The Jewish Museum Of Florida Presents "Max Miller: Final Mourner's Kaddish: 333 Days in Painting" Opening Jan. 31

Cuban Hebrew Congregation, Miami Beach, FL,

Watercolor, 2005

After the death of his father, Murray A. Miller, artist Max Miller chose to undertake the custom of saying Kaddish, the Jewish prayer of mourning. This prayer, exalting the name of God, is recited in the presence of a congregation daily for eleven months. 


Miller, who grew up Orthodox with Yiddish as his first language said, "The Kaddish provided me with time to grieve and reflect on spiritual aspects of life and death, and because of this I felt compelled to create images that captured my response to what I was experiencing." 


The artist's grief provided the inspiration for a vivid, moving and cathartic account of his experience of honoring his father through the daily recitation of the Kaddish.


As an historic record and for personal reasons, Miller created a watercolor of each the synagogues he visited during the 333 days of saying Kaddish in New York, Vermont, Ohio and Florida (including Congregation Beth Jacob, that is now the Jewish Museum of Florida). 

Beth Jacob, Miami Beach, FL  

Watercolor, 2005

The 50 vibrant watercolors, considered by the artist to be a coherent unit, are painted on paper. As a whole, the collection suggests the diversity of the social and religious settings that Miller frequented, as well as the breadth of personal transformation and learning he experienced over the course of those eleven months.


Though the form varies, humanity's expression of mourning transcends time, society, and culture. The extraordinary body of work that ensued is an intimate document of Miller's faith, observance and the Jewish community. The ultimate unity of the Jewish people is found in these remarkable works.


Each image is distinct in its orientation, composition and focus. Depictions range from exterior to interior, from human to architectural portraits, from limited to wide-ranging color schemes. The richness of his color and line inscribes the vitality of faith and continuance of ritual and tradition. The exhibition also includes a stunning portrait of Miller's father, against a silver leaf background, an image of iconic and descriptive power that sets the tone for the show.

Kehilath Jeshurun, Upper East Side, New York City  

Watercolor, 2005

Accompanying the images are the artist's commentaries, based on his thoughts, feelings and experiences with those he met during this pursuit. While honoring the Jewish tradition of memorializing a parent, Miller came to learn a great deal about his father and their shared heritage.

Though the daily ritual of saying Kaddish has formally ended for Miller, bringing this project to fruition provides an opportunity for those within the Jewish community, and for those in other communities, of all ages, to witness and honor the tradition of the Mourner's Kaddish, and to reflect on their own humanity and spiritual journeys.


This exhibition by Max Miller originated at the Yeshiva University Museum in New York City and is sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts.  


Max Miller: Final Mourner's Kaddish - 333 Days in Painting will be on display at the Jewish Museum Of Florida January 31-May 13, 2012.

Max Miller

Max Miller is known for his abstract paintings that embrace color and line, as well as his figurative paintings of human and animal subjects. He has had exhibitions in New York City and throughout the East Coast. He received his BFA from Rhode Island School of Design and MFA from Yale University. He has been awarded numerous fellowships, including a New York Foundation for the Arts, Guggenheim, National Endowment for the Arts and two Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grants.


The Jewish Museum of Florida is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings on South Beach that were once synagogues for Miami Beach's first Jewish congregation. The Museum's focal point is its core exhibit MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida  - 1763 to the Present and temporary history and art exhibits that change periodically. Currently on display: Wooden Synagogues of Poland and the Florida Connection through March 18, 2012. A Collections & Research Center, several films, Timeline Wall of Jewish history, Museum Store filled with unique items and Bessie's Bistro complete the experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.


Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Museum is located at 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach 33139, and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Mondays, Civil and Jewish holidays. Admission: Adults/$6; Seniors/$5; Families/$12; Members and children under 6/Always Free; Saturdays/Free. For information: 305-672-5044 or www.jewishmuseum.com.


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Jewish Museum Honors Florida's Jews from Poland During Florida Jewish History Month

The Jewish Museum of Florida, 301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach

       This year's observance of Florida Jewish History Month, in conjunction with the Museum's current exhibit, "Wooden Synagogues of Poland and the Florida Connection," will honor the 80% of American Jews whose origins are from Poland.
       For the January 8 kick-off event, the Jewish Museum of Florida welcomes Floridian families with Polish roots, who will share their experiences in a panel discussion. Bring family and friends to join this FREE celebration. Walk-ins welcome or RSVP to 786-972-3175 or e-mail info@jewishmuseum.com. 
       Jews have lived in Poland for more than 1,000 years. Poland was the center of the European Jewish world before World War II, when the Holocaust resulted in the death of 90% (3 million) of the Polish Jews. By preserving the memories of families, such as those on this panel, the Museum is able to keep Jewish cultural heritage alive and transmit it to future generations. 
       At the January 8 kick-off event, the Museum will award cash prizes to the winners of its statewide student creative writing contest. The Museum challenged middle and high school students to connect to their own cultural heritage, by answering the following question: "How does a place tell a story that represents your cultural heritage?"
       As part of the celebration, Joe's Stone Crab restaurant is providing their famous key lime pie, designated in 2006 as Florida's official state pie. The founders of Joe's, Joe and Jennie Weiss, were the first Jews to settle on Miami Beach in 1913. Joe's is still owned and run by the family, and has been open since 1913.
       The concept for Florida Jewish History Month began at the Jewish Museum of Florida. Founding Executive Director Marcia Jo Zerivitz worked closely with legislators to translate the Museum's mission into a statewide observance. In April 2003, Governor Jeb Bush signed a bill into that officially designated the month of January as Florida Jewish History Month. Florida is the first state in the nation to have a month dedicated to the tremendous contributions of Jews in its state. 
       The success of Florida Jewish History Month inspired the legislation for Jewish American Heritage Month, also initiated by the Museum, and observed each May, with a Proclamation signed by President George Bush in April 2006. 

