2024 Report to the Community
President’s Report:
When God instructed Moses to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle), a sacred space for God’s presence to dwell among the Israelites in the desert, everyone was called upon to contribute. Regardless of wealth, skill, or gender, each person had something to offer—gold, wood, craftsmanship, or labor. This collective effort reflected a fundamental truth: a meaningful structure is built not just with materials, but through shared purpose and participation.
Fiscal year 2024 was our year of building. Like the Mishkan, the Jewish Museum of Maryland’s transformation was a communal endeavor. We said farewell to our beloved Voices of Lombard Street core exhibition, took our vision on the road, and collaborated with our own Bezalels—historians, curators, artists, and designers—to shape the next chapter of our Museum. Every step was guided by intention and care, ensuring our new spaces and exhibits would empower us to tell more stories in new ways and allow the public to take part in doing so.
This journey unfolded against the backdrop of October 7th and the Israel-Hamas war. In the face of uncertainty, we wrestled with the responsibility of balancing our mission with the urgent realities of the moment. Yet, if this year affirmed anything, it is that our work has never been more essential. As hate dominates the headlines, the need to share Jewish stories, celebrate Jewish joy, and build bridges within and beyond our community has only deepened.
The generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our staff and board enabled us to dream boldly and build inclusively. Together, we are creating not just a museum, but a dynamic space for connection, learning, and participation—one that honors the past while allowing us to make sense of the present and dream of a better future.
Erika Rief Hornstein
President, JMM Board of Trustees