Mizel Museum of Judaica
Mizel Museum of Judaica
The Mizel Museum's mission statement is 'is to present the continuum of the Jewish people within a multicultural context through the arts.' They have accomplished this mission in serving the Denver area community with a world of diversity. The Mizel Museum of Judaica earned the 1998 Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts.
The Museum strives to create an atmosphere for education, learning, and creative exhibitions. The museum is a leading force in multi-cultural and educational programs, such as the award-winning 'Bridges of Understanding' which serves and educates more than 30,000 people each year." What is the Bridges of Understanding? It's an interactive exhibit that introduces you to Jewish, Asian Pacific, Native American, Hispanic/Latino, African-American and Muslim cultures.
As a participant you will have hands-on activities, video, music and art projects you will be awakened by the unique themes, ritual, visual, sounds, and clothing, and learn to connect with a variety of cultures and learn to "walk in another's shoes" by promoting connections and respect for all cultures. One of the other most noteworthy exhibits is the 'Rites of Passage' it addresses mans universal life cycle experiences such as birth coming of age, marriage and death rituals.
The Mizel Museum was founded in 1982 by Rabbi Wagner and Carol and Larry A. Mizel, who were the prime benefactors. When Rabbi Wagner was in London in the late 1970s, he visited a museum of Judaica. He dreamed of starting a similar project. Rabbi Wagner, who served as the institution's executive director for 18 years, recalled, "Initially, the museum was to be a static exhibition in gallery space provided by the BMH-BJ synagogue, but little by little, we broadened our vision and mission, first bringing in rotating exhibits, then adding public programs in conjunction with these exhibits, and then creating our own exhibits and expanding community programs."
Over the course of the last seven years, more than 100,000 children, students and adults have experienced the museum's tours, programs and special events. It's a very educational and thought provoking stop for thousands and for anyone interested in learning more about the Jewish Heritage and those who celebrate the embracing of cultures.
