Jewish history on display
AFTER months of intensive research, video interviews, compiling, editing and logistical planning, Waverley Council’s Eat, Pray, Naches exhibition launched yesterday.
AFTER months of intensive research, video interviews, compiling, editing and logistical planning, Waverley Council’s Eat, Pray, Naches exhibition launched yesterday.
The project celebrates Waverley’s Jewish community by preserving and sharing the stories of postwar immigrants and their families.
The exhibition, at Waverley Library throughout September, will also showcase the food, rituals and joys of Jews from Israel, the former Soviet Union, Hungary, South Africa, China, Egypt and the Middle East.
“To actually watch the interaction of other people who look at it and really appreciate it and read it thoroughly … it’s such great positive feedback,” a Council spokesperson said.
“It’s an amazing learning experience – it’s very local, it’s very specific. That’s never been done before, we’re focusing on second and third generation, and it’s a local message.
“Everyone knows someone that’s been involved in this project as well, and it’s a learning experience for the entire community.”
Children’s entertainer Velvel Lederman, who participated in the project, said it is “a big naches” to see it come to fruition.
“When I saw my panel, personally the very first thing I thought is that I’ve brought honour to my parents,” he said.
“The main reason I wanted to do it was to honour them and their coming here to Australia.”
He recounted to The AJN how participating led to his discovery of his father’s postwar Haggadah, published just one year after liberation and used in the displaced persons camp.
He also praised the exhibition’s cross-section of subjects.
“What’s incredible is what Waverley has become because of all these people, what they built up here in their own way,” he said.
“The exhibition has got all the different groups of Jews that live here, and that’s why I wanted to do it for my parents, because I wanted the Orthodox viewpoint put forward. But it’s just as important to see all the other Jewish groups there, which has been done so beautifully.”
The physical exhibit is accompanied by a website featuring video interviews, full transcripts, a learning section specifically for students and a picture glossary.
There will also be a full suite of public programs around the exhibition.
Once the exhibition period at Waverley Library concludes there are plans to make it a travelling exhibition.
GARETH NARUNSKY
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