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April 2018
Below the Horizon: Kiki Smith at Eldridge
World-renowned artist Kiki Smith brings her distinctive vision to the Museum at Eldridge Street in this site-specific exhibition. Smith has spent decades exploring themes of mortality, spirituality, society, the body, nature and the mind. Her art became a vital element of the Museum’s historic sanctuary when the stained-glass window she designed in collaboration with architect Deborah Gans was installed in 2010. Returning now to Eldridge Street, Kiki Smith fills the building with her work in varying mediums, reacting to and…
October 2018
Joseph: From Spoiled Brat to Savior
The story of Joseph is the longest and most sophisticated in the Book of Genesis. By reading it closely and examining Joseph’s interactions with others, we can come to understand him more fully. With teacher Regina Stein, you will do that in ten sessions. You will also explore the range of interpretations of the Joseph story by rabbis, as well as by Christians and Muslims. Dr. Regina Stein is the Morris Kaplan Scholar-in-Residence at the Museum at Eldridge Street. She…
Silk Road Tea House: An Evening of Bukharian Jewish Culture
This vibrant musical evening celebrates one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world – Bukharians. Hailing from the pre-Soviet Bukharian Emirates – an empire encompassing Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and parts of Turkmenistan – this tight-knit community has resided in Central Asia for over two millennia. Today, 70,000 Bukharians have immigrated to the United States – and 50,000 have settled in Queens. These enclaves, dubbed “Little Bukhara” and “Bukharian Broadway,” are brimming with Bukharian’s distinctive dress, music, and cuisine. Now we’re…
Shuls of Grandeur on the Lower East Side
On this special Columbus Day walking tour, you will visit TWO grand synagogues on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Both buildings are stunning survivors from an era when many grand shuls lined the neighborhood’s streets. Your first stop, Bialystoker Synagogue, is home to the Lower East Side’s largest active orthodox congregation. A former church, it is believed to be a site on the Underground Railroad. Covered in murals and showcasing Tiffany-inspired glass windows, the shul’s interior is magnificent. Your day will end at the…
Jews on the Supreme Court
Louis Brandeis’ 1918 appointment to the Supreme Court began a consistent Jewish presence in this esteemed arena. The four-session class will explore the biographies and tenures of the eight Jews who have been appointed to the high court. Popular teacher Barry Feldman will lead discussions of the presidential and political considerations in nominations and confirmations. Over four sessions, you will explore the Justices’ innovation, advocacy, and interpretation of the law, from the New Deal to same-sex marriage. Barry Feldman is…
Jews and Muslims: Beyond the Early Years
The vast majority of the world Jewry lived under Muslim rule from the 8th to 12th centuries. In this ten session class, you will explore the religious and cultural connections between Jews and Muslims of that period. The relationship changed Judaism forever – giving rise to new forms of Jewish practice, new elements of Jewish literature, and revolutionary ways of considering age-old philosophical and theological questions. Attend the full course or drop in on individual dates. Dr. Regina Stein is…
Immigrants as Artist Pioneers
In the late-19th and early-20th centuries, immigrants from Eastern Europe poured into the Lower East Side, creating crucibles of creative energy and ambition. Despite being newcomers, these individuals quickly made indelible contributions to American arts and culture. This two-session course will highlight two immigrant families, the Adlers and Gershwins, whose creative chutzpah forever changed American entertainment. The Adler patriarch first arrived in New York in 1889, and became famous for daring Yiddish melodrama. But it was his daughter Stella who…
Rediscovery and Restoration Tour
This tour of the Museum at Eldridge Street focuses on the architectural history of its landmark synagogue building. Built in 1887, it was nearly lost to neglect in the mid-1900s. A 20 year, $20 million restoration united meticulous research, period craftsmanship and contemporary solutions. This tour is presented in partnership with Archtober. Use the form to the right or click here to purchase tickets
Open House New York
Join us for Open House New York, the city’s largest architecture and design event! The Museum will open for free all day for self-guided visitors or guided tours. Hourly tours with expert docents will tell the story of our home, the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue, and its 20-year, $20 million restoration. Completed in 2007, the meticulous restoration reversed decades of neglect and decay, uncovering fascinating history and raising preservation questions along the way. Tours will also explore the main sanctuary’s…
Amazing Architecture For Kids
This program explores the amazing architecture of the Museum’s home – a synagogue built in 1887. From soaring domes to colorful stained glass windows (and even a spot where you can peek inside the walls!), see how architectural elements make a one-of-a-kind place. Then kids build their own. Use the form to the right or click here to purchase tickets
