May 2024 eMuse

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Our mission is to preserve and promote

Jewish heritage, culture, history, and community through art and education.

May Holiday Hours:

Monday, May 27 - CLOSED for Memorial Day

The Sherwin Miller Museum of Art wins the 2024 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards in the education category! The ONE Awards is a statewide, prestigious award, presented by the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits showcasing excellence, leadership, and innovation in each category. “We are honored to be recognized for this respected award, validating our mission to foster community awareness and education about Jewish history and the importance of tolerance,” states Tracey Herst-Woods, Deputy Director. 

ONE Awards Video

Read the latest version of the Tulsa Jewish Review here.

Upcoming Events

Annual Members Luncheon

Wednesday, May 15 at 12 pm

RSVP is required by May 8 to Tracey Herst-Woods at twoods@jewishmuseum.net or 918-492-1818

Spartan Boys: Tulsa and the Israeli Airforce

Opening Reception: Thursday, May 30, 6 pm

In partnership with the Tula Air and Space Museum, this historical exhibit is dedicated to the story of The Spartan School of Aeronautics, and the training of 42 technical staff members of the young Israeli Air Force, who in 1949 came to the Spartan College of Aviation and Technology in Tulsa, for a 9-month training. They were known as the “Spartan Boys.” The Spartan Boys were "adopted" by families of the Tulsa Jewish community during their time of study. Upon completion of their training, they returned to Israel as certified aircraft mechanics. One young mechanic, Bob Golan (of blessed memory), originally from Poland who went to Israel after the Holocaust, ended up moving to Tulsa and becoming a docent at the Museum.

Genealogy in the Digital Age: Unveiling Ancestral Roots with AI Technology

Co-Hosted by: The Jewish Genealogy Society of Tulsa and Congregation B’nai Emunah

Sunday, June 9 at 3 pm

Join Jerry Scherer as he shares his firsthand experiences of leveraging AI technology to trace his own roots. Discover how Jerry utilized AI chatbots and cutting-edge applications to navigate vast genealogical databases, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the intricate puzzle of his family history. "Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations," (Deuteronomy 32:7). Jerry will highlight the importance of preserving the past to honor our ancestors and leave a meaningful legacy for future generations. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on the intersection of genealogical exploration and modern technology.


Zoom link: 918 583 7121 Passcode: No passcode necessary.

Current Exhibitions

17th Annual Purim Mask Student Exhibit

Through May 16, 2024

This annual student exhibit features Oklahoma K-12 student artwork, depicting the masks of Purim, commemorating the day the Jewish people were saved by Queen Esther of Persia. The king’s advisor, Haman, attempted to execute the Jewish people. Esther, who previously hid her Jewish heritage, bravely revealed her true identity to the king and asked him to save the Jewish people. During Purim, the custom is to dress up and mask one’s identity—like Esther did— celebrate with costumes, noisemakers, and parties.

Jacob's Ladder

Through December 31, 2024

The Museum archives are home to many imaginative winged beings. Join us on a trip up Jacob’s Ladder and encounter these artistic angelic pieces from our collection.

Old Country to the Plains: Kosher Pop SK8 Art

Through June 14, 2024

Using the skateboard deck as a canvas, this New York City artist Steve Marcus explores the themes of tradition, spirituality, and local Jewish history in a series of artworks made especially for The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art. Marcus’ unique style, inspired by cartoons and underground comics, is a fun and refreshingly accessible approach to contemporary Jewish art that is masterfully showcased on 40 whimsical and thought-provoking skateboard decks.

Curator's Curios

Through December 31, 2024

This is the first of many exciting exhibits on view at the Museum this new year. Digging deep into the Museum's massive Judaica collection, curator Sofia Thornblad displays her all-time favorites to offer a glimpse of some of the items in our permanent collection. From oil paintings by Theodore Freid to fun vintage Israeli posters, this exhibit offers up a bit of everything. 

What's in Store for 2024


  • Shrine of the Feminine (September 5—November 21, 2024): The paintings of Oklahoma mother and son, David and the late Ruth Lebow, showcase two perspectives of traditional realism
  • Invited to Life Exhibit (December 5, 2024—June 2025): Award-winning author and photographer B.A. Van Sise explores the varied and sometimes complicated lives of Holocaust Survivors

Sanditen/Kaiser Holocaust Center

Honoring Mildred and Julius Sanditen & Herman and Kate Kaiser

The Sanditen/Kaiser Holocaust Center at The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art provides state-of-the-art displays, greatly enhancing the Museum’s Holocaust education capacity. The Center is the cornerstone of activity at The Museum and continued to bring in new visitors every day to learn why and how the Holocaust occurred and how to ensure it never happens again. Showcasing over 250 previously unseen artifacts donated by liberators and survivors, the horrifying events are recounted by five Holocaust survivors who made Oklahoma their home. Video first-hand accounts along with artifacts and documents help guide the visitor through history. The only Holocaust Center of its kind in the region also features one-of-a-kind art installations from local artists. The Museum’s Sanditen/Kaiser Holocaust Center honoring Mildred and Julius Sanditen & Herman and Kate Kaiser illuminates the effects of hate locally and worldwide.

2024 Exhibition Sponsors

Arts Alliance Tulsa

The Commemoration Fund

The Sharna & Irvin Frank Foundation

The Frank Family Foundation

The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation

The Kirschner Trust

Estelle and Allan Avery

Brian E. Brouse

Lori Frank and LaVonna Reed

Carol Miller

The Legacy of Katharine Penson Miller

Barbara Sylvan

Tribute Recognitions

Tributes are a meaningful way to honor a special occasion or to remember loved ones. Donations to The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art provide for permanent and traveling exhibitions and educational programs. Focusing on the heritage, history, and culture of the Jewish people, the SMMJA helps deepen perception and understanding through art.


Contact Tracey Herst-Woods to honor someone with a tribute!


In Memory of


Don Irwin

Lori Frank and LaVonna Reed

The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art


Carol Sweet

The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art

Renew Your Membership

Don’t miss the many benefits of your membership which include a year of free admission; complimentary guest passes; advance notice and invitations to previews, receptions, and events; access to our research library, and a discount in the Museum store. Please renew your membership and celebrate the success of our 58th year with us—and your part in it!


Although membership in the Tulsa Genealogical Society is separate, you may join or renew for only $18 and you will continue to receive their regular updates. Questions about your 2024 membership? Contact Tracey Herst-Woods, 918.492.1818 or development@jewishmuseum.net or you can go to the Museum’s website and click on Membership to join today or click HERE!


Renew Your Membership!


Museum Hours


Thursday - Tuesday

10 am – 5 pm


Closed Wednesday

 

Saturday

12 pm – 5 pm

 

Sunday

12 pm – 5 pm


May Holiday Hours:

Monday, May 27 - CLOSED for Memorial Day

Museum Store


We have a wide assortment of Judaica, from jewelry, Shabbat and yahrzeit candles, kippahs, and glass stones from local artists. Stop by the museum store for all your Judaica needs! 



Museum members receive a 10% discount on all museum store items.

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