National Museum Of American Jewish History Renamed "The Weitzman" In Recognition Of Significant Gifts From Entrepreneur And Philanthropist…
Posted By admin on December 5, 2021
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury shoe designer Stuart Weitzman has made a transformative gift to the National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH), in recognition of which, the Museum has been renamed the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, or "The Weitzman".
Stuart Weitzman Makes Significant Gift to National Museum of American Jewish History
This gift builds on many years of prior support from Weitzman for the landmark institution on historic Independence Mall in Philadelphia and, importantly, seeds the Museum's endowment.
"I have been inspired by the NMAJH since my first visit in 2012," Weitzman said. "I was drawn to their iconic artifacts that demonstrate the very foundations of religious freedom in America. We are truly thrilled to be able to make this gift to the Museum and humbled that this support will help to ensure that stories of American Jewish history are told and preserved for generations to come."
In 2013, Stuart Weitzman was the first person featured in the Museum's "Dreamers and Doers Speaker Series," which tells the stories of Jewish individuals who embody an entrepreneurial, philanthropic, and uniquely American spirit. In 2018, his support enabled the Museum to highlight its "First Families" Gallery which details the lives of early Jewish settlers in colonial era America.
This gift also effectively concludes the quiet phase of the Museum's capital campaign, assuring the Museum's future as the preeminent national institution exploring and celebrating the intersection of American ideals and Jewish values in the birthplace of American democracy on Philadelphia's historic Independence Mall.
"The Weitzman NMAJH now has the strong financial footing to continue exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience, and we are the only museum in the nation dedicated to that mission," said the Museum's Board Co-Chair, Sharon Tobin Kestenbaum. "At a time when so many issues divide us as Americans, this gift ensures that our Museum can be a welcoming beacon for all visitors to explore and celebrate how Jews and our nation's diverse communities have contributed to our country. Through exhibitions and programs supported by our now-growing endowment, thanks to Stuart Weitzman, we are in a strong position to do this important work."
The Weitzman gift will enable the Museum to purchase its James Polshek-designed building from philanthropist Mitchell Morgan and his family. Morgan is a former Trustee who generously provided the funds to allow NMAJH to emerge from its Chapter 11 Reorganization. The Morgan Family, along with a number of the Museum's other benefactors have also forgiven significant loans to complete the institution's emergence from Chapter 11.
"Stuart Weitzman exemplifies the American Dream," said Dr. Misha Galperin, the Museum's CEO. "He created a business that reached the highest echelon and is now building on his success to serve future generations. He exemplifies what it means to give back with generosity that follows in the Jewish and American traditions of philanthropy. With this historic gift, Stuart has helped secure our museum's future."
"We as the Museum's leaders are grateful for this commitment from Weitzman. We look forward to highlighting the Jewish contribution to America, the stories of aspiration, innovation, and leadership. Stories of American Jews you've heard ofAlbert Einstein, Estee Lauder, Jonas Salk, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Steven Spielberg, Sandy Koufaxand stories of those you haven't," said Phil Darivoff, Chairperson Emeritus & Trustee. "The United States has given American Jews the freedom and opportunity to create, contribute, and change the world. Today's news makes me confident that our treasured Museum is on track to continue educating and inspiring future generations."
Stuart Weitzman grew up apprenticing under his father, Seymour Weitzman, at the Mr. Seymour shoe factory in Haverhill, Massachusetts. In 1986, he launched his namesake company, which went on to become a leader in the world of designer shoes. Weitzman's designs, recognized for combining fashion and function, are frequently found on Hollywood red carpets. In 2018, Weitzman retired after more than five decades in the footwear industry.
He remembers his time in Philadelphia very fondly. His deep connection to the city began when he was an undergraduate at The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Currently, he lectures and holds classes there; and in 2019, the University named its School of Design after Weitzman.
In addition to Weitzman's support of Jewish causes, educational institutions, and medical research, he is currently working with Sephardic Jews from around the world to build a museum celebrating Spanish-Jewish history in Spain, the country in which his footwear has been produced for over 50 years.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Museum has been operating virtually with a robust online programming schedule that attracted millions of participants. With a clear financial path forward, it is now preparing for a 2022 reopening and working on the strategic plan for the next 10 years.
On Monday, December 6 at 6 pm ET, the Museum will host a "Miracle on the Mall" celebration honoring the key supporters who made this moment possible, including Weitzman, who will participate virtually.
"It really does feel like a miracle," said Lyn M. Ross, Museum Trustee, Honorary Chair, and co-founder, who, along with her husband George Ross z"l, has been the institution's greatest champion throughout the decades. The building, which is named for the Rosses, will retain that designation as the Museum itself takes on the Weitzman name.
