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| About Museum Annual Report 2001
1. Introduction 1. Introduction
The seventh year since the establishment of the Jewish Museum in Prague (JMP) as a non-state institution was marked by considerable progress in its development. As in previous years, it continued tackling problems inherited from the Communist era and, at the same time, focused on upgrading its facilities and streamlining its operations. Priority was given to the care and maintenance of the buildings in which it operates (all of which have been refurbished in recent years), and, in relation to its collections, to improving storage conditions, providing modern security facilities, and preparing computer catalogues and digitization. The Museum’s operations underwent fundamental transformation in 2001 following the relocation of its offices and specialist units to a newly refurbished building at U staré školy street. For the first time in its history (since 1906) the Museum now has a suitable base from which to conduct its own activities. The new office complex is equipped with climate-controlled depositories for books, manuscripts and rare printed books as well as modern workshops for the restoration of metals, textiles and paper. Visitor services have also considerably improved – there is now a spacious reading room (including a specially air-conditioned section for studying rare printed books and manuscripts), a reference centre, café and a new gallery for temporary exhibitions (Robert Guttmann Gallery). A new permanent exhibition Synagogue Silver from Bohemia and Moravia opened in prayer hall of the Spanish Synagogue (the previous venue for temporary exhibitions). In addition, the permanent exhibition The History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia – Part I. From the First Settlements until Emancipation (opened in 1995) was modified, extended and re-arranged. The JMP’s seventh year, therefore, saw the culmination of a project for the setting up of completely new permanent exhibitions. In September 2001 the Jewish cemetery in the Žižkov district of Prague (dating from 1680/1787 – 1890) was opened to the public. The Museum built a new cemetery wall and a caretaker’s house and work began on the gradual reconstruction of valuable tombstones. Among the prominent figures buried here, for example, are the rabbis Ezekiel Landau (1713-1793) and Eleazar Fleckeles (1754-1826), as well as some of the first prominent Jewish entrepreneurs from the Czech lands. One of the Museum’s major projects launched in 2001 focused on ascertaining the original owners of books in the JMP library collection. Over 100,000 books are to be physically examined over the course of about three years. The resulting information will become a basis for possible restitution claims and will serve as a valuable historical source. In relation to restitution claims, the JMP also set out Terms for the assertion of restitution claims with respect to objects in the collections of the Jewish Museum in Prague that were unlawfully taken during the period of oppression (during the Second Republic and Nazi occupation). For more information visit the Museum’s web-site at http://www.jewishmuseum.cz . The JMP’s long-standing interest in the most tragic period in the history of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia was reflected in a unique project entitled Help Search for Lost Neighbours. On the basis of nation-wide newspaper ads and radio and TV promotion, the Museum managed to bring together a host of rare documents (particularly photography) which evoke the pre-war life of later Shoah victims and, at the same time, depict Jewish life in Czechoslovakia. The project is set to continue in 2002. In May 2001 a major international award - the prestigious Dr. Bernard Heller Prize - was conferred upon the JMP in Cincinnati, Ohio by the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. This prize was established in 1990 to honour the memory of Dr. Heller, a great scholar and humanitarian; it is conferred annually for work that contributes to the betterment of humanity and carries an award of $10,000. Past recipients have included various distinguished figures, but this is the first time that an institution has been awarded the Heller Prize, recognition for “the clarity of vision with which it has preserved the unique historical material documenting the centuries of vibrant Jewish life in Bohemia and Moravia and the destruction of European Jewry during the Shoah.” It was cited that: “Principle repository for one of the most extensive collections of Jewish art, silver and textiles, the Museum is today an inspiring example of an institution governed by conscience and memory. The Jewish Museum in Prague representing Jewish history and heritage is a vibrant symbol of Jewish survival as an institution devoted to memory, scholarship and education for future generations.” Despite a certain drop in visitor numbers at the end of the year as a result of a general decline in tourism after the 11 September attacks on the USA, the JMP achieved its best economic results to date. Thanks are due to the JMP staff for the responsibility with which they carry out their work and for their sensitive approach to the unique treasures that commemorate the culture of Bohemian and Moravian Jews. In the course of 2001, the JMP employed 107 full-time staff and 149 on a part-time contractual basis. 2. General information a) Property managed by the JMP Office complex, U staré školy 1 and 3, Prague 1: Museum administration, specialist departments, depositories, library, reference centre, café, Robert Guttmann Gallery The Maisel Synagogue: the main nave houses the permanent exhibition The History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia – I. From the First Settlements until Emancipation. 145 originals and facsimiles on display The Pinkas Synagogue: the main nave features the Memorial to the Victims of the Nazi Genocide of Bohemian and Moravian Jews; the gallery houses the permanent exhibition Children’s Drawings from Terezín. 238 originals and facsimiles on display The Klausen Synagogue: the main nave houses the permanent exhibition Jewish Customs and Traditions – I. The Synagogue and Festivals; the gallery houses the permanent exhibition Jewish Customs and Traditions – II. The Course of Life. 474 originals and facsimiles on display. The JMP Reservation Centre is also located on the premises. The Ceremonial Hall: Continuation of the permanent exhibition Jewish Customs and Traditions – II. The Course of Life. 140 originals and facsimiles on display The Spanish Synagogue: the main nave and gallery house the exhibition The History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia – II. From Emancipation to the Present. 535 originals and facsimiles on display. The winter prayer hall houses the permanent exhibition Synagogue Silver from Bohemia and Moravia. 193 objects on display The Robert Guttmann Gallery: exhibition venue for temporary exhibitions The Education and Culture Centre of the JMP, Maiselova 15, Prague 1 The Old Jewish Cemetery (15th-18th century) The Jewish Cemetery (17th-18th century) in Fibichova Street, Prague 3 A former 1930s synagogue in Smíchov, Prague: future JMP archive unit The main textile depository housed in a 19th century rural synagogue A 19th century synagogue in Brandýs nad Labem: future storage area for part of the JMP Library
b) Services provided by the JMP Tours of the Old-Jewish Cemetery and five permanent exhibitions housed in historic sites Tours of temporary exhibitions in the Gobert Guttmann Gallery Special lectures and tours via the Education and Culture Centre of the JMP Seminars on Jewish themes Cultural programmes on Jewish themes at the Education and Culture Centre of the JMP Services of the Reference centre which contains basic Judaic literature and special software Use of the ORT computer room which is focused on Jewish themes, with access to the Internet and special software Specialist library services for professionals and the general public Consultation for professionals and the general public on issues related to the history of Bohemian and Moravian Jews Consultation for professionals and the general public on issues related to the persecution of Bohemian and Moravian Jews during the Second World War Historic pictorial materials available for reproduction JMP publications and publicity material Advanced booking via the JMP Reservation Centre Guided visits 3. Attendance figures for the year 2001
4. New exhibitions a) Permanent exhibitions The History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia – I. From the First Settlements until Emancipation – Modified and extended exhibition in the Maisel Synagogue (from 19 April 2001). Curated by A. Putík and E. Kosáková, individual thematic units and types of exhibits prepared by curators O. Sixtová, M. Hájková, D. Veselská, J. Kuntoš, Š. Kovařík , V. Hamáčková, J. Fiedler and A. Braunová. Exhibition design by Jana Heroutová, graphic design by J. Jaroš Synagogue Silver from Bohemia and Moravia – winter prayer-hall of the Spanish Synagogue (from 12 December 2001). Curated by Jaroslav Kuntoš. Exhibition design and installation by Genia Loci (architects Vlastimil Vagaday and Jiří Javůrek ). Graphic design by Studio Najbrt (Pavel Lev)
b) Temporary exhibitions Winter prayer-hall of the Spanish Synagogue: Vavro Oravec – A Painter of Soul, 17 January – 30 April 2001 (curator A. Pařík ) Avi Biran, Dialogue with Time, 17 May – 26 October 2001 (curator J. Kuntoš)
Robert Guttmann Gallery: Robert Guttmann – Painter and Traveller from Prague, 12 April – 19 August 2001 (curator A. Pařík ) Restitued Works of Art – The Collection of Dr. Emil Freund, 6 September 2001 – 6 January 2002 (curator M. Hájková) The graphic design and installation of all the temporary exhibitions was carried out by the Pavel Břach Firm.
