ST. LOUIS, MO — The Museum of ImaJewnation will open Feb. 28—just in time for Purim, an annual Jewish observance. The new museum is located inside the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, Staenberg Family Complex Arts & Education Building and the opening coincides with the grand opening of that facility, located at 2 Millstone Campus Drive, in the Creve Coeur area.
The first exhibit at the museum dedicated to Jewish culture, customs, history and music is “Listening for Haman, Sounding out the Grogger; Groggers for War and Peace.” Groggers, also called graggers or ra’ashan, are noisemakers used to celebrate Purim, the day the Jewish community gathers for a public reading of the scroll of Esther who, according to the Torah, spared the Jews from death ordered by Haman, the then advisor to the king. Each time during the reading that Haman is mentioned, groggers are used to blot out the sound of his name.
Groggers crafted by local artists will be on display through March 14.
The Staenberg Family Complex Arts and Education Building houses The Adult Day Center, Early Childhood Center and Nutrition department, The Marvin & Harlene Wool Studio Theater, The Carl & Helene Mirowitz Performing Arts Center, an adult lounge and Belt Midrash.
Visit www.jccstl.com for a schedule of events. Contact Brad Horwitz at 314-442-3271 for media inquiries.
