Tel Aviv, Israel – Hebrew Union College’s Jewish Language Project has unveiled “Jewish Languages: A Cultural Dialogue,” a new exhibition that highlights the many languages spoken and written by Jews around the world and throughout history.
The 31-panel pop-up exhibit, curated by the Jewish Language Project and created in collaboration with ANU Museum of the Jewish People, features multilingual graphics, maps, timelines, and QR codes to audiovisual materials alongside vibrant photography. Spotlighted languages include Hebrew, Yiddish, Judeo-Arabic, Jewish Malayalam, Juhuri, Ladino, and Jewish English.
Janine Okmin, Assistant Director of the Jewish Language Project and exhibit curator, said, “We are thrilled that ANU Museum invited us to collaborate on this important exhibit. We hope that synagogues, schools, JCCs, and other venues around the world will display the panels, leading to greater understanding of the diversity of the Jewish People.”
In line with the Jewish Language Project’s mission, the new exhibit will spread awareness about the diversity of the Jewish people, past and present. Founded in 2020, the project has worked with scholars and activists to document and raise awareness about Jewish languages. They offer accessible descriptions of 35 languages, several crowdsourced dictionaries, the “Heritage Words” podcast, 50 videos of past lectures and other events, a curriculum for grades 5-12, resources for Hillels and camps, and hundreds of “fun facts,” multilingual graphics, videos, and other social media posts.
“Exploring the history, traditions, and cultural expressions of the Jewish people is central to the mission of Hebrew Union College,” Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., President of Hebrew Union College, shared. “Language is one of the most powerful vessels of identity and memory. We are proud to partner with ANU – Museum of the Jewish People on this important initiative strengthening connections between Israel and North America in alignment with our commitment to education, scholarship, and the ongoing story of the Jewish People.”
Dr. Orit Shaham Gover Chief Curator, ANU noted “‘Jewish Languages: A Cultural Dialogue’ is an opportunity for everyone young and old to meet the rich cultural heritage of Jews around the world, emphasizing the unique way Jews have kept their connection with Hebrew while having a cultural linguistic dialogue with their host societies.”
“Jewish languages are reflections of Jewish history, identity, and resilience,” added Sarah Bunin Benor, Ph.D., Founding Director of the Jewish Language Project. “With ‘Jewish Languages: A Cultural Dialogue,’ we’re inviting visitors to explore the richness and diversity of Jewish linguistic heritage and to consider how Jews have been both a part of and apart from the surrounding societies.”
This is a free, downloadable exhibit that can be printed and mounted by any institution. For more information or to request the exhibit, visit the website.
Two time options:
Monday, October 27, 2025, 4-5:30pm PST / 7-8:30pm EST
Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 9-10:15am PST / 12-1:15pm EST
Looking to create inclusive experiences that highlight the richness of Jewish life?
Introduce your community to Jewish languages through Jewish Languages: A Cultural Dialogue, an exhibit created by HUC Jewish Language Project, in collaboration with ANU: Museum of the Jewish People. Come meet with curators and educators from the Jewish Language Project and ANU to learn about this FREE new exhibit, flexible options for installation, and how to bring it to your community. Cosponsored by Wikitongues.
