Museum show to celebrate Newark synagogues
AN OPENING RECEPTION for the exhibit “The Synagogues of Newark: Where We Gathered and Prayed, Studied and Celebrated,” will take place at The Jewish Museum of New Jersey in Newark, Sunday, Nov. 27, 1-5 p.m.
The exhibit presents information on over 15 synagogues that served as centers of Jewish life in the city during the first half of the 20th century, when the Jewish population of Newark numbered in the tens of thousands. The exhibit traces the lineage of the synagogues, their founders, their rabbis, key events, and the architectural features of the buildings.
Most of the congregations featured in the exhibit relocated to the suburbs during the Jewish out-migration from Newark. Some of the buildings now serve as Christian houses of worship; others have been lost to neglect, disrepair, and demolition. The exhibit, sponsored by a grant from the Newark 350 Committee, seeks to celebrate their history as a significant part of the Newark’s heritage.
Research for the exhibit was done in partnership with the Jewish Historical Society of New Jersey.
The opening reception will feature remarks from members of the research team and reflections from children and grandchildren of rabbis who served as religious leaders of Newark’s synagogues. The exhibit will continue on Sundays, 1-5 p.m. through Feb 15.
The museum is located at the historic Congregation Ahavas Sholom. The suggested donation is $10. To RSVP for the reception, contact Max Herman at 973-698-8489 or Phil Yourish at 973-674-7003; visit jewishmuseumnj.org.
comments