c) JMP exhibitions outside of Prague, involvement in exhibitions organized by other institutions (loans and consultation) I. In the Czech Republic The National Gallery in Prague – loan of objects for the exhibition The Glory of the Baroque in Bohemia, involvement in the preparation of captions and catalogue entries, assistance during installation and de-installation The National Gallery in Prague – loan of a painting by P. Signac for an exhibition in the Trade Fair Palace The Litomyšl Museum and Gallery – loan of objects and reproductions of photography for the exhibition The Jews in Litomyšl The Zlatá husa Gallery, Prague – loan of paintings for an exhibition of Robert Piesen The Prostějov Museum – loan of a painting by A. Justitz for the exhibition Homage to Cubism The Mělník District Museum – selection of exhibits, loan of objects, specialist consultation, preparation of captions, installation and opening of the exhibition Empty Places The Brno City House of Art – loan of paintings for an exhibition of Ernst Neuschul The Museum of Northern Bohemia in Liberec – selection of exhibits, loan of objects, reproductions of selected archive material and photography for the exhibition The Jews in Liberec The Ghetto Museum of the Terezín Memorial – selection of documents and production of copies of exhibits for the new exhibition Terezín in the “Final Solution” to the Jewish Question 1941-1945 Czech exhibition for the Auschwitz Museum – collaboration with the Terezín Memorial on the final version of the exhibition scenario, selection of documents and photography, production of first-proof copies The Year 2002 – a Year of Memories project: construction of a memorial to Holocaust victims from Pilsen connected with the exhibition The Fate of Those who Disappeared. Consultation, search for required study materials, use of Holocaust victims database. Exhibition Jews in the Resistance – organisational arrangements for preparatory work and consultation
II. Abroad Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme, Paris, France – loan of paintings for the exhibition Friedl Dicker-Brandeis (Vienna, 1898 – Auschwitz, 1944) Museum Schloss Bernburg, Germany – loan of copies of children’s drawings The Imperial War Museum London, Uk – loan of drawings by Terezín painters for the exhibition Legacies of Silence, assistance during installation and de-installation Statens Historiska Museet Stockholm, Sweden – loan of paintings by F. D. Brandeis for the touring exhibition Ein Leben für Kunst und Lehre The Simon Wiesenthal Center, Los Angeles, USA – loan of copies children’s drawings Panorama Museum Bad Frankenhausen, Germany – loan of a painting by Václav Zykmund Bauhaus Archiv – Museum für Gestaltung, Berlin, Germany – loan of children’s drawings a of paintings by F. D. Brandeis for the touring exhibition Ein Leben für Kunst und Lehre Stiftung Mendelssohn Akademie, Halberstadt, Germany – loan of synagogue curtains The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, USA – change of exhibits in a permanent exhibition of children’s drawings The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, Atlanta, USA – loan of children’s drawings Deutsches Historisches Museum Berlin, Germany – loan of archive materials from the Holocaust Department Stiftung Ostdeutsche Gallery, Regensburg, Germany – preparations for a loan of paintings by Ernst Neuschul Porto 2001, Porto, Portugal – preparation of an exhibition of children’s drawings Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin: 60. Jahrestages der Wannsee-Konferenz – selection and preparation of archive materials for study purposes and arrangements for the dispatch of loaned originals Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin: Myths of Nations. Trauma and Memory, 1945 until Today – selection of study and archive materials, loan of first-proof copies Bundesarchiv Landesstelle Ludwigsburg: Heydrichiade – selection of literary and archive materials and photography, use of Holocaust victims database, loan of first-proof copies 5. Collaboration in the Czech Republic and abroad The JMP collaborated with 46 foreign and 80 local political, administrative, cultural, academic and educational institutions: Amt für Denkmalpflege und Archiv, Regensburg, Germany Bauhaus Archiv – Museum für Gestaltung, Berlin, Germany Beit Theresienstadt, Israel Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin, Germany Fritz Bauer Institut, Frankfurt a.M., Germany Fuji Museum of Art, Tokyo, Japan Gedenkstätte Bergen-Belsen, Germany Gedenkstätte und Museum Sachsenhausen, Germany Historiska Museet, Stockholm, Sweden Hochschule für Jüdische Studien, Heidelberg, Germany Institut für Geschichte der Juden in Österreich, St. Pölten, Austria Institut für Kulturgeschichte der Textilien, Universität Dortmund, Germany Inštitút judaistitky Univerzity Komenského v Bratislave, Slovakia Jüdisches Museum Berlin, Germany Jüdisches Museum, Wien, Austria Mitteleuropa Zentrum für Staats-, Wirtschafts- und Kulturwissenschaften, Dresden, Germany Musée d’Art et d´Histoire du Judaïsme, Paris, France Museen der Stadt Nürnberg, Germany Museen der Stadt Wien, Austria Museum Schloss Bernburg, Germany Österreichische Nationalbibliotek , Austria Österreichisches Staatsarchiv, Austria Panorama Museum, Bad Frankenhausen, Germany Państwowe Museum w Ośwęcimiu, Poland PapaInk , USA Porto 2001, Porto, Portugal Skirball Cultural Center Los Angeles, USA Staats- und Universtätsbibliothek Hamburg, Germany Stiftung Mendelssohn Akademie, Halberstadt, Germany Stiftung Ostdeutsche Gallery, Regensburg, Germany The American Joint Distribution Committee, USA The Bar-Ilan University, Israel The Department of Conservation and Restoration of JUNL, Jerusalem, Israel The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel The Imperial War Museum, London, United Kingdom The Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts, Jewish National and University Library, Jerusalem The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel The Jewish Museum London, United Kingdom The Jewish Museum New York , USA The Museum of Jewish Heritage, New York , USA The Simon Wiesenthal Center – Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, USA The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington DC, USA The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, Atlanta, GA, USA Uniwersytet Wrocławski, Wrocław, Poland Yad Vashem, Israel The Adolf Kašpar Memorial, Loštice The Association of Museums and Galleries in the Czech Republic The Benedictine Abbey Rajhrad The Boskovice Region Museum The Břeclav Museum and Gallery The Brno City House of Art The Commission for the Registration of Manuscripts of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic The Czech Bobbin Association The District Museum of Mělník The District Museum of Most The District Museum of the Orlické Mountains, Rychnov nad Kněžnou The District Museum of Příbram The Embassy of the State of Israel in the Czech Republic The Ethnographic Society of the Czech Republic The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic The Genia Loci Company The Gideon Klein Foundation The Hallmark Office of Prague The Hans Krása Foundation - Terezín The Heřmanův Městec Local Authority The Higher Professional School of Graphic Art, Prague The Historic Monument Institute of České Budějovice ICOM, CEICOM The Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague The Institute for Contemporary History at the Czech Academy of Sciences The Institute of Folk Culture in Strážnice The Institute of Restoration and Conservation Techniques, Litomyšl The Institute of the Terezín Initiative The J. Hoffmann Company, Brtnice The Jewish Community of Brno The Jewish Community of Děčín The Jewish Community of Liberec The Jewish Community of Olomouc The Jewish Community of Ostrava The Jewish Community of Plzeň The Jewish Community of Prague The Jewish Community of Teplice The k 2001 Foundation, Brno The Lipník nad Bečvou Local Authority The Litomyšl Museum and Gallery The Litomyšl School of Restoration and Conservation Technology Loket Castle Matana a.s., Prague The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Department of Museums and Galleries The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic The Moravian Gallery in Brno The Moravian Land Archive in Brno The Municipal Cultural Centre of Holešov The Museum of Antonín Sova, Pacov The Museum of Central Bohemia in Roztoky by Prague The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague The Museum of Dr. A. Hrdlička, Humpolec The Museum of Northern Bohemia in Liberec The Museum of the Town of Dobruška The National Gallery in Prague The National Library of the Czech Republic The National Museum Archive The National Museum in Prague The Polabí Museum in Poděbrady, Section: The Regional Museum of Nymburk The Prague City Archives The Prague City Gallery The Prague City Museum The Prague Institute for the Care of Historic Monuments The Prostějov Museum The Regional Museum of Mikulov The Regional Museum of Vysočina, Jihlava, Polná Section The Road and Railway Museum, Velké Meziříčí The Southern Bohemian Museum in České Budějovice The State Central Archive, Prague The State Institute for the Care of Historic Monuments The State District Archive in Prague The State Regional Archive in Litoměřice The Terezín Initiative The Terezín Memorial The Třebíč Town Council The Vamberk Lace Museum The Walachian Open-Air Museum, Rožnov pod Radhoštěm The Zlatá Husa Gallery, Prague The Žamberk Museum
