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| Revisiting the Egyptian exodus
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Israel in Egypt. An oil on canvas painting by Sir Edward John Poynter (1836 - 1919) painted in 1867
Photo: Guldhall Art Gallery, Corporation of London
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A major new exhibition on Passover, designed for children and families, opened at the Jewish Museum in London.
Called Passover: Journey to Freedom, the presentation explores the meaning of the Jewish festival of Passover across the ages and across the globe. It looks at the ways other cultures have adopted and interpreted the Passover message of liberation from slavery.
The organisers, who described the exhibition as “highly interactive”, say it will “enchant” everyone who comes to view it.
“Younger visitors to the exhibition will learn about Passover through imaginative play, whilst older visitors are invited to compare and contrast Passover customs from around the world, and see how the Exodus story inspired the slaves in America to persevere in the struggle for emancipation,” explained Susanna Alexander, the museum’s education officer.
“One of the highlights of the exhibition will be a specially designed interactive seder table, where children can take part in multi-sensory activities to learn about aspects of Passover.”
The seder is the service that Jewish families hold in their homes around a table on the first nights of Passover discussing how the Jews, led by Moses, left Egypt and became a nation.
Historical themes
The exhibition tracks the development and significance of Passover from ancient Egypt to the present day and uses hands-on activities, music and video to convey the Passover experience.
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Finger puppets of the 10 plagues | Alexander believes the exhibition, which is accompanied by a programme of events and activities for children and adults, will appeal to Jews and non-Jews alike.
“The Exodus story has many themes which are universal, including the struggle for freedom from oppression and the role of leaders in our society,” she said.
“As well as being shared by Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the story is part of world culture, and has inspired music, art and writing from those of many faiths and cultural backgrounds.
“Christians in particular relate to the story of the exodus: many churches hold seders of their own, as the Last Supper is widely believed to have been a seder.
“Much of the exhibition text is designed to provide an introductory level explanation of the themes and customs of Passover, although there is plenty to interest those with more background knowledge as well.”
Designed for children
The exhibition was designed with children in mind as they play a central role in the Passover celebrations.
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The search for hametz. Die Pessach Haggadah, published by Josef Schlesinger, Vienna, 1929. | “The telling of the Exodus story cannot begin until the youngest child has asked four questions,” commented Alexander, “and the entire Seder is designed as an interactive learning experience, intended to stimulate children’s curiosity and imagination.
The Jewish Museum in Camden works with more than 6,000 children and young people every year, offering a wide variety of educational programming.
“We hope to provide children with a fun experience, in which they will learn through role play, art, music and video, as well as by looking at objects in detail,” Alexander added.
“Hopefully children will leave the exhibition feeling inspired by the story, and excited about the Passover celebrations.
Passover: Journey to Freedom runs until May 14.
For opening times and more information about the exhibition, or its accompanying programme of events for children and adults, contact the museum on 00 44 20 7284 1997 or visit www.jewishmuseum.org.uk
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