BRUNCH
SATURDAY NIGHT SUNDAY
OMELET AND WAFFLE STATIONS,
PRIME RIB
GRILLED SALMON, CHICKEN PICATTA,
Freedom Ring from page 29
stories of Jews who have returned to
faced similar challenges to those con-
the Jewish fold.
fronted by Jews, the museum will be a
Also, because of Arnerica's freedom,
place for all Americans to explore."
"both narratives exist at the same
With 30 original videos (by docu-
time Bayme says.
mentarian David Grubin) and hands-
The framers of the museum's collec- on, interactive exhibits for children
tion chose a middle path, alluding to
(many are at kid's eye-level), a thor-
some Jews' assimilationist tendencies
ough stroll through the museum will
while not being outright condemna-
require at least two hours.
tory, says Jonathan Sarna, the Brandeis
The museum, affiliated with the
University historian who headed a
Smithsonian Institution, is the result
group of experts who checked the
of a $150-million fundraising cam-
artifacts' authenticity and relevance.
paign, much of which was run during
Condemnation would unnecessarily
the last two years of national reces-
alienate some visitors, he says.
sion, "a period of challenge," says
"It's not a synagogue; it's not an
Rosenzweig, who adds that "it was
Orthodox institution:' which might
hard to raise money" but the prospect
make a clearer statement about the
of telling the American Jewish story to
imperative of Jewish continuity Sarna
a public that doesn't know many of its
says. "It's not the museum's job to take details appealed to donors."
a stand:'
The museum, which grew out of
Text displayed near the end of the
a modest historical museum at the
exhibition offers a tacit, cautionary
270-year-old Congregation Mikveh
note, he points out. "Freedom creates
Israel ("The Synagogue of the
opportunities, imposes responsibili-
Revolution") a half-block away, is now
ties and poses challenges:' it reads.
an independent institution.
"Living in freedom is far from easy;
"We're not a Jewish institution, per
uncertainties abound. Freedom has
se," Nachman says.
allowed Jews to select what they
"This is in most respects a national
wished from their past and transform
institution. Its not a Philadelphia
it for the future'
museum:' adds Rosenzweig. "We are a
The exhibits, in their totality, Sarna
national destination that happens to
says, "subtly ... tell people that free-
be located in Philadelphia."
dom is a blessing — with freedom
The Independence Mall area
comes great danger, with freedom
attracts some 4 million visitors a year;
comes responsibility."
the museum is aiming for 250,000
The assimilation of Solomon Jacobs' visitors annually, most of them non-
family is a typical Jewish American
Jews.
story. "It is certainly a story that every-
"It would not surprise us to exceed
body knows," Sarna says.
that:' Rosenzweig says.
The Jews of Jacobs' day "dealt with
"Why not New York? Why not
the same issues" as contemporary
Washington?" he hears all the time.
American Jews, says Arnie Kaplan, the
"We're exactly where we should be
Allentown, Pa., Judaica collector who
he answers. "We're at the birthplace of
loaned the Jacobs portrait and several
liberty."
dozen other items from his private
The museum's tacit message is how
collection to the museum. "They
one group overcame problems, turn-
struggled with the same things" as
ing from the particular to the univer-
Jews in 2010.
sal, and using its lessons of success for
That's a lesson for any minority
the benefit of wider society. With anti-
group in this country.
Semitism on these shores mostly over-
"The American Jewish story is the
come, American Jews, various exhibits
American story:' says Jay Nachman,
demonstrate, turned their attention
the museum's public relations direc-
in disproportionate numbers to such
tor."You see the American experience
issues as civil rights and feminism.
through the lens of the American
The exhibits, without passing
Jewish community"
judgment, show one people's past,
Michael Rosenzweig, the museum's
moments of pride and moments of
president, says, "There is no other
chagrin, warts and all. Jewish Nobel
museum like this, telling the story
Prize winners and Jewish criminals,
that the museum tells — the sweep of prejudice and acceptance, the ordinary
Jewish history. It's an important story
and the extraordinary — whatever
... a powerful testament to what all
has made American Jewish history
free people can accomplish.
unique.
"Since many other immigrant eth-
"Not all of it was rosy:' Rosenzweig
nic groups that came to this country
says. "We're not here to be cheerlead-
14 OZ USDA CHOICE BONELESS
PRIME RIB SERVED WITH POTATO
AND VEGETABLE, YOUR CHOICE OF
SALAD OR
SOUP.
CHEESE BLINTZ, FRESH FRUIT AND
A VAST SELECTION OF ITEMS.
$10.99 ADULTS • $5.99 KIDS
AND KIDS UNDER 5 EAT FREE!
EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT
ALL YOU CAN EAT
AFTER 5:30 P.M.
ADULTS $13.99
PASTA STATION
"00YOUR
$ 1 0
PURCHASE ON
OFF YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!
BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND CELEBRATE!!
GEORGE'S
HONEY TREE
5:30- 8:00
$10.99 ADULTS • $5,95 KIDS AND
KIDS UNDER 5 ARE FREE!
4 SAUCES, 4 PASTAS CAESAR AND FRUIT
SALAD ARE JUST SOME OF THE CHOICES
33080 Northwestern Highway
West Bloomfield, MI
Phone: 248-539-8300
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-9
Sat & Sun 9-9
www.georgeshoneytree.com
DESIGNS IN DECORATOR WOOD & LAMINATES, LTD.
Lois Haron Allied Member ASID 248.851.6989
Open
for
Lu Days
& Dinner
WE' VE MOVED 2 DOORS DOWN!
e5ezechuan 6nrpire &WY/1h
aRedaurant
I 0 (Y° 0 ff
Total Bill
DINE IN OR
CARRYOUT
Not good with any other offer
1 coupon per table • with coupon-
Expires 11/11/10
•Featuring Authentic Chinese/Asian Cooking
•Complete Lunch Starts at $6.55
•Children's Menu
•Healthy, Low Fat, 'Sodium Free' Chokes
• Vegetarian Dishes
•
39470 14 Mile Rd. (corner of Haggert% in the Ne%t herr\ Square Plaial, 248-960-7666
www.szechuanempire.com
Freedom Ring on page 32
December 23 • 2010
31