"Stuart is truly fulfilling the mitzvah of tzedakah," said Board Co-Chair Joseph S. Zuritsky, referring to the Hebrew word meaning righteousness, of which philanthropy is an important component. "He is creating a legacy that will ensure that our American stories of Jewish identity and heritage will be celebrated for generations to come."
Download Press Photos
Stuart Weitzman
NMAJH; credit lines enclosed
ABOUT THE WEITZMAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
Established in 1976, and situated on Philadelphia's Independence Mall, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. The Weitzman NMAJH presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Its purpose is to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire.https://nmajh.org
SOURCE National Museum of American Jewish History
Original post:
- Tishpishti Is Sephardi Honey Cake, But Better | The Nosher - September 12th, 2023
- Looking into Seattle's Sephardic Jewish history - The Jerusalem Post - September 12th, 2023
- Is there a difference between Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews ... - Jewish Unpacked - September 12th, 2023
- 'Kantika,' tale of Sephardic immigrants in NYC, is One Bay book - The Jewish News of Northern California - September 12th, 2023
- Sephardic Torah | Curses, Blessings and the Rosh Hashana Seder ... - Jewish Journal - September 3rd, 2023
- Sephardic | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary - August 22nd, 2023
- This Pioneering Sephardic Jewish Mother Invented the Cat-Eye ... - Kveller.com - August 6th, 2023
- Expulsion to cultural integration: 500 years of Sephardic Jews in ... - TRT World - August 6th, 2023
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Airs Bigoted New Covid Conspiracy Theory About ... - July 22nd, 2023
- Chief Sephardic rabbi: Ben Gvirs Temple Mount visits are a sin - The Times of Israel - July 18th, 2023
- Yeshiva University Upgrades and Expands Sephardic Beit Medrash - Jewish Link of New Jersey - July 14th, 2023
- Food for thought: Learning culture, cooking, and verb conjugations ... - July 11th, 2023
- The (Sephardic) House of Love and Prayer - Jewish Link of New Jersey - June 29th, 2023
- Sephardic Jewish Recipes - Learn to Cook Delicious Sephardic ... - May 15th, 2023
- Sephardic Passover Traditions | Rabbi Barbara Aiello - May 3rd, 2023
- Sephardic Genealogical Society - May 3rd, 2023
- Sephardic Jews and Their History | AHA - April 4th, 2023
- Sephardic Jews - Wikipedia - February 2nd, 2023
- In Turkey, a festival revives a jewel of the Sephardic world and aims ... - January 10th, 2023
- In Turkey, a festival revives a jewel of the Sephardic world and aims to break stereotypes - JTA News - Jewish Telegraphic Agency - January 10th, 2023
- Under coalition deal, chief Sephardic rabbi will head panel that ... - December 29th, 2022
- Beyond Sufganiyot and Latkes: 6 Delicious Recipes to Add Some Sephardic ... - December 29th, 2022
- Jewish religious movements - Wikipedia - December 23rd, 2022
- Palestinian Jews - Wikipedia - December 21st, 2022
- Sephardic Jewish cuisine - Wikipedia - October 25th, 2022
- Elul in Uzbekistan: Looking back at thousands of years to find inspiration for today - eJewish Philanthropy - October 8th, 2022
- Spice-packed chicken rolo is a perfect dinner in the sukkah J. - The Jewish News of Northern California - October 6th, 2022
- Beth Israel explores 'Roots of the Sephardic Jews in Texas' - Jewish Herald-Voice - September 23rd, 2022
- Why Rosh Hashanah Meals Are Different Anywhere You Go - Mashed - September 23rd, 2022
- What foods are in a Rosh Hashanah Seder? Take our quiz to find out - Forward - September 23rd, 2022
- Tel Aviv: The other face of the most expensive city in the world - EL PAS USA - September 23rd, 2022
- Farewell to the Shemittah! Torah.org - Torah.org - September 23rd, 2022
- A Fall Full of Cooking Shows on WTTW - WTTW - September 2nd, 2022
- World Premiere of Composer Michael Shapiro's VOICES to be Presented at Central Synagogue in November - Broadway World - September 2nd, 2022
- Zeal of the Convert - Randy Rosenthal - The American Scholar - September 2nd, 2022
- The Case A Year of Sabbatical - Community Magazine - September 2nd, 2022
- Delegates from More Than 50 Countries to Take Part in Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan - Astana Times - August 30th, 2022
- Recipes for okra, the unheralded star of summer - Los Angeles Times - August 30th, 2022
