Derfner Judaica Museum

History of the Museum

The Judaica Museum was founded in 1982 when Riverdale residents Ralph and Leuba Baum donated most of their collection of Jewish ceremonial art to the Hebrew Home. A refugee from Nazi persecution, Ralph Baum had an intense desire to preserve and pass on to future generations the memory embodied in the objects he and his wife collected, the majority of which were used primarily by European Jews before the Holocaust.

THE MUSEUM TODAY

Derfner Judaica Museum welcomes visitors and researchers to its 5,000-square-foot exhibition space located on the main floor of the Jacob Reingold Pavilion at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale. The Museum is the focal point for a wide range of educational and exhibition programming for residents and visitors alike. In 2008 the Judaica Museum was named in honor of its benefactors, the late Helen and Harold Derfner.

Zygmunt Menkes (American, b. Poland, 1896-1986), Cohanim Blessing, ca. 1940s, oil on canvas. Gift of Erica and Ludwig Jesselson and Family in Memory of Leo Forchheimer, HHAR 1007.0.0.

(Hover over for artist information)

Hanukkah Lamp, Bezalel School, Jerusalem, ca. 1920-29. Copper: repoussé, traced; copper alloy: pierced. Ralph and Leuba Baum Collection, B.590.

Torah Finials, Johann Jacob Runnecke (German, 1731-1806; master before 1763), Fuerth, Germany, late 18th century. Silver: cast, chased. Gift of the family of Walter Stern, 05.14.02.

Torah Ark Ornament, Artist Unknown, Hartford, Connecticut, late 19th century. Wood: carved, painted, gold leaf. Ralph and Leuba Baum Collection, B.704.

Torah Case (Tik), Kashan, Persia, before 1950. Wood: painted; fabric, C.54.

Decalogue, New York, late 19th century. Wood: carved, painted, gold leaf. The Hebrew Home at Riverdale Archive, HHARA.14.

Etrog Container, Ludwig Yehuda Wolpert (American, b. Germany, 1900-1981), New York, ca. 1960. Silver: hammered, engraved. C.12.

Torah Ark Valance, Elkanah Schatz (Elkanah of Naumburg), Cantor of Fuerth (active Germany, 18th century), Bavaria, ca. 1730 or 1760. Velvet; silver and gilt-thread embroidery. Ralph and Leuba Baum Collection, B.462.

CHANGING EXHIBITIONS

Rotating exhibitions can be seen throughout the year. These engaging exhibitions feature contemporary artists, explore themes drawn from the permanent collection or highlight Jewish art and culture.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

For more information, please contact us at
art@hebrewhome.org or call 718.581.1596.

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