Second Sunday at Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Also happening today, it is Second Sunday at Weizmann National Museum of American Jewish History. I want to bring in Mayrov right now. Hey, Mayrov, tell us a little bit about the event today. Hi, Morgan. Great to see you. Great to see you. It is our first Second Sunday event. It is a community event to hopefully provide an opportunity for the greater community and people who don't necessarily always think of coming to the Weitzman to come in. Experience all of the exhibits that we have, including Colors of Creation, where you did a live segment with us when we opened, and have a themed activity. Today we are celebrating Sigd, which is an Ethiopian Jewish holiday that starts this evening. Good evening. Historically and traditionally we wear white for that, which is why I'm wearing this. I don't know if you can see behind me, but we've got people currently doing the family activity as well as in the theater enjoying Colors of Creation as well as throughout the museum. Colors of Creation was so cool. You just reminded me, I did go out there when you guys started that. And so was that part of the part of the activities for the 9 to 11 event today? Yeah, so if you recall, usually Colors of Creation has voiceover and has sounds associated with it. Because this morning we introduced low sensory mornings, we turned off the voiceover so that families who wanted to experience it on a more quiet level, as well as the rest of the museum, we turned off lights, we muted the sounds and let those families that preferred that type of an an experience. to have access to the museum. We opened an hour early. Normally we open at 10. Today we opened at 9. We also have an accessibility cart that is now available for families who wish to take headphones or fidget toys or anything else and it's a work in progress. So we're collecting feedback on what else they'd like to see on there and what else they would find helpful. During these mornings because we will be making them a recurring component of our monthly second Sunday. Yeah, this is pretty great I love this initiative and I you know, it's different because you hear a lot about First Fridays, right? But you guys are doing Second Sunday. So you're already separating yourself from other events happening in the city What made you want to create something like this? So we're currently celebrating our Year of Jewish Joy. That is our theme at the museum this year. So when we opened Colors of Creation, we were lucky enough to get some donors who allowed us to provide free access between September and the end of October so that kids and families could come in and learn about it and experience it. And we always knew that that was going to end at the end of October. And it really broadened the type of visitors that we were able to bring into the museum. And we wanted to build on that. And having a community day and Second Sunday is... A way to extend that and to continue on the momentum and the bridges that we were able to build during our free period. We're trying to bring joy into the greater community. We're trying to use education to build empathy and understanding across the community. And we think that this is a great way to do that. 100%. All right, let me ask you, what's been your favorite part about it so far? I know today is the first time that you guys are kicking it off, but it started at 9. What's been your favorite part today? We had a family who hung out here for about two hours. They were one of the first ones in the building. Four generations. The grandmother is visiting from New Mexico. Thank Does not speak a word of English. She sat at the table. First, they went in to experience Colors of Creation. you so It was the little girl's second time going through it. much So she had gone through it with the regular. Sounds of this time she went through it muted, for but Abuela sat at that table for two hours with having the activity that we have for today, which is coloring pages. me. And the family was shocked. They're like, usually she is not into these sort of activities. She is in, she is out. It was a beautiful thing to see the granddaughter, the daughter. An uncle and then the grandmother all sitting around that table. They were here probably for two to two and a half hours and just really taking it in. So far that's probably been my favorite. Also just seeing how full the museum is in general. That's always what we want. We want as many people to be in the museum as possible. And I'm sure a lot of people have been loving Colors of Creation. Can you actually explain to the viewers what that is? Because you can explain it much better than me. But it's honestly so cool. And even, you know, it's for kids, it's for families, but I loved going through it. I thought it was pretty neat. Yeah, so I think especially the first time you go through it, everyone is a kid. It is inspired by the story of creation, which is a foundational story that is shared across different cultures, and it is completely immersive and interactive. So as you're going through it, your movements are going to create different elements. Such as shield you from the rain or bring light into the world and then light up different scenes of animals interacting with humans and it all then culminates in Shabbat, which is our Sabbath, where a rainbow comes to life and peace and harmony come into the land. But seeing... Kids interact with it and adults of all ages having fun in there and taking in how their kids are reacting to it is an amazing thing. And then it is actually complemented by the analog space that you see behind me, which is called the Color Lab that allows families to continue the experience By creating and playing, there's a peg wall, there are light tables. Coloring pages, when you're done with your shift, come on over, Morgan, and play with us a little bit. I know I might have to real quick before we wrap. What time does community day end? It ends today at 5, and tonight we're actually continuing the SIG celebration with Gili Yalo, who is hosting a concert for us here. Ethiopian music combined with funk. He has a really unique sound. We can't wait for that. Awesome. All right. Well, thank you so much. Obviously, always a pleasure speaking with you, and thanks for coming on here to tell us about this today. All right, Morgan. Thanks so much. Thank you. Have a good Sunday.