* * * * * * * * * *

Rachel Kosowski, 1938.

       The family of Rachel Kosowski (Abramowitz) settled in Kosov, Poland about 300 years ago. She was born in Yanov in 1928. The family's plan to immigrate to Palestine on September 7, 1939 was thwarted by the outbreak of World War II on September 1, when Germany invaded Poland. The family was arrested and sent to Siberia.
       In 1946, they were allowed to return to Poland to vote for the Communists; however, they found severe anti-semitism and government-sponsored pogroms there. An organization called Bricha (escape) had been formed to find and bring Polish Jews to Germany on their way to Palestine. Bricha rescued Rachel's family and sent them to a DP (displaced persons) Camp. Rachel met her husband there, U.S. Army Chaplain (1st Lieutenant) Mayer Abramowitz. The couple moved to Miami Beach in 1951.

Maria (2nd from left) and son, Allan
Horowitz (3rd from left), with Russian
soldiers outside of Warsaw, 1946.

       The family of Allan Horowitz (Hall) from Krakow walked east to the Russian area in 1939, when the Germans overran the western part of Poland. In 1941, when the Germans came, the family went into hiding. After the war they were liberated.
       Father, Edmund, worked for the Polish government but was purged by the Soviets and sent to Siberia. He broke out of prison and fled to Paris with his wife, Maria. Edmund and Maria separated from their sons so that the Soviets could not use the children as hostages. The family eventually reunited and immigrated to the U.S. in 1947.   

Shomir Atzarim Zionist Organization,
Poland Hebrew School, Biala Podlaska,1939.
Alice Weinglas (2nd row, top, 1st from left)
with classmates. Only five of this
group survived the Holocaust. 

       Alice (Weinglas) Vinik was born in Biala Podlaska between the two world wars. In late 1939, when the Germans came, her family escaped to the Russian side. They were captured by Russian soldiers and forced to live and labor in the forest.
       Alice met her husband, Max Eiman from Bielsko, Poland. The family members were finally released and reunited in 1946 and returned to Poland. Due to the antisemitism and pogroms, they escaped and were smuggled across the borders.
       After time in Displaced Persons (DP) Camps in Austria and Germany, Alice came to America in 1949, and settled in Miami Beach in 1956.

Louis Schneider wearing
an "Acolyte" outfit, 1944.

       Louis Schneider's parents, Joseph and Debora, were born in Lipsko/Narol. His family was separated when his father was caught by French police in 1942. Louis' mother attempted to smuggle Louis and his sister into Switzerland, but they were caught at the border.
       While traversing northern Italy, their train was bombed by American planes and they were rescued from the wreckage by Italians. Louis spent the rest of the war hiding as "Luigi Sarto" in a Catholic monastery in Italy.
       The family miraculously reunited in 1946.

       

* * * * * * * * * * 

       The Jewish Museum of Florida is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings on South Beach that were once synagogues for Miami Beach's first Jewish congregation. The Museum's focal point is its core exhibit "MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida: 1763 to the Present." Interesting history and art exhibits change periodically.

       Currently on display are: "Wooden Synagogues of Poland and the Florida Connection," through March 18, 2012 and "Rabbi Irving Lehrman: His Life & Art," through January 15, 2012. A Collections & Research Center, Timeline Wall of Jewish history, several films, Museum Store filled with unique items and Bessie's Bistro for snacks complete the experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

       Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Museum is located at 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, except Mondays, Civil and Jewish holidays. Admission: Adults-$6; Seniors-$5; Families-$12; Members and children under 6-Free; Saturdays-Free.

       For information please call 305-672-5044 or visit the website, www.jewishmuseum.com. 

The official logo for Florida Jewish History
Month, created by one of Miami's most
famous artists/residents, Romero Britto.

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Hanukkah Shopping Made Easy by the Jewish Museum of Florida

Visit the Orovitz Museum Store at the Jewish Museum of Florida for all your holiday shopping needs! 

All items are available for purchase online at www.jewishmuseum.com/store.html.

From dreidels and menorahs to dolls and games, the store carries a wide array of Hanukkah gifts, plus an assortment of jewelry and Judaica not found anywhere else!

