Sarah Wein
Volunteers
I suppose I could be described as one of the grannies of the Jewish Museum. I have been with the Museum almost since its inception. Indeed soon after the Museum opened Rabbi Lubofsky suggested I become a guide. I found the idea most appealing. I had a deep and involving love for Judaism and to be part of an organisation devoted to spreading the values that I believed in was an exciting prospect. And I did find a niche where my abilities were well used and my Jewish commitment could be satisfied.
I made new and lasting friendships, developed and acquired skills. Those early years in the confined quarters of the old schoolrooms of the Toorak Synagogue were years of learning, of trial and error. Except for Helen Light and one secretary we were all volunteers and we bonded remarkably well.
When Freda Kaufman and I were set the task of organising a guiding system we started with about twenty volunteers, most of them women. Slowly the numbers grew and so did our expertise. It was a learning experience, we had to provide suitable educational material, organise speakers, organise workshops, work out a roster.
To encourage a pleasant ambience we made sandwiches for our Monday morning lectures, curried egg and tuna and lettuce. We still get feedback on those darned sandwiches. I want to say thank you to Freda for being such a generous friend and capable co-worker. It is an immense task to organise weekly lectures which draw an average 50 people, many of whom are visitors. We really are a good team.
Some of our typing was done by the late Valda Joseph, a capable guide and very good friend, who contributed her many skills selflessly to the Museum. She is sadly missed.
People who volunteer to work at the Museum do so for a variety of reasons. Some are interested in furthering their knowledge of Judaism; some are lonely and seek social interaction as well as a stimulating intellectual environment. Still others are drawn by a sense of belonging, of being part of an ancient tradition that still speaks to us today. There are now almost 300 volunteers who contribute their time and skills in many areas. We like to think of ourselves as one big family and enjoy many activities outside the Museum. A successful book club guided by Kate Rotman is held monthly. We regularly hold meetings and functions in private homes or interesting galleries. We are aware that our commitment helps the Museum run smoothly and efficiently. Without this band of volunteers the Museum would find it hard to function.
The temporary exhibitions that were mounted in those early days were designed to reflect the Museum's philosophy, which is to promote Judaism and to counter the many negative opinions that were current then and are current today.
I enjoyed very much being involved with the preparations of these exhibitions. Helen Light was indeed our guiding light. She has an incredible vision and the ability to inspire people and bring out the best in them. She and Jenny Worth, a born designer, created some magnificent exhibitions. Jenny's glowing imagination resulted in such exciting displays as 'The Jewish Marriage', 'The Duneera Boys', 'Freud and Friends, 'The Jews of Vienna', to name a few. The much acclaimed 'Courage to Care' exhibition is still travelling.
Who will forget the queues of people waiting to view 'Kafka in Prague', a most popular and evocative exhibition. Or 'The Golem,' a dark and sombre exhibition, curated by Barry Kosky, which was most compelling but made many people sad and uncomfortable. I had tremendous satisfaction in being involved with these exhibitions and even co-ordinating some of them.
Volunteers come to the Museum to learn about Judaism, We have had non-Jewish volunteers who became dedicated guides, and Jewish volunteers who were searching for their roots and gained personal satisfaction in belonging to a Jewish community. We aim to attract people from all sectors of Jewish life; there is a niche for most opinions and attitudes. In keeping with the Museum's mission to support young contemporary Jewish artists many of us have learned to appreciate modern art. For some it was not an easy task. We had to change our perspectives and appreciate art for its intellectualism as well as for its beauty.
Visiting school and adult groups are specifically catered for. Lena Martin, our first Education Officer, set a high standard in the educational programs for school children who are our most important visitors. The high standard has been maintained by the guides, many of whom are former teachers and most professional in their tasks. Adult groups are also catered for, often with lunches and always with a visit to the St Kilda Synagogue. We have very complimentary feedback from these groups, some of whom return year after year.
Guiding visitors through the synagogue is another pleasant task. Synagogue guides are always amazed at the interest shown by non-Jewish visitors in our rituals and ceremonies, which are often compared to their own customs creating a meaningful exchange.
The gifted Gaby Eisen headed a publicity committee for many years. Only with the move to the present building did we employ a public relations person.
Kate Rotman still most ably edits the monthly 'Jottings'. 'Jottings' go to all the volunteers, keeping everyone alert to what is happening in the Museum and when it is happening. The old 'Newsletter', which I edited for about twelve years, has now been updated and has become a sophisticated well-designed journal.
June Helmer and Chaim Melman produced excellent educational videos to accompany the temporary exhibitions. The calibre of these videos was of such a high standard that they are still used for educational purposes.
Yes, when speaking of the old days in the Toorak Synagogue one recalls the friends and the physical closeness with a feeling of nostalgia and a certain loss, but the new building created a new reality to which we very quickly adapted. While the building was being renovated, Freda and I advertised for new guides and to our delight over 100 women and a few men applied. We devised a four-week course and even set an exam at the end. That was a bright group of people! Most of them are still with us as guides, others took their talents to the reception and shop.
All the volunteers deserve to be praised for their commitment and enthusiasm in helping to promote the soul and spirit of the Museum. Our people do it with panache and professionalism. The 'Outreach Program' initiated by Gaby Eisen is most successful and people who would not otherwise learn about Judaism are delighted with our presentations of slides and expert knowledge. This is excellent for public relations, appreciated by all who participate.
I still get a thrill when I hear the Museum praised. When a guide or a visitor tells me how much they enjoy coming to the galleries, or to the lectures, I feel that the Museum is still a magnet for the community and will continue to be so. The exhibition 'To Market, To Market', though logistically difficult, was a magnet for the children. They came in their droves and they loved the activities. Our space is limited, but we should make the effort to cater more often to the interests of school children who are the future.
The Museum is fulfilling the dreams and visions of Rabbi Lubofsky, implemented by Helen Light and all who understand its mission. May many others follow this important celebration of our twenty-first year.