National Library of Israel selects Simon Family JCC for first exhibit outside Manhattan

by | Dec 10, 2018 | What’s Happening

Leon Family Gallery | Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus

Through December

For its first exhibition outside of JCC Manhattan, the National Library of Israel is showcasing its treasures at the Simon Family JCC.

Lining the walls of the Leon Family Gallery are facsimiles of illustrated manuscripts, ancient maps, photographs, and posters that reflect Israeli culture and Hebrew/Jewish language.

The impetus for the exhibit was to “open access to treasures both globally and digitally to the world,” says Risa Zoll, executive director of the National Library of Israel USA. “We want Jewish communities to understand the library is for everyone.”

The exhibit “reflects the Jewish history worldwide,” says Zoll. The goal is for the exhibit to bedisplayed in as many Jewish communities in the U.S. as possible.

A new complex to house the National Library is under construction adjacent to the Knesset and is scheduled for completion in 2021.

The exhibit in the Leon Family Gallery is free and open to the community.