The Museum of Jewish Heritage remembers three horrible acts of antisemitism in a new series of exhibitions and program

All throughout October and until November 9, the Museum of Jewish Heritage will host a memorial space honoring the victims of three horrific acts of antisemitism: October 7, the Tree of Life attack and the Kristallnacht, the November pogroms.

Titled Maintaining Memory, the installation fills the museum’s Lowenstein Rotunda, which was originally conceived as “a memorial space for contemplation and reflection,” according to an official press release.

“Amid the High Holiday season and the anniversaries of the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023; the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018; and the November Pogroms on November 9–10, 1938, we invite visitors to reflect on our collective responsibility to maintain the memory of each individual life, our shared history and our shared humanity,” the release reads.

At the center of the space stands an eternal flame (Ner Tamid), symbolizing the light that Jews are commanded to keep burning throughout the ages, as described in the Torah. Crafted in Romania in 1930, the flame takes the shape of a menorah.

The memorial is part of a broader series of commemorative events, installations and programs dedicated to raising awareness of these three tragic anniversaries. Among them is “Lessons from the Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward,” which invites visitors to view a painting of Pittsburgh native TV personality Fred Rogers (yes, that Mister Rogers) standing tearfully before the Tree of Life logo, alongside a Star of David and other imagery.

The museum will also host a screening of Torn, a documentary about the “kidnapped” posters that appeared throughout New York City after October 7, on October 19. A series of related talks and discussions are also on the docket.

You can browse through the museum’s calendar right here.