The Jewish Museum of Florida is located at 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Hours of operation are: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Mondays and Civil and Jewish Holidays. Bessie's Bistro & the Orovitz Museum Store are closed on Saturdays.

The museum is housed in two former synagogues that served the first congregation on Miami Beach. The primary building is a restored 1936 Art Deco building with a copper dome, marble bimah and 80 stained glass windows. The second is the original 1929 shul. The skylighted Bessie's Bistro eatery connects the two buildings.

Don't miss the permanent exhibit, "Mosaic: Jewish Life in Florida," as well as "Wooden Synagogues Of Poland & The Florida Connection," (on display through March 18, 2012) and "Final Mourner's Kaddish: 333 Days In Painting" by Max Miller (on display Jan. 31-May 13, 2012) . For a complete list of exhibits please visit the museum's website. 

For more information please call 305-672-5044 or visit www.jewishmuseum.com. 

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Miami Childrens Theater Presents 100th Main Stage Show

Hana Nardone as Eva Peron in Miami Childrens Theatre's production of Evita.
Evita markes the 100th show in MCT's history.

Miami Childrens Theater (MCT) marks a major milestone in its 15 year history as it presents its 100th main stage production with the May 13 debut of Evita. Evita will be run May 13-22 at the Robert Russell Theater located at the Alper Jewish Community Center in Kendall, 1155 SW 112 Ave., Miami.

Directed by Damaris Lopez-Canales, with musical director Ana Flavia Zuim and choreographed by Celia Merendi, Evita is in full rehearsal and promises to be a rich, faithful version of the Andrew Lloyd Weber-Tim Rice epic bio of Eva Peron.

“All of the elements you expect from a Miami Childrens Theater production are present in Evita – a showcase for South Florida’s premiere talent, incredible music direction and choreography, full sets and costumes – but this production is special,” says Beth Fath, executive director of Miami Childrens Theater. “For one thing the young woman playing Evita, Hanah Nardone, is so symbolic of what we stand for at Miami Childrens Theater. And that is to take a long term approach to helping young people find their way and succeed at the next level.”

Nardone started with MCT when she was nine – landing the role of the sheriff’s daughter in Robin Hood. Through the years Ms. Nardone performed or teched in 35 plays at MCT, sometimes getting a lead role but many times joining in the ensemble or manning lights and eventually stage managing shows. Currently, Hanah is a senior at New World School of the Arts and is mulling offers from some of the top university theater programs in the nation.

Evita  is being performed on May 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 8 pm and  May 15 and 22 at 2 pm. The Robert Russell Theater is located at 1155 SW 112 Ave., Miami. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and children and may be purchased at www.miamichildrenstheater.com

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Jewish Museum of Florida Presents Panel On Nazi-Looted Art

"Die Blonde Venus," 1932, is part of The Florida Connection. Hans Sachs collected 12,500 posters that were confiscated by the Nazis in 1938.

Experts in the field of Nazi-looted art will discuss the ongoing restitution process at at the Jewish Museum of Florida on Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. This public program complements a current exhibition, "Auktion 392: Reclaiming the Galerie Stern, Dusseldorf."

In 1935, Dr. Max Stern's license to trade art in Germany was withdrawn because he was Jewish. He was forced to sell his artworks under extreme duress in Auktion 392. Many of the works were "lost." This exhibition tells the story of Stern's family, his struggle to save his art gallery and collection, the forced auction, as well as provenance research and the restitution of Nazi looted art with current international restitution efforts, including in Florida. The Exhibition was conceived and curated by Dr. Catherine Mackenzie of Concordia University, Montreal; adjuncts conceived and curated by Suzanne Lewis of Ben Uri, The London Jewish Museum of Art. The Jewish Museum of Florida is its premiere venue in the southeast US.

Moderated by Holocaust survivors restitution attorney Sam Dubbin of Miami, the participants include Monica Dugot, Vice President & International Director of Restitution for Christie's auction house; Marc Masurovsky, Washington, DC Project Director, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's on-line database of looted art and Co-Founder, Holocaust Art Restitution Project; and Thomas Kline, partner, Andrews Kurth LLP, Washington, DC, a specialist in art and property litigation.
 

Admission to the panel discussion is complimentary with Museum entry ticket. Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVP suggested. Please RSVP to 786-972-3175 or info@jewishmuseum.com.

The Jewish Museum of Florida on South Beach is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings that were once synagogues for Miami Beach's first Jewish congregation. The focal point of the Museum is its core exhibit "MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida 1763 to the Present" and temporary history and art exhibits that change periodically. Current exhibits are "Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited" through August 14 and "Auktion 392: Restitution of Nazi-looted Art" through April 25. A Collections & Research Center, several films, TimelineWall of Jewish history, Museum Store and Bessie's Bistro complete the experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Museum is located at 301 Washington Ave., South Beach and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Mondays and Civil and Jewish holidays.

Admission: Adults/$6; Seniors/$5; Families/$12; Members and children under 6/Free; Saturdays/Free.

For information call 305-672-5044 or visit www.jewishmuseum.com.