One of Moscow’s newer cultural additions is the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center in the north end of town. It is a multi-media, interactive and family-friendly venue. One need not be fluent in Russian in order to draw meaning from the various exhibits as there are just enough English translations to keep one very engaged.
Not only is the Jewish religion and culture in Russia well-represented but visitors find historical documents, artifacts and first-person accounts throughout the museum. The visit begins with a 10 minute 3-D video experience that takes you on a sensory-laden trip back in time to through the Old Testament and explains the basic beliefs and teachings of the Jewish faith. From there you are welcomed by knowledgeable and friendly staff members into the main hall of the museum which has been transformed into vignettes depicting life in a Shtetl. From there one can walk through the footsteps of Russian Jews from ancient to contemporary times. History, culture and politics are all clearly spelled out for visitors and provide a clear overview of the Russian-Jewish experience.
Visitors are welcome to photograph the exhibits (hooray!) and are encouraged to interact with the multi-media presentations in a meaningful way.
Whether you are well-versed or just beginning to learn about Jewish culture, this museum does not disappoint. This was certainly an afternoon well spent.
There was a large touch screen that enabled you to bring together sentence fragments in Hebrew to reveal sayings.
Sacred Objects
Interactive information panels
Remembering Бабий Яр
Not only is the Jewish religion and culture in Russia well-represented but visitors find historical documents, artifacts and first-person accounts throughout the museum. The visit begins with a 10 minute 3-D video experience that takes you on a sensory-laden trip back in time to through the Old Testament and explains the basic beliefs and teachings of the Jewish faith. From there you are welcomed by knowledgeable and friendly staff members into the main hall of the museum which has been transformed into vignettes depicting life in a Shtetl. From there one can walk through the footsteps of Russian Jews from ancient to contemporary times. History, culture and politics are all clearly spelled out for visitors and provide a clear overview of the Russian-Jewish experience.
Visitors are welcome to photograph the exhibits (hooray!) and are encouraged to interact with the multi-media presentations in a meaningful way.
Whether you are well-versed or just beginning to learn about Jewish culture, this museum does not disappoint. This was certainly an afternoon well spent.
There was a large touch screen that enabled you to bring together sentence fragments in Hebrew to reveal sayings.
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| "Talk can't make you pregnant." |
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| "You should grow like an onion - with your head in the ground." My father used to say this! |
Sacred Objects
Interactive information panels
Remembering Бабий Яр
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