No.16, Spring 2008
|
Journal of
the Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center No.16, Spring 2008 |
From the Chaiman:
DEAR READERS
We are now in the final stages of preparation for implementing the planned changes in the Museum. To date we have invested approximately six-and-a-half million dollars in the Center and the Museum. This sum does not include, of course, the value of the exhibits and collections, the library and the land on which both Center and Museum stand.
We expect that the actual work on implementing the planned changes, according to a blueprint on which the designers have worked for more than a year, will begin soon. At the same time we shall also overhaul the Museum’s infrastructure (electrical wiring, the air conditioning system, acoustic ceiling, flooring, computer infrastructure). Work on planned exhibitions is also proceeding apace.
Once the reconstruction and overhaul are completed we will begin to put the newly designed exhibits in place. These will undoubtedly add a novel, even revolutionary dimension to the Museum and the Center as a whole. The following are our new or renewed exhibitions:
1. The Scribe (in operation), dedicated to Noga and Menashe Ben-Haim, Israel.
2. Zionism and Aliyah, dedicated to Kadourie Ben-Haim, Israel.
3. Folk Medicine, dedicated to Alfred and James Shasha, New York.
4. Leadership of Iraqi Jewry, dedicated to Moshe Shohat, London.
5. The Far East, dedicated to Grace and Jack Ballas, Singapore.
6. Communities, dedicated to Reuven and Na’ima Hawwa, Israel.
7. Shanashil, dedicated to Ezra Zilkha, New York.
8. Studio (in operation), dedicated to Ezra Zilkha, New York.
9. The Reception Room, dedicated to Robert Shasha, New York.
10. Studio (in operation), dedicated to Rina and Yoel Sarraf, Miami.
11. The Bridal Chamber, dedicated to Georgette Meyer, New York.
12. Music, dedicated to Oded Halahmi, New York.
13. The Theater, dedicated to Judah and Jeanette Assia, Israel.
14. Instruction Room, dedicated to Shay Aqirav, Israel.
15. Ritual Objects of Iraqi Jewry (in operation), dedicated to David Cohen, Israel.
16. The Jewish Home – dedicated to Victor Tchenguis, England.
The preceding exhibitions already have commemoration sponsors. However, the Museum still possesses some as yet unsponsored exhibitions, as follows:
1. Absorption and Integration in Israel – in the planning stages, on the first floor.
2. Saints’ Tombs – in the planning stages, as an annex to the reconstructed grand synagogue.
3. The Babylonian Geniza – underneath the bema of the reconstructed synagogue. The space has as yet not been planned.
4. Information Center – planned for the expanded Museum.
5. Hall for Temporary Exhibitions – planned on the ground floor.
6. Cafeteria – in Iraqi style, with exhibits, planned on the ground floor.
In addition to the above-mentioned construction and overhaul projects we are also renovating our auditorium (space redesign, sloped auditorium floor for better viewing, entrance and façade redesign to fit in with the Museum, new seats) with a donation by Mr. Victor Tchenguis and his sons.
The total cost of construction and design will amount to about NIS 7 million. Unfortunately this is a sum which we do not have. We must therefore, with your help, work hard to find the needed sources of financing, in the form of commemorating family members, contributions, loans and more.
The Museum’s ultimate configuration will be a source of great pride not only to the children of the ancient Jewish community of Babylonia in Israel and abroad but also to the Jewish people as a whole. It will provide a pleasurable experience to its many visitors from Israel and the Diaspora.
In order to attain our goal, to implement all these changes which will enhance our pride in the Museum, I call on everyone who can to assist us to bring this vital project to a successful conclusion.
Mordechai Ben-Porat
Chairman of the Center