- The Jewish and Intellectual Origins of this Famously Non-Jewish Jew - Jewish Journal - August 27th, 2022
- Children's books by local Jewish authors educate and delight J. - The Jewish News of Northern California - August 20th, 2022
- Marvel's Jewish Voices: Where Are They? - Comic Watch - August 20th, 2022
- LETTERS: Sorry situation at Kotel; SFUSD wrong on Muslim holidays J. - The Jewish News of Northern California - August 20th, 2022
- What Hate Can Do: inside a devastating new exhibition on the Holocaust - The Guardian - July 16th, 2022
- Lily Safra, fabulously rich philanthropist whose life was peppered with drama and mystery obituary - The Telegraph - July 16th, 2022
- Which boy is the best boy for Kamala Khan? - Polygon - July 16th, 2022
- Blue Thread Performance Group Presents Series of Free Concerts Next Week - University of Arkansas Newswire - July 14th, 2022
- UK Conservative hopefuls strikingly diverse, firmly on right - ABC News - July 14th, 2022
- Married in the US; single in the EU - Rochester BeaconRochester Beacon - Rochester Beacon - July 14th, 2022
- Lily Safra, One Of The World's Richest Women, Dies at 87 - TheTealMango - July 10th, 2022
- Retracing the Old Havana Neighborhood of San Isidro - Havana Times - July 10th, 2022
- Greece Losing Battle of Thessaloniki to Anarchists, Hooligans - The National Herald - July 10th, 2022
- Moroccan Orange and Cured Olive Salad - Jewish Journal - July 4th, 2022
- The Shared Beliefs Of Muslims And Jews In Morocco Analysis - Eurasia Review - July 4th, 2022
- Poll: 66% of Haredi Voters Want Netanyahu to Step Down If He Fails to Forge a Government - The Jewish Press - JewishPress.com - July 4th, 2022
- Where is the Jewish 'Bridgerton'? In search of better Jewish period pieces - The Jewish News of Northern California - July 4th, 2022
- Daily Briefing Jun 22: Does Netanyahu have tricks up his sleeve to form a govt now? - The Times of Israel - June 26th, 2022
- Happy as this Jew in France - JNS.org - JNS.org - June 26th, 2022
- My Last Cup of Coffee with AB Yehoshua - Jewish Journal - June 17th, 2022
- Doron Almog, retired general and disabilities advocate, set to head Jewish Agency - JTA News - Jewish Telegraphic Agency - June 17th, 2022
- The Ropa Vieja story: the National Dish of Cuba | Revolucin de Cuba - June 13th, 2022
- Jewish surname - Wikipedia - June 13th, 2022
- SF Jewish Pride Fund visits LGBTQ grantees in Israel - The Jewish News of Northern California - June 13th, 2022
- The Weird and Wonderful Foods of Star Wars Made Jewish - aish.com - Aish - June 13th, 2022
- Sephardic Matzah Spinach Pie Recipe | The Nosher - June 4th, 2022
- The Zionism Of Warren G. Harding - The Jewish Press - JewishPress.com - June 2nd, 2022
- What is the Lag BaOmer pilgrimage? - The Conversation - May 18th, 2022
- Spiteful Synagogue Syndrome stories | Elchanan Poupko | The Blogs - The Times of Israel - May 18th, 2022
- SF senior home recognized by Fast Company for virtual memory care J. - The Jewish News of Northern California - May 18th, 2022
- My Abortion Helped Make My Jewish Family Whole Kveller - Kveller.com - May 18th, 2022
- Executive director of embattled Jewish Federation stepping down after months of turmoil - Santa Fe New Mexican - May 18th, 2022
- OU PRESS announces the publication of Bridging Traditions: Demystifying Differences Between Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jews by Rabbi Haim Jachter and... - May 4th, 2022
- Why are Mizrahi and Sephardic communities being misrepresented as anti-Israel? - JNS.org - May 4th, 2022
- Beit Harambam United in Times of Adversity - Jewish Exponent - May 4th, 2022
- Ruben Navarrette commentary: Faced with Ukrainians seeking refuge, Israel fails the immigration test again - West Central Tribune - May 4th, 2022
- Great Neck rabbi and Rambam boost Tiberias - The Jewish Star - May 4th, 2022
- 'Ace of Taste' shows the savory side of chef Duff Goldman - Journal Inquirer - May 4th, 2022
- Synagogue Spotlight: Keter Torah Currently Has Members From About 20 Countries Among Their 100 or so Families - The Jewish News - April 29th, 2022
- Ladino's gives sneak peek of Mediterranean cuisine ahead of grand opening - mySA - April 29th, 2022
- Following Roman Abramovich scrutiny, Portugal tightens ... - March 20th, 2022
- Funeral for Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, zt'l: Roads to be Closed, Hundreds of Thousands Expected to Attend - The Jewish Press - JewishPress.com - March 20th, 2022
Comments