The Museum of the Jewish People Celebrates “My Family Story” Program

One of the oldest women in Israel, if not the world… She is the 106 year old Israeli great grandmother of Talia Byrnes of LA's Sinai Akiba School who featured all the women in her family. Photo by Nir Shaanani.
One of the oldest women in Israel, if not the world… She is the 106 year old Israeli great grandmother of Talia Byrnes of LA’s Sinai Akiba School who featured all the women in her family. Photo by Nir Shaanani.

Last week, the International School for Jewish Peoplehood Studies at Beit Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People welcomed hundreds of students and their families from Israel and around the world to celebrate the annual “My Family Story” event.

photo by Nir Shaanani
photo by Nir Shaanani

“My Family Story”, a far-reaching educational initiative, is one of Beit Hatfutsot’s most innovative flagship programs. Through a yearlong curriculum, young participants in Israel and worldwide Jewish communities, embark on a fun, meaningful, personal, experiential, international and multigenerational Jewish heritage project. Through rigorous research and inspiring creativity the students produce a final art installation illustrating their personal exploration into their family roots and connection to the greater story of the Jewish people.

photo by Nir Shaanani
photo by Nir Shaanani

This year, 82 institutions, and more than 13,000 students in over a dozen countries participated in the “My Family Story” initiative in which 168 chosen artistic displays from around the world were submitted to the International Competition in Memory of Manuel Hirsch Grosskopf. Participating countries included: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, USA and Venezuela.

photo by Nir Shaanani
photo by Nir Shaanani

The exhibit can be viewed through July 15th.