6. Specialist and research activities a) Preparation of new exhibitions I. In the Czech Republic Synagogue textiles from the JMP’s collections – ongoing preparatory work for an exhibition in the Imperial Stables of Prague Castle in March - June 2003 The Essence – exhibition of drawings by Robert Horvitz in the Robert Guttmann Gallery (January - April 2002) Preparation of a concept and selection of exhibits for an exhibition on Jewish traditions and customs in Brandýs nad Labem (planned opening in March 2002), preparation of similar exhibitions in Kolín, Děčín, Mikulov, Březnice and Lomnice Preparation of a concept and selection of exhibits for an exhibition on Jewish traditions and customs in the restored synagogue in Boskovice (planned opening in June 2002)
II. Abroad The Baroque in Moravia – exhibition to be presented in Remes by the Moravian Gallery of Brno in 2002: preparation and selection of objects, arrangements for restoration work , preparation of catalogue entries for publication Friedl Dicker-Brandeis, Fuji Museum of Art, Tokyo – loan of a large number of paintings for an exhibition
b) Material for local and foreign institutions and researchers Collaboration with genealogists and local historians – preparation of retrievals and consultation Microfilming of documents from the archive of the Holocaust Department for Yad Vashem; negotiations regarding continued collaboration Archival research and production of copies and CDs of music scores and correspondence from the Gideon Klein and Egon Ledeč posthumous papers for Prof. David Bloch at Yad Vashem (Israel) Consultation and search of documents for a book on the Terezín girls’ home L 410/28, which is being prepared by a group of former child inmates
c) Research activities I. Department of Jewish Studies and History of Jews Research topics: Bibliographic and reference aids for the history of Jews in the Czech lands – creation of a complete bibliographic database (from the earliest times until 1918) (D. Polakovič) History of the Jewish community in Boskovice in the 17th-18th centuries (D. Polakovič) Demography of the Jewish population of Bohemia and Moravia – archive research (J. Fiedler) Epigraphs – synagogues and Jewish cemeteries (V. Hamáčková) Genealogy of specific Jewish families of Prague (A. Putík ) The Genizah as a source for the history of Jewish communities in Bohemia and Moravia (O. Sixtová) Preparation of a project for demographic-genealogical research in relation to the history of the Jews in the Czech lands (A. Putík , D. Polakovič) Rabbi Heinrich Flesch – his life and work , correspondence (D. Polakovič) Responsa (Sheelot u-teshuvot) as a historical source for a religious, social and economic history of the Jews in the Czech lands (D. Polakovič) The Sabbatanian movement in Bohemia (A. Putík ) Topography of the Prague Ghetto (A. Putík ) The internal policy of the Prague Jewish community in the 17th and 18th centuries (A. Putík ) Preparation of an information database of Jewish communities in the Czech Republic (J. Fiedler) Research of Judaica in the State Central Archive in Prague (A. Putík ) Research of Judaica in state archives (State District Archives in Kolín, Pelhřimov and Rokycany) (V. Hamáčková) Jewish literature, manuscript records and letter-prints in Bohemia and Moravia (O. Sixtová II. Holocaust Department Research topics: History of the Holocaust of Bohemian and Moravian Jews: a study of relevant materials and archive sources for the requirements of consultation, retrievals, lectures and publication activities (A. Franková, J. Šplíchalová) The testimonies of Holocaust survivors (A. Hyndráková, A. Lorencová): 60 new testimonies were recorded on tape in 2001. A total of 957 testimonies have been recorded since the project began in 1990. III. Collections department Research topics: The iconography of synagogue textiles (D. Veselská) Preparation of a specialist dictionary: Terminology – Judaica – Textiles for the Ethnographic Society of the Czech Republic (D. Veselská) Specific decorative features on Moravian synagogue textiles – preparation of an essay for a catalogue to accompany the textile exhibition at Prague Castle (D. Veselská) Kapporet (Torah valance) as a synagogue object – preparation of an essay for a catalogue to accompany the textile exhibition at Prague Castle (D. Veselská) Relations between producers of silver objects and their clients; products of Jewish and Christian gold- and silversmiths: types and dates of origin of objects in the JMP metal collection (J. Kuntoš) Possibilities of dating and establishing the authorship of silver objects on the basis of variants in shape of hallmarks that have been imperfectly preserved. (J. Kuntoš) Jewish collectors in Bohemia and Moravia – basic research for a monographic work (M. Hájková) IV. Library Research topics: Prague Hebrew printed books in the JMP library collection (A. Braunová) The Origin of the JMP library collection (A. Braunová) a) The Education and Culture Centre (ECC) of the JMP I. Educational programmes for Czech schools (primary and secondary schools, universities, teacher training) attended by 6,685 persons at the ECC, mostly elementary and secondary school pupils. The Workshop programme for younger children and the Art in Extreme Situations programme involved the participation of 1,527 elementary school pupils. attended by 658 persons outside of Prague
II. Educational programmes for foreign visitors (students, teachers, tourists) attended by 624 persons from Germany, Holland and the USA III. Courses for guides attended by 76 persons IV. Seminars the ECC organized lectures on the history of Czech Jews, anti-Semitism and the Holocaust for two three-day seminars on the theme How to teach about the Holocaust. The seminars were held in March and April in collaboration with the Terezín Memorial and the Czech Ministry of Education and were attended by 77 teachers. The first parts of a series of educational seminars for teachers on the topic Jewish history, traditions and culture and education for tolerance were held from October to December 2001, with the participation of 45 teachers. The series was organized in collaboration with pedagogical centres (Ústí nad Labem, Střední Čechy, Brno) and Jewish communities outside of Prague (Děčín, Brno).
V. Projects The Lost Neighbours project is intended for elementary and secondary school children and aims to record the testimonies of neighbours who were persecuted during the second world war for racial reasons or who were witnesses to these events. The children’s written reports covered (among other things) the history of Jewish settlements in particular regions and documented the state of local Jewish sites. In August Czech Television broadcast a film about the project which was based on the stories brought together in the first publication of students’ reports. An English version of the film was produced for (among others) the Anne Frank House and the Holocaust Museum St. Petersburg, Florida). December 2001 saw the opening of an exhibition on the project in the ECC. The Mutual Understanding and Tolerance project is intended for future teachers of the 1st–5th grades of elementary school and developed in collaboration with the Charles University Faculty of Education. 13 lectures in total were focused, on the one hand, on an overall understanding of Jewish traditions and history and, on the other, the ethical and humanistic issues related to 20th century Jewish history. The project involved the participation of 25 persons. The ECC collaborated with the district museum in Brandýs nad Labem on the preparation of an educational exhibition on Jewish traditions and a history of the Jews in the region.
