After a wonderful series of opening events OJMCHE is thrilled to be sharing our new home with visitors. In addition to all there is to explore in the galleries, Lefty’s Cafe is getting rave reviews for the locally sourced fare that includes Jewish themed sandwiches, salads, and pastries—think egg salad on rye bread with a side of pickled beet salad, a chocolate egg cream, and a piece of rugelach. Thank you to everyone who supported us in our opening events. OJMCHE’s Flickr albums capture all of the festivities through photos of the events. The Patron Preview featured a festive reception with opening remarks from Mayor Ted Wheeler; the next night over 300 people joined us for the Members and Supporters Preview; and on Sunday, whew, we officially cut the ribbon to open our doors with visitors lined up around the building and a final tally of close to 900 people through the doors.
As Director Judy Margles said in her welcoming remarks, “the joy of our opening is tempered by the times we live in and the importance of the work we do.” If you have not yet visited we look forward to sharing the facilities and OJMCHE’s deeply meaningful exhibitions. The museum’s main gallery features rotating exhibitions of national and international stature—currently the stunning tapestries of Russian Jewish artist Grisha Bruskin. Three core exhibits anchor the museum: Discrimination and Resistance, An Oregon Primer, which identifies discrimination as a tool used to affect varied groups of people over the history of this region; The Holocaust, An Oregon Perspective, a history of the Holocaust that employs the stories of Oregon survivors; and Oregon Jewish Stories, an installation focused on the experience of the Jews of Oregon. In addition to the museum’s gift shop and café, the second floor features a children’s play area.
To learn more about the museum’s exhibitions, you can listen to Director Judy Margles on OPB’s Think Out Loud and artist Grisha Bruskin on OPB’s State of Wonder.