Jews in Space: Members of the Tribe in Orbit
On view February 26, 2018 – June 29, 2018
Presented by YIVO and the Center for Jewish History.
From as early as Genesis, Jews have pondered the heavens that surround our planet, as well as their place in them. Often borrowing from other cultures, they used astrology to help guide them in their daily lives, and, as science and technology progressed they became interested in new discoveries, often attempting to unite science and Jewish tradition. Astronomy, mathematics, and other sciences appear frequently in books published by rabbis and scholars in Hebrew and other languages during the 17th through the 19th centuries.
By the early 20th century, when science and tradition had already separated, Jewish inventor Hugo Gernsback coined the term “science fiction,” and founded a series of magazines that became the home for a new genre of space literature that would come to inspire generations of readers. Later that century, Jewish astronauts and cosmonauts would be shot into orbit as part of the space programs of both the United States and the Soviet Union, which also utilized the work of Jewish scientists and engineers, among many others, to reach these milestones. And finally, Jews sometimes appear in popular culture renditions of space, space travel, and science fiction, starring in groundbreaking television shows such as Star Trek, and beloved movies such as Spaceballs by Mel Brooks.
The exhibit Jews in Space tells the story of Jews’ relationship to the solar system, and features a wide array of materials, including:
- Rare 18th and 19th century rabbinic tomes on astronomy in Hebrew, German, and Yiddish
- Judaica taken into space aboard the Space Shuttle by astronaut Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman
- Yiddish, English,Polish, and Russian works of science fiction
- Rare Science Fiction Periodicals
- Other ephemera from literature and popular culture
Jews in Space: Members of the Tribe in Orbit and related programming is financially supported by the generosity of Lisa and Joshua Greer, Kepco, Inc. & the Kupferberg Foundation.
This exhibit was also on view at the Jewish Museum of Maryland in 2020.
Related Events
Jews in Space: Members of the Tribe in Orbit
Monday, February 26, 2018 | 7:00pm
EXHIBITION OPENING
Explore the Jewish quest to understand the heavens from 18th century rabbinical texts to the origins of popular science fiction, to Jewish astronauts celebrating Shabbat in orbit. Reserve your spot today for an opening night of curator tours, space themed fun, and a first look at this stellar exhibition.
Jews in Space: Family Program
Sunday, April 15, 2018 | 10:00am
FAMILY PROGRAM
Explore our stellar exhibition on a fun-filled, family scavenger hunt. Design a rocket ship that really takes off! Discover the mystifying, mesmerizing music of the theremin, an instrument you play but never touch. All this, plus what do astronauts eat for dinner? We’ll skype with a NASA food scientist and see what’s on the menu.
Jews in Space: Sensory Friendly Family Program
Sunday, May 6, 2018 | 10:00am
FAMILY PROGRAM
Come before the crowds. CJH will open one hour early for families to come and view this stellar exhibition! There will be arts and crafts for children, curator tours for adults, and space themed fun for all. People of all ages and ability levels welcome!
Jews in Orbit
Monday, May 7, 2018 | 6:30pm
MEET AN ASTRONAUT
What’s it like to spin a dreidel in zero gravity? Find out from astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman, followed by an overview of the history of Jewish astronauts with Dr. Valerie Neal, curator of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
An Article of Hope
Thursday, June 21, 2018 | 6:30pm
FILM SCREENING and Q&A WITH THE DIRECTOR
When Ilan Ramon boarded the Space Shuttle Columbia, he made history as the first Israeli astronaut and a member of the most diverse crew in shuttle history.