VI. Activities of the ORT centre The JMP web-site was expanded and redesigned. Public services: access to the Internet and CD-ROMS access to CD-ROMs of Terezín children’s drawings assistance in work involving thematic programs focused on Jewish issues (e.g. Encyclopaedia Judaica) and in database searches for Holocaust victims
VII. Lectures As in previous years the ECC held a lecture series for schools which was connected with a tour of the JMP, a display of objects and documents related to a specific theme and combined with film screenings. The series is intended for elementary and secondary school children and university students and consists of the following core lectures: The Jewish Religion, Culture, Tradition and Art, Biblical History; The History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia; Anti-Semitism and Xenophobia; The Persecution of Jews in the Second World War; Rescuers and Rescued (personal narratives of Shoah survivors with film screenings). Dr. Miloš Pojar, the ECC director, organized a series of lectures for students at the Charles University Faculty of Social Sciences (Specific problems from the modern history of the State of Israel) and for New York University (Modern History of Central European Jewry). Dr. Pojar also organized a further 12 lectures on the history of Czech Jews and the State of Israel for various groups from the Czech Republic and abroad. b) Department of Jewish Studies and History of Jews I. Participation in conferences, symposiums, discussions and lectures Lectures for the ECC – The Messianic Year 1666 in Bohemia (A. Putík ), The Prague Haggadah 1526 (O. Sixtová) Jahrestagung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Jüdische Sammlungen in Fürth und Schnaittach (V. Hamáčková) II. Media collaboration, publication activities and reviews Expert opinion on a grant project for staff of the Museum of Northern Bohemia in Liberec (J. Fiedler) National Gallery exhibition The Glory of the Baroque in Bohemia - catalogue entries (A. Putík , O. Sixtová) Assessment of student theses and reviews (J. Fiedler) Securing of reproductions of specific archive materials for publication on the anniversary of Bnei Brith by the Faun Publishing House (V. Hamáčková) Production of copies of archive materials for a film about Emil Kolben by Lampa Film Production (V. Hamáčková) Preparation of material for a leaflet about the Jewish cemetery in Fibichova Street (V. Hamáčková) Ongoing comments on Jewish and Israeli themes in school textbooks under preparation (history, geography, civics and the fundamentals of social science) in accordance with a brief from the Ministry of Education (L. Pavlát)
III. Preparation of publications Editorial preparation of the Judaica Bohemiae journal, XXXVII/2001 (A. Putík ) Editorial preparation of the catalogue History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia from the First Settlements until Emancipation (O. Sixtová, E. Kosáková, A. Putík ) c) Holocaust Department I. Participation in conferences, symposiums, discussions and lectures Lecture on The Holocaust of Czech Jews for a series organized by the Czech Christian Academy, Education for Tolerance and against Racism (A. Franková) Lecture on German Nazism and the Holocaust at a seminar on the Holocaust held by the Czech Union of Freedom Fighters and the Terezín Initiative in Pardubice (A. Franková) Jahrestagung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Jüdische Sammlungen in Fürth und Schnaittach (J. Šplíchalová) Discussion meeting in the National Technical Museum for a television film by P. Štingl, Three Friends (A. Franková) Participation in a meeting of the Terezín Initiative (A. Franková, V. Baumová)
II. Media collaboration, publication activities and reviews Radio programme about Łódź - memories (P. Kořínková) Japanese TV documentary film Jazz Music at Terezín - consultation and selection of material (J. Šmejkalová) Television film directed by k . Knappová Music in the Concentration Camp - consultation and preparation of study material, arrangement of contacts with Holocaust survivors and witnesses, selection of photography (A. Franková, J. Šmejkalová, J. Šplíchalová) III. Preparation of publications Terezín Initiative Foundation, Theresiana series – Terezín Daily Orders (A. Hyndráková) 2000–2001 acquisitions report for the JMP Newsletter (A. Franková) IV. Study visits Litomyšl – exhibition The Jews in Litomyšl and a tour of the Jewish cemetery (A. Franková, J. Šplíchalová) In association with the Terezín Memorial, participation in the trial of the former prison warder of the Terezín Small Fortress A. Malloth in Munich (J. Šplíchalová) Bundesarchiv Landesstelle Ludwigsburg – in association with the Institute of the Terezín Initiative and the Terezín Memorial, research of archive materials: collections of the Zentralstelle für jüdische Auswanderung in Prague and Vienna (J. Šplíchalová)
d) Collections Department I. Participation in conferences, symposiums, discussions and lectures Visit to restoration workshops in the Imperial Archives in Copenhaven, the University Library in Uppsala, the Imperial Archives and the Royal Library in Stockholm and the Municipal Archives in Göteborg (M. Kropáčková) Seminar in the National Museum in Prague Research and Restoration of Coloured Layers (M. Kropáčková, J. Stankiewicz) Visits to textile restoration workshops in museums in Munich (H. Votočková, V. Nauschová) Seminar for restoration and conservation experts in České Budějovice (P. Veselý, M. Jarešová) Annual meeting of directors of the Prague section of the Association of Museums and Galleries in Prague (D. Veselská)
II. Media collaboration, publication activities and reviews Preparation of a guide for a new exhibition in the Maisel Synagogue which will be published in 2002 (E. Kosáková, O. Sixtová, A. Putík ) Specialist consultation with producers of souvenirs (E. Kosáková) Specialist consultation during the final examination at the Higher Professional School of Graphic Art in Prague (M. Jarešová, P. Veselý) e) Exhibitions, Publicity and PR Department I. Participation in conferences, symposiums, discussions and lectures Lecture on the occasion of the opening of the exhibition Jewish Moravia (A. Pařík ) Preparation of an expert opinion on the State Institute for the Care of Historic Monuments project concerning the registration of Jewish sites in the Czech Republic (A. Pařík ) Lecture on the history of Jewish communities in Bohemia and Moravia at the Theological Faculty of J. A. Komenský (A. Pařík ) Participation in the conference Ostmitteleuropäische Kunsthistoriographien und der nationale Diskurs in Berlin (A. Pařík ) Lokšany – a Jewish Town in Březnice. History and monument protection – lecture a meeting of preservationists at Březnice Mansion (A. Pařík ) Lectures Values of Judaism and the Present and Anti-Semitic Stereotypes in the History of Czech Jewry for the Olomouc Faculty of Education (L. Pavlát) Lecture The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict for the Czech Christian Academy (L. Pavlát) Lecture Shoah Denials as part of the Terezín Memorial Days in Brno (L. Pavlát) II. Media collaboration, publication activities and reviews Text on Mark Podwal for the JMP calendar (A. Pařík ) Text for a book on Robert Guttmann (A. Pařík ) Preparation of the book Jewish Prague (A. Pařík ) Preparation of the CD Rom Drawings by Terezín Children (M. Hájková) Czech TV programme Salón český (Czech Salon) devoted to the new office complex of the (J. Smékalová) Czech TV programme Přesčas (Overtime) – interview with L. Pavlát on the JMP Czech TV filming in the Spanish Synagogue – Nocturne with violinist Václav Hudeček and flautist Jiří Stivín Regular collaboration with various radio and TV stations – current affairs, news, cultural programmes, radio broadcasts of the Jewish Community of Prague Shalom aleykhem, brief interviews for Czech Radio and TV during the opening of temporary and permanent exhibitions (L. Pavlát, J. Smékalová, A. Pařík , M. Hájková, J. Kuntoš, E. Kosáková) Regular features in periodicals: Prague – the Heart of Europe, Outline of Cultural Programmes, Culture in Prague, Rosh Chodesh (M. Hájek )
8. Cultural activities a) Cultural events at the Education and Culture Centre (ECC) of the JMP The ECC prepared and organized a total of 116 cultural programmes and events. Over half (71) comprised lectures, both as part of a series and on separate topics. The series included the lectures Pirke Avot, Contemporary Israel, Rabbinic Personages, German and Austrian Jewish Writers of the 20th Century, The Shadow of the Shoah over Europe and Czech Jewish Authors in 20th Century Literature. The ECC also hosted 7 film shows, 13 concerts, 3 book presentations (Ghetto Litzmannstadt 1941-1944, depicting the life of Czech Jews in the Łódź ghetto, Jews between Tradition and Assimilation by Dr. Peter Salner and Täter, Gedächtnis, Opfer by the historian Direk Rupnow, which was published by Picus Verlag in Vienna), 5 talks given by authors, 4 exhibition openings and 8 evenings organized by the Union of Jewish Youth. In association with the History Institute of the Academy of Sciences and the History Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the ECC contributed to the preparation and running of an international seminar entitled The Integration, Acceptance or Non-acceptance of Jews: A French-Czechoslovakian Comparison of the 1930s, which was held on 11 and 12 June 2001 in Prague and organized by the French Centre for Research in the Social Sciences (CEFRES). b) JMP participation in trade fairs Participation in the 6th International Book Fair Book World 2001 in Prague, 10-13 May 2001. The JMP featured its new publications on a joint display stand with the Sefer Publishing House. Participation in the 5th Czech Museum Fair in Třebíč, 23-26 May 2000. Separate display stand Participation in the International Book Fair in Frankfurt am Main, 10-15 October 2001. The JMP featured its publications on a separate display stand as part of a joint exhibition of the Czech Republic. c) Music in the Spanish Synagogue Regular classical music concerts were held in the Spanish Synagogue in 2001. From April to the end of October 2001 these were organized by the AGADA agency (Music Heritage of the Jewish Culture) and Opera Ars Magna (song recitals Jewels of the Jewish Masters in Old Prague). The first series of concerts was brought to an end by the Arco Diva Agency in April 2001. The second series of concerts for season-ticket holders, Prague Musical Evenings in the Spanish Synagogue, was launched in October 2001 with a performance by the guitarist Lubomír Brabec and guests. August 2001 saw the close of the 12-part series of musical and literary programmes, The Jewish Phenomenon – A Journey Across Europe (launched in 2000) which combined music from different European countries with excerpts from the literary works of Jewish authors. This project was backed by Prague City Hall and the Jewish Community Foundation. . A mixed programme, Meditation (Purim, Autumn, Hanukkah), was organized by the Andrej Ernyei Agency. The Spanish Synagogue was also used as a regular venue for other concerts and for the services of the Conservative Jewish society.
