JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release - April 10, 2008
Contact: Marcia Jo Zerivitz,
Founding Executive Director & Chief Curator
301 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
T.305.672.5044 ext. 3180 F.305.672.5933
CELEBRATION OF JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH TO BE HELD MAY 4 AT MUSEUM TO FOCUS ON AMERICAN JEWS IN SPORTS
The success of the Jewish Museum of Florida's initiation of Florida Jewish History Month (each January) inspired the national legislation for Jewish American Heritage Month that is now each May. The kick-off for the 2008 observance will be Sunday, May 4 at 3 pm at the Museum. RSVP for this free event by calling 305-672-5044, ext. 3175.
Co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the theme is American Jews in Sports, to introduce the theme of the Museum's next major temporary exhibit, "Florida Jews in Sports."
Keynote speaker will be Ed Shapiro, Ph.D.; his topic is "Where Have All the Jewish Athletes Gone?" Shapiro will address the social and economic reasons for the decline of the Jewish professional athlete and the simultaneous increase in the number of Jews owning professional sports teams. Today in Florida there are more Jewish owners of teams than there are Jews on the teams.
Edward S. Shapiro received his B.A. from Georgetown University in 1959 and his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University in 1968. For three decades he taught at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. His books include "A Time For Healing: American Jews Since World War II" (1992, Pulitzer Prize in History nominee), "We Are Many: Reflections on American Jewish History and Identity" (2005), and "Crown Heights: Blacks, Jews, and the 1991 Brooklyn Riot" (2006, Jewish Book Council honorable mention). Dr. Shapiro is the recipient of grants and awards from the Lucius N. Littauer Foundation, the American Philosophical Society, the American Jewish Historical Society, the Oxford Centre of Jewish Studies, and other organizations. He has lectured widely in the United States, Europe, and China. He is currently working on a book on the role of American Jewish business moguls. His book on secular Yiddish culture in America is scheduled for publication this year.
How was this national month created? The Jewish Museum of Florida (JMOF) and the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation worked with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of District 20, who made it happen in Washington. Overcoming many obstacles, on 12/14/05, Rep. Wasserman Schultz brought up the Resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives - that passed by a vote of 423-0 - urging President Bush to proclaim each year an American Jewish History Month. Sen. Arlen Spector led the same effort in the Senate on 2/14/06. And the rest is now history as President George Bush signed of the Proclamation in April 2006.
The Jewish Museum of Florida on South Beach is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings that were once synagogues for Miami Beach's first Jewish congregation. The focal point of the Museum is "MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida: 1763 to the Present," its core exhibit, and temporary history and art exhibits that change periodically. The Museum is exhibiting Zap! Pow! Bam! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books 1938-1950 through April 30, 2008. A Collections & Research Center, several films, Timeline Wall of Jewish history and an expanded Museum Store complete the experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Museum is located at 301-311 Washington Avenue, South Beach and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Mondays and Civil and Jewish holidays. Admission: Adults/$6; Seniors/$5; Families/$12; Members and children under 6/ Always Free; Saturdays/Free. For information: 305-672-5044.