These photos were taken on December 15, 2024, the day before the temporary closure of the Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) in San Francisco.

Opened in 2008, the museum struggled to recover from financial instability caused by the pandemic. In 2024, they decided to close for one year to develop a sustainable operating model.

According to The CJM, “Given the increase in antisemitism over recent years, The CJM’s mission to educate, promote understanding, and celebrate Jewish culture is more critical than ever. This temporary pause will enable the organization to strengthen its foundation, ensuring it can continue this work well into the future.”

Opened in 2008, The CJM’s temporary closure took effect on Dec. 16, 2024
“Firmament” solo exhibition by Nicki Green
tent by Ricki Dwyer and sculpture by Nicki Green
tent by Ricki Dwyer and sculptures by Nicki Green
The crocheted artwork with Hebrew text wraps around this gallery wall; sculpture by Nicki Green
Interactive artwork: “Grieving Stones” (porcelain) by Meirav Ong (2022-present)

The instructions from the artist include “squeeze the stone” and “imagine holding hands with a child in Gaza.” My younger daughter and I placed the stones we picked on the growing pile of Grieving Stones. ⤵️

Interactive artwork: pile of “Grieving Stones” by Meirav Ong (and CJM visitors!)
Interactive artwork: “Aspirations” by Bernie Lubell
Interactive artwork: “Aspirations” by Bernie Lubell

This exhibit requires two participants to sit in the center of each inflatable lounger. It’s an exercise in give and take. To ensure both loungers get inflated, the participants pull on the lever in tandem so that the red arrow is centered.

the sign over the door says, “Entrez Lentement” (enter slowly) by Kim Schoenstadt
Interactive artwork: “Introspection” by Laura Shapiro (2023)

After taking off my shoes, I entered the hand painted dome tent and sat on the tufted tug. I closed my eyes and imagined I was under a sky filled with twinkling stars.

“Jewish Rock Stars” by Steven Wolkoff (acrylic on canvas)
“Jewish Rock Stars” by Steven Wolkoff (acrylic on canvas)
can you see ‘bob dylan’? | “Jewish Rock Stars” by Steven Wolkoff (acrylic on canvas)
can you see ‘lenny kravitz’? | “Jewish Rock Stars” by Steven Wolkoff (acrylic on canvas)

During the one-year closure, The CJM will continue to offer rental opportunities for its space in downtown San Francisco.

What a beautiful space it is! The museum is housed in a former power substation which includes an extension designed in the shape of an eye catching cube built with blue metallic steel panels.

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Wishing you an enjoyable holiday season!