Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey
The acclaimed permanent exhibition tells the unfolding story of Jewish culture and identity through works of art, archaeology, ceremonial objects, photographs, video and interactive media.
At the heart of the Jewish Museum is its permanent exhibition, Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey, representing one of the world’s great opportunities to explore Jewish culture and history through art. This vibrant two-floor exhibition features works from the Museum’s remarkably diverse collection of art, archaeology, ceremonial objects, video, photographs and interactive media. It examines the Jewish experience as it has evolved from antiquity to the present, over 4,000 years, and asks two vital questions: How has Judaism been able to thrive for thousands of years across the globe, often in difficult and even tragic circumstances? What constitutes the essence of Jewish identity?
The exhibition traces the dynamic interaction among three catalysts that have shaped the Jewish experience: the constant questioning and reinterpretation of Jewish traditions, the interaction of Jews and Judaism with other cultures, and the impact of historical events that have transformed Jewish life. Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey proposes that Jews have been able to sustain their identity, despite wide dispersion and sometimes tragic circumstances, by evolving a culture that can adapt to life in many countries and under various conditions. Survival as a people has depended upon both the continuity of Jewish ideas and values and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.
Installation view of the permanent exhibition Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey. © The Jewish Museum, New York. Photo: David Heald.
Exhibition highlights
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Moritz Daniel Oppenheim (German, 1800–1882), The Return of the Volunteer from the Wars of Liberation to His Family Still Living in Accordance with Old Customs (Die Heimkehr des Freiwilligen aus den Befreiungskriegen zu den nach alter Sitte lebenden Seinen), 1833–34, oil on canvas, 34 x 37 in. (86.4 x 94 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York. Gift of Richard and Beatrice Levy, 1984-61
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Necklace. San'a (Yemen), 19th-20th century. Silver: granulated, filigree, parcel-gilt, appliqué, engraved, and punched; glass. 3 7/8 x 22 3/8 in. (9.9 x 56.8 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York. Purchase: Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman, by exchange, 1994-76
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Thomas Sully (American, b. England, 1783-1872), Sally Etting, 1808. Oil on canvas. 30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York. 30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm). Gift of William Wollman Foundation, F 4610
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Matthew McCaslin (American, b. 1927), Being the Light. New York, New York, United States, 2000. Light bulbs, porcelain light fixtures, metal electrical conduit, switches, and metal receptacle box. 62 x 44 3/4 x 10 1/2 in. (157.5 x 113.7 x 26.7 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York. Purchase: Contemporary Judaica Acquisitions Committee Fund and Judaica Acquisitions Fund , 2001-14a-j
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Figurine of Semitic Merchant. China, mid 7th- early 8th century. Clay: glazed, painted, and fired. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York. Gift of Earl and Irene Morse, 1987-110. Digital image © 2006 The Jewish Museum, New York Photo by Ardon Bar Hama
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Reuven Rubin (Israeli, b. Romania, 1893-1974), Goldfish Vendor, 1928. Oil on canvas. 29 1/2 X 24 in. (74.9 x 61 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York. Gift of Kitty and Harold J. Ruttenberg, 1985-227
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Mezuzah Cover of Mas’uda Lakhriyef. Morocco, 20th century. Silver: engraved and pierced. 10 1/4 x 7 in. (26 x 17.8 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York. Purchase: Judaica Acquisitions Fund, 1997-170
Audio
The audio guide is made possible by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Culture and Continuity Kids Tour