On Shabbat morning we slept in, had a lovely breakfast, and then made our way by taxi to The Israel Museum.
As we explored the exhibits, we were intrigued by the history and archaeology exhibits and learned fascinating details about Egyptian artifacts found here in Israel that tell us the stories of the past.
While uncovering the past we were able to make discoveries about our future.. The glass jewelry crafted by the Egyptians provoked us to think of ways history and culture can come together with art to inspire our students creatively in the classroom. We explored Israeli art of all styles and techniques and were compelled by how it compared and contrasted with art from other countries.
We explored a room full of artifacts depicting the Jewish life-cycle traditions and ceremonies throughout history and reflected on the connections between each life stage.
We continued on to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, which greatly impacted us. They were made of animal hides and strung together, yet they have endured so many years of weathering and have lasted longer than the human body does. Perhaps they contain the spirit of the animal from which they were crafted, and this will carry them on into eternity.
The children’s exhibit was intricate and delightful, inviting us to explore art and concepts from new perspectives. The exhibit focused on strings and connection, with thought-provoking and wondrous installations featuring movement, technology, unique arrangements, and unconventional materials.
Just as the Dead Sea Scrolls were connected by string, so too are we as humans; From birth with the umbilical cord, and the veins carrying blood from our pumping heart to sustain our body, to the connections we make as we navigate the world we live in. We are all connected, tied together in this world; Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, we are all tied together as humans.
– Jennifer Slattery, Julie Lewinter and Jessica Pindzola