9. Publications and retail activities a) JMP publications and souvenirs, replicas of collection items
Judaica Bohemiae XXXVI, Journal of Jewish studies (500 copies) I haven’t seen a butterfly around here, French version (2,000 copies) I haven’t seen a butterfly around here, Italian version (2,000 copies) I haven’t seen a butterfly around here, German version (5,000 copies) Mark Podwal: Jewish calendar (3,000 copies) Arno Pařík : Robert Guttmann, exhibition catalogue - Czech (500 copies) and English (1,000 copies) Collective: Jews – History and Culture, supplement to the 1st edition (2,000 copies) Guide to the Spanish Synagogue – French version (5,000 copies) Guide to the Klausen Synagogue – French version (5,000 copies) Arno Pařík , Dana Cabanová, Petr Kliment: CD ROM Prague Synagogues – 6-language version (1,000 copies) Four issues of the JMP Newsletter in Czech and English (2,000 copies per issue) Leaflets for temporary exhibitions - (Czech and English versions): Vavro Oravec – A Painter of Sould (1,500 copies) Avi Biran – Dialogue with Time (2,000 copies) Robert Guttmann – Painter and Traveller from Prague (1,500 copies) Restituted Works of Art – the Dr. Emil Freund Collection (2,000 copies) Synagogue Silver from Bohemia and Moravia, (2,400 copies) Acquisition leaflet for the Robert Guttmann Gallery – Czech (1,000 copies) and English (2,000 copies) Acquisition leaflet for the newly opened cemetery in Fibichova Street – Czech (1,000 copies), English (2,000 copies) and Hebrew (1,000 copies) Acquisition leaflet for the Mark Podwal calendar - English (2,000 copies) Acquisition leaflet for the new book This is not a fairy tale – it’s real! - English (2,000 copies) New Year’s card (1000 copies) Postcards of paintings by Robert Guttmann, 4 types, 2,000 copies each Postcards – reprints, 4 types, 48,000 copies JMP information leaflets attached to admission tickets – Hebrew (100,000 copies), German (120,000 copies), English (300,000 copies) and Italian (50,000 copies) Copies of Terezín children’s drawings (372 copies) Invitations to exhibitions and to the opening of the JMP’s new office complex Leaflet promoting JMP publications for bookshops and libraries Production of posters and eye-catchers for the Robert Guttmann Gallery Production of posters and leaflets for concerts in the Spanish Synagogue Volume Lost Neighbours, published in collaboration with the Hidden Child Foundation (900 copies) Workbook for pupils and teachers visiting the ECC (5000 copies) Volume The Shadow of the Shoah over Europe (800 copies) Collaboration with Jiří Hošek and the Music Vars Publishing House on the release of a CD entitled David Popper – Prague Jewish Virtuoso and Composer b) Shops on JMP premises The JMP let retail outlets in the Maisel synagogue (Museum Stores), Klausen Synagogue (Roman Tympl) and Spanish Synagogue (Relax Group). These outlets offer a wide range of publications and souvenirs connected with Jewish themes in general and with the JMP in particular. c) On-line sale of JMP items 2001 saw an increase in the amount of on-line purchases of JMP items, in particular from English-speaking countries. 10. Archives and documentation a) Archives and documentation of Jewish Communities (V. Hamáčková) Continual processing of acquisitions and assessment of purchase offers Assessment of architectural plans for a new archive depository, tours of depositories at other institutions Provision of research services – 124 research visits, 33 retrievals and replies to written queries, and approximately 150 consultations Ongoing review and computer processing of the sheet music collection Selection of materials for restoration, negotiations with restoration experts Ongoing review of archive books in the Jewish Religious Community of Prague Collection in relation to preparations for a list of material for restoration Negotiations with the Archive Administration of the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic, preparation of documentary material Arrangement of archive materials of the State Jewish Museum in Prague from 1970-1990 b) Catalogue of Jewish Communities (J. Fiedler) Continual updating of the database on the basis of J. Fiedler’s personal card index; editing of encyclopaedic entries on individual communities. There were 80 research visits and approximately 200 consultations (including contact by mail and by telephone). Preparation of literature searches and replies to queries from researches Collaboration with the State Institute for the Care of Historic Monuments on a long-term grant project (documentation of Jewish sites in the Czech Republic) Preparation of negatives from J. Fiedler’s personal photography archive and a description of enlarged pictures for the documentation of Jewish sites
c) History of the Holocaust I. Documentation on the persecution of the Jews Terezín Archive collection: Arrangement and stock -taking, including appropriate inventory adjustments – inv. no. 327 (personal papers: 12 boxes of documents) Personal papers and collections: Rough arrangement of the Eliška Kleinová papers Rough arrangement of specialist texts and periodicals stored in the JMP by historian Miroslav Kárný (J. Šmejkalová) Preliminary research of the B. k . Fišera papers documenting the life of the Jewish Community of Prague and arranging for its relocation to a depository Acquisitions: 30 in total, including archive documents of exception value: youth magazine Klepy z židovského koupaliště (Gossip from the Jewish Swimming Pool) and the children’s magazine Bonaco – receipt, registration, stock -taking, arrangement and storage in archive collections Photography Collection: Continued cataloguing: completing of section VI (personalities) and part of section V (resistance) Rough processing of a newly acquired thematic group of unique photographs (transports to the Baltic States) Archive documents and photographs: 42 acquisitions in total Testimonies of Holocaust Survivors project: Gathering, processing and transcription of new testimonies and ongoing recording of data onto a computer programme: 60 new testimonies in total Bergen – Belsen Memorial – selection and processing of the testimonies of Czech Jewish inmates from Bergen – Belsen, transfer of texts to discs and transferring them with relevant photographs to the Memorial. 80 testimonies and 40 photographs were sent off. Work commenced on processing 80 selected testimonies from archive collections, which were incorporated in the database of testimonies. Selection and processing of testimonies for the web-site of the Institute of the Terezín Initiative (the Holocaust of Czech Jews). Production of copies of rare archive documents: Laser copies: Terezín collection (music scores) Scanning: children’s magazine Bonaco, the personal papers of G. Klein Restoration: Periodical Židovské listy (97 folios) Children’s magazine Bonaco Commencement of restoration of the magazine Klepy z židovského koupaliště Provision of research services: 84 visits Retrievals and consultation: Music at Terezín, individual composers, transports from Terezín and to the East, the Memorial in the Pinkas Synagogue, Hagibor, Slovak Jews, statistical data on Jews in the Protectorate, Terezín children, Terezín young people’s homes, extermination camps Issuing of copyright: 17 permits. Many negotiations and consultations were held with regard to changes in copyright Memorial to the Victims of the Shoah in the Pinkas Synagogue: Gathering of material for amendments and additions to inscriptions Ongoing checks on the condition of inscriptions and taking of 5 photographs of inscriptions on the basis of commissions II. Computer database of Holocaust victims from the territory of the former Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia Ongoing preparation of computer files with data on victims (individuals and groups): about 150 files. Updating of the database and transferring it to a new computer a) Collections Department I. Collection of paintings, drawings and graphic art (M. Hájková) 73 items were added to the collection (19 purchases, 54 donations and bequests); Work continued on a long-term project for the restoration and conservation of the collection of paintings, drawings and graphic art: 97 paintings from the JMP collection were restored (18 paintings by Robert Guttmann, 22 paintings restituted from the National Gallery in Prague, 30 portraits + 2 portraits from the collection of the Jewish Community of Prague which will be housed in the Maisel Synagogue exhibition, 24 paintings by Bedřich Feigl, 1 painting by Ludwig Blum, 1 painting by Alfred Justitz, 1 painting by E. A. Pittermann-Longen); The collection of drawings by children and adults from Terezín was relocated and re-housed; A basic retrieval in the records of the catalogue of the Central Jewish Museum was completed, becoming the basis for research into the provenance of objects; this project is set to continue in the following years and its results partly tie in with the work of the JMP restitution committee.
