Celebrating 30 years at Alma Road

The Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica (JMA) is celebrating 30 years at its Alma Road home with an open day on November 30.

The open day will include a range of programs including a Chanukah-themed kids’ storytime with PJ Library, a panel discussion with past and present curators, a guided tour of Tammy Kanat’s exhibition Circle of Her with curator Esther Gyorki, and a live jazz performance by Rita Satch.

The JMA opened in Alma Road in 1995, and since then has welcomed visitors from within and outside of the Jewish community including many schools, enabling the exploration of Australian Jewish life, culture and identity. Prior to 1995, the Jewish Museum was housed at the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, an initiative led by Rabbi Ronald Lubofsky.

“Moving from the small classrooms at the rear of the Toorak synagogue where the museum had found its original home in 1982 was momentous,” reflected former chair of the museum and current board member and Life Governor Zelda Rosenbaum. “After searching for 11 years, the building opposite the St Kilda Shule, while it needed alterations, seemed ideal. So for one year the museum closed its doors and the exciting task of designing a new museum began.

“They were heady days as we raised funds and collected offerings of amazing Judaica from the community. Under beds, in attics and cupboards and from other unlikely sources emerged the beginnings of the permanent collection which now numbers some 25,000 items.

“A grand opening was planned with the then governor-general Bill Hayden and so Alma Road opened its doors to a new era and exciting opportunities to display the creativity of Jewish custom, religion and culture with particular emphasis on the Australian Jewish experience.”

The AJN spoke with the JMA’s new CEO and director Sidra Moshinsky ahead of the celebration. Moshinsky brings extensive experience having previously worked at the JMA, as well as a writer and educator for over 18 years.

Moshinsky said that while it remains important to teach about antisemitism and the Holocaust, the JMA also provides opportunities for positive interactions with Jewish people and culture. “We’re trying to get out the message that we need to have some authentic opportunities to interact with Jewish people, with Jewish culture, with our story, and where we can say it from a strength-based position.”

She said that many have found the JMA to be “beacon” of connection, especially in the aftermath of October 7. “This is a place where they can come and see works or participate in our programs or lectures, and for the wider community, they can come in and ask questions… it is about fostering curiosity … I want people to leave here and ideally they’ve learned something … [with] an interest to learn more.”

What’s next for the JMA? Moshinsky says the JMA is “future focused” and planning for its eventual move to the Jewish Arts Quarter (JAQ) – with a fundraising campaign for the JAQ recently launched.

She said the key questions for planning ahead include: How do we meet the moment? What does our community need for us? and what does wider society need in terms of social cohesion?

“In terms of vision, it’s what are people looking for in a museum experience?” she said. “Now that technology has changed, information is everywhere, they can find out the facts. So, museums today… they’re much more of a conversational interaction.”

While the JMA plans for its exciting future it continues to deliver thought provoking programs and exhibitions with many on display on its free open day.

To learn more visit jewishmuseum.com.au