Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey

Introduction

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 800 works from the Museum's remarkably diverse collection of art, archaeology, ceremonial objects, video, photographs, interactive media and television excerpts. 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.

We invite you to visit the Museum and see Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey in person. Visitors to the Museum can enjoy random access audio guide tours of the exhibition, including a "Director's Highlights" audio guide featuring Joan Rosenbaum, Helen Goldsmith Menschel Director of The Jewish Museum, and a special audio guide for children and families. Audio guides are free of charge with Museum admission and were made possible by Bloomberg.



Bring a copy of this web page to The Jewish Museum Admissions Desk with your e-mail address and you will receive one 50% admissions discount.

Seven-branch Candelabrum
Gyula Pap (Hungarian, 1889 - 1983)
Bauhaus, Weimar, 1922
Brass
16 1/2 x 16 7/8 in. (41.9 x 42.9 cm)
The Jewish Museum, New York
Purchase: Hubert J. Brandt Gift in honor of his wife, Frances Brandt; Judaica Acquisitions Fund; Mrs. J.J. Wyle, by exchange; Peter Cats Foundation, Helen and Jack Cytryn, and Isaac Pollak Gifts, 1991-106
Photo © The Jewish Museum Photo by Richard Goodbody, Inc.

Mosaic Floor Fragment from a Synagogue or Church
Israel, late 5th-6th century CE
Stone: cut; mortar
Diameter: 15 3/4 in. (40 cm)
The Jewish Museum, New York
Gift of Erwin Harvith, U 7529
Digital image © 2006 The Jewish Museum, New York
Photo by Ardon Bar Hama

Thomas Sully (American, 1783 - 1872)
Sally Etting, 1808
Oil on canvas
30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm.)
The Jewish Museum, New York
Gift of William Wollman Foundation, F 4610

Ken Aptekar (American, b.1950)
I Hate the Name Kenneth, 1996
Oil on wood, sandblasted glass, and bolts
69 x 120 7/8 x 3 in. (175.3 x 307.1 x 7.6 cm.)
The Jewish Museum, New York
Purchase: Barbara S. Horowitz, Howard E. Rachofsky, Ruth M. and Stephen Durschlag, Marcia May, J.W. Heller Foundation, Michael L. Rosenberg, Helga and Samuel Feldman, Caroline B. Michahelles and Robert G. Pollock gifts, and Fine Arts Acquisitions Committee Fund , 1997-26a-h
Photo courtesy of Jack Shainman Gallery


The 2003 reinstallation of Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey was made possible through the generosity of Sara and Axel Schupf, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Council, and Eleanor and Marvin S. Winter. Additional support was provided by the Meisel Family in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Philip and Blanche Meisel; and Milton and Lillian West. For information about the 2003 reinstallation, please visit the Museum's Press Room for the press release.

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