II. Paper restoration workshop (M. Kropáčková, J. Stankiewicz) Collaboration on exhibition preparations: The Work of Robert Guttmann in the Robert Guttmann Gallery (34 drawings), the Imperial War Museum in London (5 drawings by Terezín artists), travelling exhibition in Berlin and Atlanta (33 children’s drawings and 10 pastels by F. D. Brandeis), exhibition Restituted Works of Art in the Robert Guttmann Gallery (10 paintings), permanent exhibition in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington DC (15 children’s drawings for an annual exchange). Preparation of objects for these exhibitions involved conserving and restoring objects, mounting and framing, and drawing up condition reports; Production of facsimiles for the permanent exhibition in the Maisel Synagogue, which replaced the current photocopies; Prints nos. 18,006 and 28,554 and manuscript no. 431 were restored for the collection of rare printed books and manuscripts. In collaboration with students from the Institute of Restoration and Conservation Techniques in Litomyšl, about 200 plaques and about 100 Esther scrolls and genizah findings were conserved. The most seriously damaged parchment plaques and single-sheets underwent complete restoration; Mechanical cleaning and disinfection of 60 books. After being cleaned mechanically, book bindings were restored (25 items) and subsequently placed in protective cases. In addition, a collection of sheet music was restored (10 gramophone records, 7 book bindings and the production of protective cases); Conservation of the book bindings of the first volumes of Judicial Records for the archive and design of special cases for this type; Restoration of the children’s magazine from Terezín Bonaco (64 folios) for the Holocaust Department (including storage in protective cases); Restoration of 17 covers for the sheet music collection. III. Textile collection (D. Veselská) 3 acquisitions were made (2 purchases and 1 donation); Work continued on the cataloguing of Torah mantles, objects recently shipped from Jewish communities, and acquisitions) (320 pieces in total); Worked continued on a long-term project aimed at documenting donation inscriptions on textiles – about 800 inscriptions were transcribed and translated; Data was entered onto the JMP’s database archive system on an ongoing basis (Torah mantles, valances); Material was prepared in response to 6 research queries.
IV. Textile restoration workshop (H. Votočková, V. Nauschová) 56 textile pieces from the JMP’s collections and from recent shipments from individual Jewish communities were repaired and treated; Textile pieces were selected and prepared for exhibition purposes on an ongoing basis (new exhibition in the Maisel Synagogue, The Glory of the Baroque in Bohemia, Litomyšl, Pilsen, Mělník , Liberec); 74 textile pieces were selected for external restoration; 171 textile pieces (covers, fragments) were cleaned before being placed in a depository; Photographic documentation of a group of textile fragments was carried out.
V. Metal collection (J. Kuntoš) 26 acquisitions were made (3 purchases, 1 transfer from the Holocaust Department,1 shipped from a synagogue in Ledeč nad Sázavou, 22 donations); Collections of silver transferred from the Jerusalem Synagogue in Prague were catalogued; Work commenced on ascertaining the originators of silver pieces of Viennese provenance; Work continued on the preparation of a register of producers of precious metal objects with emphasis on quality; Information concerning objects in the collection was entered on the JMP database archive system on an ongoing basis; 5 research queries were dealt with; A bronze sculpture of the Golem (height 244 cm, weight 480 kg) made by US sculptor Pearl Amsel in 1985-87 was donated to the Jewish Museum in Prague by the sculptor’s son. The sculpture was installed in the court of the Spanish Synagogue in September 2001.
VI. Metal restoration workshop (M. Jarešová, P. Veselý) 205 silver and brass objects from the collection were conserved, re-conserved and restored for permanent and temporary exhibitions; 36 large brass and iron objects were selected for external conservation; 6 wooden objects were selected for external conservation;
VII. Documentation of the Collection Department (M. Veselská, H. Mlsová, S. Hlaváčková, H. Kopřivová) 52 loan agreements were prepared for exhibition purposes (11 for foreign institutions, 41 for Czech institutions, including Jewish communities). 215 objects from the collection were loaned to institutions abroad, 614 to institutions in the Czech Republic; 92 loan agreements and 87 work agreements with external restoration experts were prepared. In addition to restoration, this involved (among other things) producing copies of objects from the JMP collection and framing paintings; 12 agreements were prepared for the purchase of art works from individuals. 605 items (706 collection objects) were entered in the Acquisitions Book – 33 purchases, 72 donations (including 2 bequests) and 601 objects stem from stock reviews in the JMP’s depositories and from recent shipments from Jewish communities in Bohemia and Moravia; The Collection Department received 28 generous donations from: Vavro Oravec, Mark Podwal, Lev Labský, Jindřiška Pacovská, Milan Tesař, Miluška Dohnalová; Revision of the main arithmetic catalogue was completed. The catalogue was reorganized and supplemented; A register containing information on the content of special catalogues was prepared. After agreement with the curators of individual collections, redundant catalogues were earmarked for gradual liquidation in 2002; Scanning of the war-time German Catalogue continued (as part of a project launched in 1999). 71 out of 202 catalogue volumes were scanned by the end of 2001. The catalogue also underwent conservation and restoration treatment and was rebound; Unbound copies of the German Catalogue (i.e., duplicate catalogue cards temporarily housed in the Department of Jewish Studies and History of Jews) was subject to revision. A register was drawn up for documenting the condition of these copies (stating whether it involves originals, duplicates or copies of the original cards and containing the inventory numbers of missing cards); The computer transcription of the contents of the German Catalogue (Windows Word format) continued on an ongoing basis. The resulting lists were examined to check that they corresponded with the objects in the collection in respect of their condition and amount; Data from the German Catalogue was processed in tabulated format using the Microsoft Excel program on the basis of individual Jewish communities from where objects in the JMP’s collection were shipped; A number of subsidiary databases were prepared using the Microsoft Excel program, the technical implementation of which will be completed in 2002 (databases for the recording of data on exhibitions, for discarded objects and for the transcription of data from acquisitions books); All loan agreements from 1999 – 2001 were processed in a tabulated format using the Microsoft Excel program.; Work commenced on preparations for entering the collections of the JMP on the Central Register of Collections of the Czech Ministry of Culture, which is to take place in April 2002. VIII. Photography Archive (Š. Kovařík ) CD-ROMs featuring images of objects from the JMP collection were recorded for the requirements of the JMP (35 pcs.) and external researchers (8 pcs); A computer program was created for the automatic reading of pictorial data stored on the computer servers of the JMP photography studio; Photographic documentation from the metal restoration workshop was arranged (1,200 images); Material was prepared for a catalogue of the exhibition in the Maisel Synagogue; New negatives and CD images (over 300) were processed; Work continued on the transcription of data from the Negatives Book to the photography archive database (about 11,000 records were made); 95 requests from researchers and institutions were dealt with and more than 40 visits from researchers and journalists were received; 39 permits to use JMP pictorial material for print, publication, educational programmes and exhibitions were issued; Work continued on a review of all materials stored in the photography archive.
