JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release - May 5, 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

mzerivitz@jewishmuseum.com

 

JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA HOSTS ISRAEL 60 CELEBRATION ON YOM HAATZMAUT

 

On Israel's Independence Day, Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 6:00 pm, the Jewish Museum of Florida will host a celebration to honor the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. This event is open to the public. Museum Donor Members have free admission. Other members $10 person. Non-members $18 person. RSVP a must to 305-672-5044, ext. 3175.

 

On May 14, 1948, the Jewish people got a country of their own. A dream became a reality. The land was the birthplace of our people. The State of Israel has contributed an incredible amount to human well being and making the world a better place to live. In tribute to the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel and its achievements, the Jewish Museum of Florida presents four exhibitions that take us back to our Biblical roots.

 

ETCHED IN STONE-ETCHED IN MEMORY is a collection of sculptures by Rachel Abramowitz, inspired by the deep well of Jewish tradition, which is rooted in Jewish history. Born in Pinsk, Rachel Abramowitz was exiled to Russia during the war years, and then lived in Berlin's DP Camp, where she fell in love and married U.S. Army Chaplain Mayer Abramowitz. In 1951 the couple settled on Miami Beach, where Rachel has continued her artwork.

 

IN THE BEGINNING is a portfolio by Abraham Rattner of

twelve original signed lithographs based on text taken from the Old Testament of the Bible. The famed American artist and writer Abraham Rattner (1893-1978) is known for his religious paintings and vivid colors. He adopted cubist and surrealistic styles after a 20-year residence in Paris, excelled in stained glass and once lived on Miami Beach. The artworks are loaned by the Leepa-Rattner Museum, St. Petersburg College, Tarpon Springs, FL.

 

MOSES AT MT. SINAI is an original painting by artist Robin Morris of Miami that she donated to the permanent collection of the Jewish Museum of Florida. Characteristic of Robin's New Deco style, this portrait of Moses descending from Mt. Sinai with the Ten Commandments is a perfect match for the Museum's Art Deco elements and the environment of the South Beach neighborhood.  Robin Morris stepped into the public eye in 1982 with her sophisticated colorful artistic images that have appeared in commercials and on many magazine covers. Her Jewish heritage has always had a profound impact on her artwork, as well as her charitable involvements.

 

THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL, described in the Bible, are depicted in the terracotta plaques that are mounted on the interior walls of the Museum's exhibit hall. Commissioned in 1974 by Rhoda and Morris Levitt and created by the art department at the University of Miami, these plaques hung in Temple Zion Israelite until the congregation closed. The Levitts donated the Tribes to the Museum's Collection. The Twelve Tribes of Israel are historically the descendants of the twelve sons of the Biblical Patriarch Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Each of Jacob's twelve sons was the father of the Tribe bearing his name: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph and Benjamin. When the Hebrews left Egypt, they left as Tribes. When they camped at Mt. Sinai, they camped as Tribes. When they entered and settled the Land of Israel (approx. 1300 BCE), they settled as Tribes.

 

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. From May 8 through Sept. 14, 2008, the Museum has four exhibits in celebration of Israel's 60th Anniversary that reflect the Biblical roots of the Jewish people: ETCHED IN STONE - ETCHED IN MEMORY is a collection of sculptures by Rachel Abramowitz; IN THE BEGINNING is a portfolio by Abraham Rattner of twelve original signed lithographs based on text taken from the Old Testament; MOSES AT MT. SINAI, a painting by Robin Morris and THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL are depicted in terracotta plaques that are mounted on the interior walls of the Museum's exhibit hall. The next temporary exhibit to open is FLORIDA JEWS IN SPORTS (7/1/08-11/23/08).

The Center Court Café opens July 1 (closed on Saturdays). Collections & Research Center, 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 orwww.jewishmuseum.com.