Learning about Tolerance and Cultural Diversity Through Art, Food and Film

Our current exhibition Fabric of Survival: The Art of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz has been an emotional experience for many viewers because of its powerful message of hope, tolerance and faith. Holocaust survivors and their families have returned to the exhibit for Esther’s amazing story of how she survived the Holocaust as a teenager in Poland. She created 36 stunning appliquéd and embroidered fabric panels depicting her ordeal.

Our docents have been teaching about tolerance using Esther’s art as a gentle way for kids to learn about the Holocaust and Jewish culture. The museum has Free Family Art Days for kids to engage with art in a fun and comfortable setting where they can make art that reflects concepts and themes from the exhibitions. At our last two Family Art Days kids painted ceramic tiles with themes of hope and tolerance inspired by the exhibition. The tiles are displayed at the entrance to the exhibition.

Another way for people to learn about Jewish culture is to experience its delicious cuisine. Tomorrow, Thursday, October 1st at 6:00 p.m. the museum will screen the romantic comedy “Crossing Delancey” and serve a Kosher style dinner in the beautiful setting of the museum. Chef Steve Akin of DZ Akin’s Delicatessen will prepare appetizers of potato knish, chopped liver on cocktail breads, deviled eggs, and frenzy; a main course of brisket, potatoes and carrots, hot kasha, stuffed cabbage rolls and homemade brown gravy; and dessert of homemade chocolate dipped macaroons and assorted rugalach as well as wine, coffee and tea. Call the museum at 760.435.3720 for reservations.

Join us Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 p.m. for a Free Youth Film Festival with special guest Joe Fab, award winning and Emmy nominated producer, writer, and director who will introduce the film “Paper Clips.” In 1998 the children of Whitwell Middle School in Tennessee undertook a challenging documentary film project that would open their eyes to the diversity of the world beyond their insulated valley. With no prior knowledge of the Holocaust they promised to honor and memorialize every lost soul, collecting one paper clip for each individual exterminated by the Nazis. The powerful documentary “We Must Remember” will screen at 2:40 p.m. introduced by the student producers from Carlsbad High School who created the project with broadcast journalism teacher Doug Green. The students spent hours interviewing Holocaust survivors from Southern California and veterans who helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp. The students came face to face with a generation of survivors who, in many cases will be telling their stories for the last time. Admission is free for both films and the exhibition.

Fabric of Survival: The Art of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz will be on view through October 25, 2009.