This exhibition presents the cornerstones of Judaism: ordinary days, holidays and major life cycle events. Some of them are common knowledge as their origin dates back to the Bible. The Ten Commandments and the weekly rhythm of time have become part of our common cultural heritage. Jewish traditions were shaped by changing circumstances and the continued reinterpretation of our ancient heritage. The time structure and the Jewish life cycle, however, continue to follow the ancient order of days. Over the course of past centuries a rich culture of objects developed with a view to providing interpretation of Jewish written heritage and to be passed down from generation to generation. This exhibition showcases a selection of ceremonial objects, books and furniture from our collection. Across the halls you will get a glimpse into the culture of ordinary days, holidays and the Jewish life cycle. Please also bring to mind the narratives told by the windows together with the objects on display below them. Please also read the correlating captions: the voice of the curator and that of the rabbi, which, together, interpret Jewish tangible heritage.
מַה שֶּׁהָיָה הוּא שֶׁיִּהְיֶה וּמַה שֶּׁנַּעֲשָׂה הוּא שֶׁיֵּעָשֶׂה וְאֵין כָּל חָדָשׁ תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ
(קהלת א:ט)
Only that shall happen which has happened, only that occur which has occurred; there is nothing new beneath the sun! (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
TAMID: Always
