125th Anniversary Year Activities
125th Cornerstone Celebration
Sunday, November 13 at 1pm
The kick-off event for the 125th Anniversary Year is our Cornerstone Celebration taking place on Sunday, November 13 at 1pm. This event will mark the 125th anniversary of the original cornerstone laying ceremony almost to the day. Historically cornerstone events were high-profile affairs, featuring renowned speakers, musical performances, and often the laying of a time capsule on site. In keeping with historical tradition, the Museum’s Cornerstone Ceremony will feature remarks and performances by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Frank London's All Star Klezmer Brass Brand, vocalist Jeremiah Lockwood, National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, and government officials and Museum at Eldridge Street leadership. An open house with entertainment and refreshments to follow from 2 to 4pm.
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Collective Time Capsule
If you could share a single message with future generations what would it be? To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Museum is creating a collective time capsule that shares our reflections on the past and hopes for the future. In 1 to 50 words tell us what you would leave, be it an object, recipe, prayer, artifact, message or other item. These messages will be collected and displayed at the Museum during our 125th anniversary year.
Click here to view the time capsule.
Beyond the Façade 125th Anniversary Commemorative Edition
A beautiful hardcover book chronicling the award-winning restoration of the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue has just been released. Images by 25 photographers and commentary by Museum leaders vividly capture the decline and renewal of this National Historic Landmark.
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125th Anniversary Film
Filmmaker Lindsey Megrue tells the story of the Eldridge Street Synagogue – its early years, mid-century decline and glorious renewal – in a short documentary that will be released in November and viewable in our Gural-Rabinowitz Family History Center and on our website.
On-Line Exhibition
Artifacts from the synagogue’s early years are highlighted on the new collection section of the Museum’s website. The new on-line exhibition is separated into three sections correlating to the themes of the Museum’s tours: Immigrant History (From Ellis to Eldridge tour), Architecture & Preservation (Beyond the Façade tour), and Jewish Ritual (Ways We Worship).
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125th Anniversary Scholar in Residence
The Museum is pleased to announce that Dr. Regina Stein will be our 125th Anniversary Scholar in Residence. In 2011-2012, she will present seminars, lectures and other special events that reflect on 125 years of Jewish life in America. Dr. Stein holds a doctorate in Jewish History from the Jewish Theological Seminary and was the Educational Director for Hadassah’s Leadership Academy for more than 10 years.
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Public Programs
During 2011-2012, the Museum will present concerts, films, festival and other programs that celebrate 125 years of Jewish life in America.
