Opening of Exhibit on Growing up Jewish

July 31, 2000

Source: The Washington Post

On July 31, 2000, The Washington Post reported that the exhibit "Members of the Club: Jewish Teen Clubs in Washington" recently opened at B'nai B'rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum in Washington. The exhibit includes memorabilia, dance booklets, beanies, paddles and pins, and photographs from those who were teenagers from the 1920s through the 1960s. As one exhibit panel reads, "Excluded from the sororities, fraternities and clubs of their non-Jewish classmates, Jewish teenagers of those years created their own social sphere...blending their Jewish identity with secular activities. Some met on Friday nights, raised money for Children's Hospital, and ate Mighty Mos at the Hot Shoppes. They also recited prayers in English at meetings, displayed a Star of David in their insignia and supported the United Jewish Appeal....Although not all young Jews joined, most did. From orthodox, conservative, reform or secular homes, parents supported memberships in teen groups as a way to continue strong communal relationships in an increasingly assimilated Jewish Washington." The exhibit will be open through April 2001.