IX. Photography Studio (P. Kliment, D. Cabanová, Y. Dunděrová, J. Tatranský, P. Makovička) A special unit with very high resolution facilities for digitizing large textiles was set up in the JMP depository outside of Prague. This was used for taking 334 pictures of synagogue textiles which are mainly intended for a catalogue of the JMP exhibition of synagogue textiles at Prague Castle. Facilities in the former JMP office complex at Jáchymova Street were prepared to make way for the installation of a very high resolution camera. Objects from the JMP collections were photographed on an ongoing basis for exhibitions in the Czech Republic and abroad. JMP digitization project: Digitization of synagogue textiles in the JMP depository outside of Prague (209 pictures of curtains, valances and covers and 125 pictures of mantles, in total 334 pictures) Digitization of the personal papers of Gideon Klein (148 pictures) Photographic work for the publication and exhibition activities of the JMP: Photography and pre-print preparations for the JMP Newsletter and Judaica Bohemiae Pre-print preparation of photographs for the book Prague Synagogues Pre-print preparation of photographs for the Robert Guttmann exhibition catalogue (about 1000 photographs) Photographing and pre-print preparations of drawings for the Mark Podwal calendar (24 photographs) Photographing and pre-print preparations of paintings for the R. Horovitz catalogue and exhibition (54 photographs) Photographing of silver for the JMP catalogue and exhibition of synagogue silver (25 photographs) Photographing of Jewish cemeteries in Prague for a planned book Jewish Cemeteries Documentary and archive photographic work for the JMP: New exhibition in the Maisel Synagogue (194 photographs of JMP collections, 12 photographs of objects from other institutions) Anna Flachová diary (102 photographs) Terezín magazine Bonaco – issues 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 after restoration (104 photographs) Scanning of the German Catalogue continued. Records were processed and transferred onto CD-ROM. 92 CDs containing sources and 100 CDs with processed index-cards were completed. 42 CD-ROMs with archive data were recorded for the JMP photography archive. 60 photographs of restored objects from the JMP collection were digitally photographed and arranged for storage in the JMP database. Documentary activities of the JMP: JMP operations and events were documented on an ongoing basis. Services for JMP curators and external clients: 103 different orders for services were prepared. Inscriptions in the Pinkas Synagogue were photographed when required by the Holocaust Department. b) Department of Jewish Studies and History of Jews I. Collection of Manuscripts and Rare Printed Books (Curator O. Sixtová) In connection with the JMP’s relocation, the professional care of the collection focused primarily on cleaning objects and providing protective cases and covers for scrolls, single sheets, fragments and maps, as well as on conserving objects returned from exhibitions. In connection with the stock -taking of the collection of Esther scrolls, the most endangered objects were handed over for treatment to the JMP’s new restoration suite. Part of the conservation works was done by external restorers. Securing of the production of facsimiles of manuscripts and rare printed books for the exhibition in the Maisel Synagogue – in collaboration with JMP restoration experts and external associates.
Specialist consultation for researchers and preparation of retrievals. The collection was enriched by a donation from Mrs. Alice Lutwak from the USA – an Esther scroll formerly belonging to Rabbi Emil Davidovič.
II. Collection of written material from genizot (curator O. Sixtová) Removal of new findings in a synagogue in Neveklov Documentation of findings from genizot in Holešov, Neveklov and Rychnov nad Kněžnou Securing of external cleaning and restoration of findings Updating of the catalogue of findings anuscripts and prints found in genizot
a) Statistics
When assessing the above figures it is necessary to take into consideration the fact that from 1 February – 17 April 2001, the library was closed due to relocation to new premises. The library is open for two days a week for specialists. The Reference Centre (in operation since 13 April 2001) is open on weekdays.
Acquisition: books: 1,780 (approx. 480 for the Cultural and Educational Centre, 150 for the Reference Centre) periodicals: 49 (out of a total of 528 titles) CD-ROMs: 8
b) Routine agenda Acquisition of new books Access to online databases: Data of Holocaust victims Proquest 5000 PCI Web Supplementation of the collection with older publications Acquisition of university dissertations and diploma work on Jewish topics Filing and cataloguing of books, periodicals and special documents Analytic processing of selected periodicals Photocopying for research purposes Consultation and reference services Xerox services Loan services (including reservations, extensions, reminders, local and international inter-library loan services) Discarding of books Purchase, filing and preparation of publications for the Education and Culture Centre of the JMP Purchase, filing and preparation of publications for the Reference Centre of the JMP
c) Participation in events Study visits: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek , Munich (Alena Jelínková, Lenka Doležalová) Training: Correspondence Courses (Institute of Information and Library Studies, Prague Proquest 5000 and PCI Web (IKEM, Prague) Seminars: Archives, Libraries and Museums in the Digital World. (Czech Association of Librarians and Information Studies Staff, Prague) National seminar for employees of museum and gallery libraries (Český Krumlov) Libraries of the Present 2001 (Seč u Chrudimi) SUALEPH meeting (Moravian Provincial Library, Brno) Information Sources for the Humanities and Social Sciences. (Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague) Conferences: International conference entitled Library and Architecture: the Risks of Collaboration in the Information Society (Palacký University, Olomouc) Trade fairs Book World 2000 (Prague)
d) Specialist visits and consultations in the JMP Library 1. The Czech Republic Ztichlá klika, antiquarian bookshop and gallery, Prague National library, Central Depository, Prague-Hostivař The National Library, Automation Unit The Prague City Library The Higher Technical School of Information Services Znamení čtyř architectural practice Ing. J. Červenák , Climatologist Ing. Z. Bláha – production of compact shelves
II. Abroad J. Hlaváčová - Pestalozzi Bibliothek , Zurich Dr. G. Silagi – Monumenta Germaniae Historica, Munich T. Weger, M. A. - Stadtarchiv, Munich Dr. M. Lion – Österreichische Nationalbibliothek , Vienna A group of restoration and conservation experts from cultural institutions in Bavaria
e) Service automation Aleph Filing of records of new acquisitions in the catalogue module Filing of records of older books in the catalogue module (retro-cataloguing) - 12,360 records were processed in the Aleph system as at 31 December 2001 Work in the Acquisition Module Work in the Serial Module Preparation of the Loans Module Internet Retrieval of bibliographic information in catalogues of Czech and foreign libraries and in electronic databases Retrieval of factual information for the requirements of JMP staff and library visitors Participation in specialist on-line conferences
f) Digitization of the library holdings In collaboration with the Czech National Library, rare journals from the library holdings were scanned for transmission re-formatting onto CD-ROMs. A total of 54 CD-ROMs were created for 5 titles.
g) Work involving the library collection Approx. 70,000 books were transferred from the depository in the former JMP office complex at Jáchymova Street and from rented space in the Central Depository of the National Library in Prague-Hostivař to newly built depositories at the JMP’s office complex in U Staré školy Street. After relocation, checks were made to ensure that call-numbers were arranged in proper order and the historic collection was shelved according to size. A retrospective physical inspection of the book collection was launched with the purpose of ascertaining original ownership and processing the resulting data in a database. 17,668 books were inspected and 10,457 records were stored on a database. The reference libraries of JMP staff, the reading room reference library and part of the library’s historic collection were inventoried. Work was completed on combining the two post-war card catalogues. A micro-biological examination was carried out on 122 books, which were subsequently treated. 70 books from the reading room underwent external repairs. New bindings were made for 28 books. Periodicals covering about 260m of space in the JMP depository at Jáchymova Street were cleaned mechanically. A micro-biological examination was carried out in the depositories in the JMP’s new office complex and in the depository at Jáchymova Street. 13. Computer network a) General hardware and software backup for PC users 11 new computers, including Windows 98 and WinMe operating systems and 11 MS Office XP user programmes were purchased. All software and hardware is properly registered. Users are continually trained in the use of new programmes.
b) Local network extension The local computer network was extended in the course of the year. 65 out of 69 computers are now connected to the network . The Reference Centre’s copying machine was attached to the joint network . The server which secures internet connection received a new operating system and updated hardware. A server that makes it possible to exchange data between otherwise incompatible PC and Apple Macintosh computers was also set up.
c) Internet use All JMP staff are connected to a local computer network , have access to the internet and can now access their emails at any location.
d) Museum database archive system The Museum’s SMART database (developed in co-operation with X-Media) was provided with a new version and was updated in the course of the year.
