The Center For Jewish History

I went here last year to a lovely concert of chamber music. The seats were comfortable enough, the prices were reasonable, and I ran into a former middle school teacher, who was sitting in the row in front of me and my companion! Talk about awkward! A big plus was being able to peruse the exhibits while I went to the restroom; they had an exhibit on colonial Jewish life in America that looked really interesting. This space shares the facility with the American Sephardi Federation and the Yeshiva University Museum, both of which I’d love to check out.
On a more recent occasion, I saw «The Immortal German Classics: Chamber Music of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.» The Phoenix Chamber Ensemble performed Haydn’s Trio in E H: XV:28, the second Mozart Quartet in E flat, a Beethoven violin-​piano sonata and more. It was absolutely sublime and heavenly. They even have a monthly book club, which is something right up my alley, and perhaps yours, as well. They discuss a different Jewish book every month, and have discussed titles by Sana Krasikov (who reminds me of a Russian Jewish version of Woody Allen, in terms of her portrayal of her community in writing; she came to my college years ago), Etgar Keret, and Ayelet Waldman, whose rabid abortion politics I can do without. Perhaps I’ll donate as a member one of these days.

Currently there’s a terrific exhibit, for those of you who like graphic art comics: «Graphic Details: Confessional Comics by Jewish Women» (through April 15). Eighteen artists’ (autobiographical) work is featured and it covers a span of four decades. I was very familiar with most of the artists, but anyone who appreciates graphic art comics will love this exhibit. I was particularly excited to attend this evening, since one of the artists gave a talk about her work and it was the launch of her new book.
There’s also an interesting photography exhibit in the hallway gallery (on view through August 31): «The Jewish Writer: Portraits by Jill Krementz».

A beautiful building that serves a real need in the city.
CJH is the combined home of five Jewish organizations that specialize in research, information, and archives. They each seem to have exhibit space and offices in the building, plus there’s a gorgeous reading room in which anyone doing research can work. (I believe you need to get credentialed first, but that’ s not difficult.) The exhibits are open to everyone. The Center also hosts cultural and academic events.
I went to see an exhibit about manuscripts and printed books, which was beautifully displayed and curated. (Some of the signage was too low for most people to read comfortably, however.) The galleries are a little stark, but the space is modern and light, obviously the result of thoughtful design. Even the floor has been inlayed with meaningful symbols. A huge glass hanging in the two-​level center of the building is supposed to resemble a page of Talmud, I was told. Very cool.
There is supposed to be a restaurant, but when I peeked in, curtains covered the serving area, and only vending machines were available. Still, it looks like a nice quiet space to read and relax.