The Mosaic
Identity and Culture in Our Times
The story begins in the present. The incredible diversity of the expressions of Jewish identity and culture enables each one of us to find something of ourselves. The folklore and the arts, the language and the literature, the different denominations in Judaism, and the Jewish contribution to humanity—these are all manifestations of identity and culture, both individual and collective.
The Journey
The Historical Story Through the Generations
This is the distinct and continuing story of the Jewish people, from ancient times to the present, encompassing chapters of growth and prosperity alongside periods of persecution. The journey, which extends over thousands of years, begins with the story of the Jewish migrations; examines the large centers of Jewish life, culture, and scholarship; presents the rebirth of the Jewish people after the Holocaust; and ends with the establishment of the State of Israel and a depiction of various Jewish communities in our times.
Dr. Ruth Shamir Popkin endowed The Great Migration Hall, focusing on the experience and the narrative of the greatest wave of Jewish immigration in history. This important gallery presents the story of American Jewry, the largest Jewish community outside of Israel.
THE FOUNDATIONS
THE ALFRED H. MOSES AND FAMILY WING
A Common Base, A Universal Message
The ideological foundations of Jewish life stem from Jewish and universal dimensions that have bearing on human civilization. They include Shabbat, the covenant, the cycle of the year, and milestones in human life. The universal foundations are exemplified by the Bible and its impact on world cultures.
The Most Ancient and Complete Hebrew Bible Extant
Israel’s Declaration of Independence, underscores the importance of the Hebrew Bible to the Jewish People and the entire world as follows:
“The Land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious and national identity was formed. Here they achieved independence and created a culture of national and universal significance and bequeathed the eternal Book of Books, the Bible, to the entire world.”
The 1,100 year-old Hebrew Bible, referred to as Codex Sassoon, is singular as it is the most ancient and most complete bible extant.
It is the crown of the Jewish narrative told by ANU. It was acquired and gifted to ANU by Ambassador Alfred J. Moses and his family whose mission was to see it reside in Israel, where it originated, at ANU, a global venue with access to people of all backgrounds. Hallelujah! Assemble, Pray, Study –Synagogues Past and Present
The world-renowned collection of the museum’s synagogue models is displayed in a new gallery presenting the diverse expressions of Jewish life across the continents. The interactive exhibit explores the role of the synagogue as a place of prayer, study, and community in Jewish life.
The ideological foundations of Jewish life stem from Jewish and universal dimensions that have bearing on human civilization. They include Shabbat, the covenant, the cycle of the year, and milestones in human life. The universal foundations are exemplified by the Bible and its impact on world cultures.
The Most Ancient and Complete Hebrew Bible Extant
Israel’s Declaration of Independence, underscores the importance of the Hebrew Bible to the Jewish People and the entire world as follows:
“The Land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious and national identity was formed. Here they achieved independence and created a culture of national and universal significance and bequeathed the eternal Book of Books, the Bible, to the entire world.”
The 1,100 year-old Hebrew Bible, referred to as Codex Sassoon, is singular as it is the most ancient and most complete bible extant.
It is the crown of the Jewish narrative told by ANU. It was acquired and gifted to ANU by Ambassador Alfred J. Moses and his family whose mission was to see it reside in Israel, where it originated, at ANU, a global venue with access to people of all backgrounds. Hallelujah! Assemble, Pray, Study –Synagogues Past and Present
The world-renowned collection of the museum’s synagogue models is displayed in a new gallery presenting the diverse expressions of Jewish life across the continents. The interactive exhibit explores the role of the synagogue as a place of prayer, study, and community in Jewish life.
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THE TAMAR AND MILTON MALTZ FAMILY GALLERY
The Gallery is dedicated to children and their families and is home of the exciting exhibition Heroes – Trailblazers of the Jewish People. Learn about inspirational figures from all walks of life, culture, science, sports, and more in engaging and fun interactive activities. The display underscores that hero or trailblazer’s exceptional role and contribution to Jewish values and history. Parents are invited to join their children as they explore this unique setting.
SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS WING
Atrium
A 40-foot-high atrium features a model of the magnificent and beautifully reconstructed ceiling of the wooden Hodorov Synagogue destroyed during WWII.
Special Exhibition Halls Three magnificent gallery spaces for changing exhibitions that delve into themes intrinsic to the story of the Jewish People.The Lady Sarah Cohen Exhibition HallSpecial Exhibition Hall ISpecial Exhibition Hall II
Special Exhibition Halls Three magnificent gallery spaces for changing exhibitions that delve into themes intrinsic to the story of the Jewish People.The Lady Sarah Cohen Exhibition HallSpecial Exhibition Hall ISpecial Exhibition Hall II
ANU DIGITAL
The Museum offers visitors a variety of advanced technology, apps, and audio guides to enhance their experience.
The Museum and MeUse the Geni app to discover if you are related to a famous Jewish personality within the exhibits, like Albert Einstein, Emma Lazarus, or Theodor Herzl. The app’s relationship path will then direct you to the location of that personality within the museum as well as connect you with other active visitors.
Scan and Save your Favorite ItemsCutting-edge RFID technology allows you to choose contents from the museum’s exhibits and save them directly onto your mobile.
Scan and Save your Favorite ItemsCutting-edge RFID technology allows you to choose contents from the museum’s exhibits and save them directly onto your mobile.
Audio Guides
Bring headphones to enjoy one of these special audio guides:
Tour of the Museum Highlights: Explore unique exhibits with special stories narrated by relatives of featured personalities, experts, or celebrities. ANU for Kids: A guided tour of all three floors, including riddles, stories, and games (Hebrew only). The Synagogues Hall: A tour of 25 models of synagogues around the world. Dive Deeper: A deeper exploration of over a hundred exhibits and displays throughout the three floors of the museum. Heroes – Trailblazers of the Jewish People: Learn about the lives and accomplishments of Jewish individuals who made a difference.
Tour of the Museum Highlights: Explore unique exhibits with special stories narrated by relatives of featured personalities, experts, or celebrities. ANU for Kids: A guided tour of all three floors, including riddles, stories, and games (Hebrew only). The Synagogues Hall: A tour of 25 models of synagogues around the world. Dive Deeper: A deeper exploration of over a hundred exhibits and displays throughout the three floors of the museum. Heroes – Trailblazers of the Jewish People: Learn about the lives and accomplishments of Jewish individuals who made a difference.
Enacted by Israel’s Law as the “Center for Jewish Communities in Israel and Abroad,” ANU is a relevant, vital, and significant global center and locus for discourse on values, ethical issues, trends affecting and challenges facing world Jewry. While its core exhibition is at the center of this cultural enterprise, it is home to the Andrew H. and Ann R. Tisch Center for Jewish Dialogue and the Koret International School for Jewish Peoplehood. ANU presents Judaism, the Jewish people, and Israel comprehensively and compellingly, with the breadth and depth of purpose, content, and connectivity. It affects and transforms millions of people of all backgrounds, in Israel and around the world.
ANDREW H. AND ANN R. TISCH CENTER FOR JEWISH DIALOGUE
A physical space and virtual platform that encourages ongoing dialogue about the critical issues at the heart of Jewish life today and the opportunities ahead, ensuring that every legitimate voice is heard. The Center considers and explores the role of ANU in addressing these issues, offers events, conferences, seminars and formal as well as spontaneous and informal gatherings at the venue. It adds new dimensions and expands upon the museum’s activities in Israel and abroad.