e) Computer anti-virus checks A two-year licence for the FSAV program was purchased. This program makes it possible to carry out anti-virus checks from a single computer. 14. Construction and technical projects a) Repairs and refurbishment I. New office complex The refurbishment of the office complex at U staré školy 1 and 3 (land parcel nos. 141 and 153) in Prague 1 was completed in January 2001 and taken over on 5 February from the main contractor GEOSAN GROUP. The project was managed by the architectural practice Znamení čtyř. The office complex is an interconnected and polyfunctional building which combines staff operations and visitor services. The complex has been designed with a view to creating ease of access between the different departments and to facilitating the transport of collection objects. was achieved by enlarging and fully utilizing the interior spaces and connecting the two buildings on all floors. The complex has 640 m2 of office space, 260 m2 of restoration workshop space, 300 m2 of storage space, 280 m2 of depository space and 80 m2 exhibition gallery space, as well as containing many other specialist workplaces. Location of individual operations: Basement – technological facilities, stores, packing room. Ground floor – reception, reference centre, library depository, Robert Guttmann Gallery, café. First floor – library reading room, reading room, photography studio, offices, workrooms. Second floor – restoration workshops, specialist reading room, depositories and offices of the Jewish Studies and History of Jews and Holocaust departments. Third floor – offices, restoration workshops. Fourth floor – offices, accommodation for resident research workers. The relocation from the office building at Jáchymova Street to the new office complex took place in February. The JMP used the services of the removal firm STAHL. In the course of the year the office complex was equipped with new fixtures and a signage system. The windows were fitted with blinds, special foil to protect against breakage and (in the workshops) protective foil with UV filters and protection against excessive heat penetration. Temperature and humidity conditions were optimized while the climate-controlled depositories were operating on a trial basis. A centrally-controlled system was installed to ensure that the temperature and humidity is constantly regulated throughout the complex. Via this system it is possible to constantly monitor the state of the facilities in use, to alter set parameters and, in the event of a breakdown, to alert a service technician.
II. The Maisel Synagogue Work was completed on the drainage repair project, which involved building a new system of dehumidification and suction channels alongside the walls of the synagogue. In addition, landscape work was carried out in the small garden in front of the synagogue and in adjacent courts, the outside paving was repaired and new paving stones were prepared.
III. The Jewish Cemetery in Fibichova Street Water- and sewage mains were installed, work completed on the entrance building including a work area for the cemetery warden, storage and toilet facilities and a new 167m wall with brick pillars and an iron railing. The original wall was removed and the JMP arranged for landscape work , grass covering, planting of greenery and tree pruning. The cemetery subsequently opened to the public. Preservation and conservation work was carried out on 112 tombstones, restoration and reconstruction work on 1 tomb.
IV. The Spanish Synagogue The monitoring and regulation of the central heating system was amended and, in connection with the setting up a new permanent exhibition of synagogue silver in the prayer hall, certain building and interior alterations were made in the gallery (foil screen, flooring). In addition, further toilet facilities were provided for visitors and minor plumbing alterations were made on the roof.
V. The Klausen Synagogue New hot and cold water pipes and a heating system in the toilet facilities were installed. Damaged window-panes were repaired, windows were screened and the paving was partially repaired.
VI. Jáchymova 3, Prague 1 The ground-floor area was altered to make way for the setting up of a special photography studio and scanning suite. A double suspended floor and a specially reinforced concrete foundation with anti-vibration features were installed in the photography studio room.
VII. The Old-Jewish Cemetery Work included repairs to the pathways, cleaning of the eaves and drainpipes of all adjoining buildings, maintenance of greenery and pruning of trees. 55 tombstones were restored. A further 75 tombstones were cleaned and conserved.
VIII. The Pinkas Synagogue Damaged window-panes and illumination rails were repaired and protective window bars were installed in the corridors. The heating system was partly repaired and the drainpipes were altered. The wall inscriptions were cleaned and, where necessary, restored.
IX. The Smíchov Synagogue Architectural plans for the reconstruction of the Smíchov Synagogue were amended on the basis of the suggestions and requirements of JMP staff and a building permit project was prepared. Restoration work began on the Torah ark .
X. The Jewish Museum Café Rental space for the running of an air-conditioned vegetarian café-restaurant was created on the ground floor of the JMP office complex at U Staré školy 1. The café (U Španělské synagogy – At the Spanish Synagogue) has an attractive modern interior and can cater for up to fifty guests, offering a wide range of vegetarian specialities. It is also used as a venue by the JMP for various social events. In the summer there is outside seating.
XI. Robert Guttmann Gallery The JMP opened a new art gallery on the ground floor of the office complex at U Staré školy 3. This new venue offers over 80 m2 of exhibition space and is fully equipped to provide optimum climate control and security conditions for the holding of exhibitions. The use of special rails ensures the required amount of lighting for exhibits and window screens help to create an intimate atmosphere while preventing the penetration of UV rays. Information boards and signs were placed on the facades of the Spanish Synagogue building and the JMP office complex to draw attention to the gallery.
XII. Maintenance Routine maintenance was carried out in all JMP properties. In addition, where necessary, repairs were carried out to walls, pipes, plumbing installations and lock fittings and new paint-work was applied.
b) Technical supervision of repairs and refurbishments (A. Pařík ) During the restoration of paintings in the synagogue in Boskovice During the restoration of the Jeruzalémská (Jubilee) Synagogue in Prague and of synagogue in Úštěk , Čáslav, Březnice, Nová Cerekev, Jičín and Turnov Consultation during the reconstruction of the rabbi’s house in Polná Consultation during the restoration of the Torah ark in Luže, Heřmanův Městec and in the Smíchov Synagogue Co-operation and consultation during building alterations in the cemetery in Fibichova Street in Prague
c) Integrated security system The installation of EZS, EPS, CCTV and EKV was completed in the new office complex. A new central security desk was installed in the building. Security equipment was installed in the Robert Guttmann Gallery and a software system for monitoring the arrival and departure of visitors was installed in the reception area (developed according to JMP specifications). New EZS, EPS and CCTV were installed during alterations to the gallery of the Spanish Synagogue. EZS and EPS were amended and streamlined in connection with preparations for a new exhibition in the Maisel Synagogue. EZS, EPS and EKV were installed during alterations to the special photography studio and scanning suite at Jáchymova Street. The library depository on the 5th floor of the same building was similarly secured A project for EZS, EPS, CCTV and EKV was drawn up for the Smíchov Synagogue. In view of increased security risks, training in first aid and safety at work was provided and a new method for collecting mail was adopted. Authorized JMP staff were trained in the practice of X-raying received mail. January
March
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October
16. Sponsors a) From abroad The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation (USA) The Hebrew Union College, (USA) The Rich Foundation (Israel) The Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture(USA) ORT (United Kingdom) The Anne Frank House (Netherlands) The American Joint Distribution Committee (USA) Dan and Frances k . Zetland (USA) Norman L. and Blanche D. Ginsburg (USA) Mr. and Mrs. Rothensber (Canada) Doria and Samuel k . Joseph (USA) Harold Amsel (USA) Eva Scheinberg (Australia)
b) from the Czech Republic Prague 1 District Council Prague City Hall The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport ENECO (Prague) Helena Votočková (Prague) Milada Hiršová (Brno) Mr. Čížek (Prague) Libor Ciencala (Třinec) Anonymous donors (Kostelec nad Černými Lesy)
17. Donations provided by the JMP Certain funds were provided for humanitarian purposes, events connected with Jewish themes and projects involved with the struggle against racism and anti-Semitism: MAMA Foundation, Prague The Prague Jewish Community Foundation The United Organization of the Blind and the Partially Sighted, Prague The Endangered Children Fond, Prague ZORA physical training association of visually impaired sports persons, Prague The Czech League of Freedom Fighters, Prague Prague Festival of Writers - Israeli Day I. N. Global for a concert of works by Gideon Klein The Lauder School in Prague The Jewish Community of Prague Prague, 20
January 2002 Auditor's opinion /photocopy you can find here - czech version only/ The financial statements
of The Jewish Museum in Prague for the year ended The financial statements
have been prepared in accordance with legal norms The financial statements
give a true and fair view of the assets, The auditor proposes that
the financial statements of The Jewish Museum in
Prague Ing. Libor Bosák Auditor Attachments:
information about economy JMP
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