A few years after I began working as director and curator of the Temple Judea Museum, I realized that among the KI membership were a number of formally trained, professional artists who were interested in the museum and were centers of influence in their own worlds. As an artist myself I am well aware that a special relationship exists between artists and material culture. Most love museums and this is especially true of KI artists. They are always the first to volunteer to help out with exhibitions, the collection and special projects. In 2006 the TJM Artists’ Collaborative was formed to give us a formal way to promote the presence of our member artists. Through their activities the entire KI community has drawn closer and our permanent collection has come to life in unexpected ways.

A peak achievement for the collaboration of our artists and the museum is the upcoming exhibition, “Unpacking the Jewish Journey,” a project of guest curator, TJM Collaborative artist, Leon Chudzinski. Almost two years ago I offered our artists the opportunity to curate an original exhibition. Leon came to me with the idea for an exhibition about the Jewish diaspora. Since that time he has been working steadily to research the history of the Jewish journey around the world and to explore the museum’s collection in depth to identify the objects that would help him tell the story. He met with both Rabbi Sussman and Rabbi David to gain their insights. He reached out to other TJM artists to find those who might want to be part of this journey into Jewish history through art. He created his own images, including an impressive 3-D, multimedia Independence Hall!

I know you will agree with me that the result – opening February 14th at Shabbat services – is impressive. Leon has reconfigured our gallery space into an exciting installation of art and artifacts. The story is so big that we are devoting much of the year – through November – to this one exhibition. A series of Curator Roundtable discussions will be held monthly so that you will have the chance to meet Leon and our artists to learn about their perspective on the Unpacking of the Jewish Journey.

Rita Rosen Poley

Director/Curator


February-November 2025. More Information Coming Soon!

Join us Friday, February 14th at Shabbat services for the opening of a major Temple Judea Museum exhibition. “Unpacking the Jewish Journey” is a unique look at the Jewish Diaspora through the eyes of an artist cohort, led by guest curator and artist, Leon Chudzinski. This thoughtful and visually exciting installation incorporates multi-media original art work by 20 artists and historic objects from the Temple Judea Museum collection. 

Before Shabbat services 6:15 – 6:45: Remarks in the gallery with guest curator, Leon Chudzinski and some of the artists and, again during the Oneg Shabbat. Light refreshments will be served!

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Marlene Adler
Irina Bakis
Leon Chudzinski
Rhea Dennis
Alina Dolitsky
Cheryl Harper
Doug Heath
Bonnie Kane
Jan Marshall
Paula Mandel
Robyn Miller
Joan Meyerson Shrager
Dana Perlman
Walter Plotnick
Karen Schloss
Linda Schwartz
Maxine Schwartz
Rob Sirota
Stan Singer