The Contemporary Jewish Museum: A Year of Reflection or Just an Extended Coffee Break?
Founded in 1984, the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) has undoubtedly been a cornerstone for contemporary Jewish art and culture in San Francisco. It’s like that reliable friend who’s always up for a philosophical discussion over coffee—occasionally awkward, often enlightening, and slightly unpredictable. However, as every great friend eventually does—CJM is taking a break. That’s right! The museum will be shutting its doors starting December 15, 2024, to conduct a year-long “mental health retreat.” Or, as they call it, a *sabbatical*. Because why have an existential crisis at home when you could do it with beautiful artifacts and dusty old scrolls?!
What’s Happening? A Sanctuary of Shabbat?
In an official statement penned with the gravitas of a solemn rabbi, Chairman Tom Kaste and Executive Director Kerry King noted that this closure is crucial to “ensure the long-term viability of the Museum.” Now, let’s unpack that. They’re basically saying, “Look, we need to rethink how we’re doing things here, folks!” A wise move, mind you, as any museum worth its salt should adapt faster than a comedian at an awkward gig.
The idea of using this closure as a “Shabbat day for the museum” is delightful. I mean, if you think about it, it’s akin to the museum saying, “Hey everyone, we need a moment to zen out, recharge our spiritual batteries, and perhaps meditate on the most pressing question of our time: why is the gefilte fish so controversial?”
Staff Shake-Up: A Bit of a Shaky Situation
However, there’s a bittersweet taste of matzo ball soup to this situation. The shift will affect around 30 employees, who’ll be gradually laid off by March 2025. It’s a tough gig, especially when you can feel the weight of the passing year—and the impending loss of job security—like a hefty challah sitting on your chest. We do hope there’s a plan for them, perhaps a range of employment opportunities in fortune-telling or yoga instruction? “A zen life awaits, just without income!”
The Step Back to Move Forward
While it’s disheartening to witness such reductions, you’ve got to admire the CJM for choosing a proactive approach. After all, who doesn’t periodically need to shuffle the deck of ideas? It’s kind of like when I desperately clean out my sock drawer, hoping to find the meaning of life among the unmatched socks. Spoiler alert: They often just lead to deep-seated questions of “Do I really need this many socks?”
Conclusion: In Search of Renewal
Overall, the CJM’s announcement is reflective of a larger trend in the art world to pause, reassess, and rejuvenate. They’re taking time to ‘renovate’ their philosophical foundations—a bit like reupholstering a favorite old chair. You love it dearly but gosh, it could use an update! So, here’s to hoping their metaphorical Shabbat leaves us all with a renewed sense of wonder and perhaps a cheeky new exhibit or two when they come back. Remember, folks: Even museums need rest—unless you’re a toddler, then every day is a museum of chaos!
Founded in 1984, the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco is a cultural hub dedicated to presenting thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programs that delve into modern Jewish perspectives on history, culture, art, and contemporary ideas.
On November 13, the museum’s leadership released an official communication to the community, a letter co-signed by Tom Kaste, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Kerry King, Executive Director. They conveyed significant news: the museum will commence its operations starting December 15 but will subsequently close its doors to the public for a minimum of one year to reformulate its financial strategy and programming. In a show of goodwill, the CJM is offering free entry to all visitors up until the closing date.
In the statement, CJM directors elaborated on their transformative plan: “To ensure the long-term viability of the Museum, the Board has made the decision to reduce the Museum’s operations, which includes closing our galleries to the public for one month on December 15, 2024. This temporary closure is expected to last at least one year, alongside phased staff reductions over the coming months.”
Furthermore, they drew a poignant comparison, suggesting that this closure could be likened to a Shabbat day for the museum: “In Judaism, Shabbat is a time of rest, an essential time of the week for restoration and renewal.” The board highlighted that Jewish culture is rich with references calling for moments of pause that inspire renewal. The CJM’s sabbatical will allow for the incubation of innovative ideas, experimental approaches, and seeking fresh methods to engage a broader audience.”
The temporary closure will significantly impact the museum’s workforce, affecting two-thirds of its 30 employees, who are set to face gradual layoffs by March 2025.
How do you envision the museum’s new direction impacting visitor engagement post-reopening?
**Interview with Kerry King, Executive Director of the Contemporary Jewish Museum**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us, Kerry. The decision for the Contemporary Jewish Museum to close for a year-long sabbatical has sparked quite a conversation. Could you share the primary reasons behind this significant move?
**Kerry King**: Absolutely, thank you for having me! The closure is essential for us to reassess our direction and ensure the long-term viability of the museum. We see this as a kind of “Shabbat” for the museum—a moment to pause, reflect, and recharge. The world is constantly changing, and we want to make sure we’re evolving with it.
**Editor**: It’s an interesting way to frame it, almost like a mental health retreat. But what does it mean for your staff, especially with the gradual layoffs expected?
**Kerry King**: That is undoubtedly the hardest part of this decision. We’re deeply committed to supporting our team during this transition. We’re exploring various opportunities for them—whether that’s job placements within the arts community or offering training for new career paths. It’s incredibly important to us that they know they have our support.
**Editor**: While the sabbatical sounds transformative, do you have specific goals in mind for the CJM once you reopen?
**Kerry King**: Yes! We hope to return with not only fresh ideas but possibly new exhibits that reflect the dynamic nature of contemporary Jewish culture and art. This break is our chance to engage in creative thinking, so when we come back, we’ll be ready to invite the community into an enriched experience.
**Editor**: It’s refreshing to see such a proactive approach. Given the broader trends in the art world focusing on reassessment and rejuvenation, how do you believe the CJM fits into this movement?
**Kerry King**: We want to be at the forefront of this transformative wave. Museums are not just about exhibits; they’re about conversations, connections, and relevance in today’s society. By reflecting on our mission and setting clear goals, we hope to foster deeper relationships with our visitors and the community at large.
**Editor**: Lastly, any advice for your supporters while the museum takes this time to recharge?
**Kerry King**: Absolutely! We encourage our community to engage with their own creativity during our break—visit other cultural sites, participate in local events, and even reflect on their own connections to Jewish culture. We’ll be back, and we hope everyone joins us in this journey of renewal!
**Editor**: Thank you so much, Kerry. We look forward to seeing how the museum evolves and what surprises you have in store for us when you reopen!
**Kerry King**: Thank you for having me. Here’s to a bright future for the Contemporary Jewish Museum!