.

PLAU B’JEEJ | Chicken with Almonds and Raisins over Red Rice (Iraqi)

First the chicken is cooked in water, tomato paste, and spices, then the spiced cooking liquid is used to make delicious red rice. Clever, huh? And there is more: While the rice is cooking, the chicken is shredded; slowly sautéed with onions, almonds, and raisins; and then served over the rice. Grandma’s cooking at its best! Save any leftover red rice—it makes a delicious side for beef, chicken, and fish dishes.

Serves 4 to 6

4 chicken legs (thighs and drumsticks)

5 cups water

7 ounces (200 g) tomato paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

Pinch of hot paprika or cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt

2 cups long-grain white rice

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 large onions, thinly sliced

Pinch of hot paprika or ground turmeric (optional)

1 teaspoon baharat spice mix (see recipe below or store-bought)

½ cup blanched almonds (halved or slivered)

½ cup golden raisins

For garnish (optional)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

¹⁄³ cup blanched almonds (halved or slivered)

1. Place the chicken legs in a medium saucepan. Mix the water, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and cayenne (if using) in a bowl. Pour over the chicken. Partially cover, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 1 hour over low heat until the chicken is tender. Toward the end of cooking, taste and season with salt.

2. While the chicken is cooking, soak the rice in water for 15 minutes. Rinse in cold water several times until the water runs clear. Drain in a colander.

3. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool. Measure 3½ cups of hot cooking liquid and return it to the saucepan. Add 1 heaping teaspoon salt. Add the rice and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover tightly, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, cover, and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

4. While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large shallow sauce-pan. Add the sliced onions and sauté over medium-low heat until soft and golden, at least 10 minutes. Season with salt, a dash of turmeric (if using), and the baharat.

5. When the chicken is cooled enough to be handled with bare hands, remove and discard the skin and the bones. Shred the meat into small pieces and add to the onions. Add the almonds and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes over medium heat. Add the raisins and sauté for another minute.

6. Prepare the garnish (if using) Heat the vegetable oil in a small frying pan and toss the almonds until golden and crisp. To serve, mound the chicken and onion mixture over the rice and garnish with toasted almonds.

Homemade Baharat

Baharat spice mix is available at Middle Eastern grocery stores, specialty markets, and online. You can also make your own. Grinding whole spices is ideal, but preground ones are fine, too.

1 tablespoon ground cardamom

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1½ teaspoons ground allspice

1½ teaspoons ground nutmeg

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Keep in a cool, dark place in an airtight jar. Use for meatballs, stuffed vegetables, and meat-filled pastries.

Excerpted from JEWISH SOUL FOOD by Janna Gur. Copyright © 2014 by Janna Gur. Excerpted by permission of Schocken, a division of Random House LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Cover photo by Daniel Lailah.

Q&A with the Director of Karski & The Lords of Humanity

2014-10-27T07:45:00.004-07:00

On Wednesday, November 19 at 7 p.m., the Museum will welcome director Slawomir Grünberg for a screening and discussion of his new film, Karski & the Lords of Humanity.

The film tells the story of Jan Karski, the Polish resistance fighter who risked his life to reveal the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto. This innovative documentary in English and Polish sheds light on Karski’s daring exploits and important legacy 100 years after his birth.

Watch the trailer here.

We’re grateful that Mr. Grünberg took the time to answer some of our questions about the film’s subject and his unique way of portraying Karksi’s life using animation.

MJH: Why you were drawn to Karski’s story

Slawomir Grünberg:Jan Karski is an example of a modern day hero. I wanted to present an earnest portrait of a man who juggled between life and death while fulfilling a desperate mission to stop the annihilation of European Jews. As a member of the Polish underground during World War II, Karski took a huge risk by infiltrating the Warsaw Ghetto and a Nazi transit camp. There he witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust in order to carry a first-hand report to the Western Allies and the world’s leaders. When I first heard the story, I was very inspired that this extraordinary individual was only 25 years old at the time of his mission.”

MJH: What you hope audiences will walk away thinking or feeling about his life and legacy?

SG: We hope our audience will be diverse, not only in terms of age, but also in terms of religion, ethnicity, and cultural background. We would like the viewers to learn about Karski’s World War II mission, and also come away with an appreciation of Karski’s contribution to the humanities. We are especially interested in engaging university and high-school students. We are reaching out to them via Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube. Having presented excerpts from the work-in-progress, we are receiving very positive responses to the use of animation in the project, especially from educators who continue to approach us expressing their desire to use the completed film in their work.

MJH: We’d love to hear a little about why you chose to partially animate the film.

SG:My inspiration to use animation in my project was the Israeli film "Waltz with Bashir," which I found extremely moving. A similar innovative fusion of technologies was employed by our team to create a unique film reality, and to bring Karski’s compelling story to life.

The film employs animation intertwined with documentary scenes and archival footage, including authentic voice-over by Jan Karski himself. Thanks to the animation techniques, we are able to recreate the events, which took place during Karski’s World War II mission including his treacherous visit to the Warsaw Ghetto, where he witnessed the indignities and traumas to which Jews were being subjected in Nazi-occupied Poland only months preceding the Final Solution.

The film is presented with the Polish Cultural Institute and the Jan Karski Educational Foundation.

Image courtesy of Slawomir Grünberg.