1. Introduction
2. Profile of the Jewish Museum in Prague
3. 2002 attendance statistics
4. New exhibitions
5. Contacts and collaboration in the Czech Republic and abroad
6. Specialist and research work
7. Educational activities
8. Cultural activities
9. Publications and retail activities
10. Archives and documentation
11. Collections
12. Library
13. Computer network
14. Technical and construction projects
15. Prominent visits
16. Sponsors’ donations
17. Donations provided by the JMP
Attachments: information about economy JMP

1. Introduction

The Jewish Museum in Prague (JMP) entered its eighth year as an independent institution having undertaken important changes in the previous period with a view to ensuring its further development. By restoring five historic buildings – particularly synagogues – in the former Jewish Town of Prague and installing new permanent exhibitions in these spaces, the JMP significantly improved its range of visitor services which, since 1996, are also provided by its Education and Culture Centre. In addition, new depositories were built and a modern security system was installed. With the conversion of two former hospital buildings into its new headquarters in 2001, the JMP gained, for the first time in its history, a base that, in addition to meeting all staff requirements, also provided an optimum environment for its professional activities, for the storage of its library holdings and for the restoration and digitization of its collection items. This new centre also provides consulting services for visitors and contains a gallery and café.

In August 2002, at a time when the JMP was making dynamic progress in specific activities with a view to redressing the problems caused by years of stagnation under the Communist regime, it was set back by devastating floods, which also affected a large part of the Czech Republic. At the height of the tourist season, the JMP had to close all its exhibitions for a period of more than two months – from 13 August to 15 October – and as a result was deprived of 180,000 potential visitors. It was only thanks to the maximum efforts and self-less assistance of all the JMP’s staff that none of the objects or books in its collections, which are kept in its permanent exhibitions and depositories, came to any harm and that irreparable damage was therefore avoided. An exhibition of paintings by Adolf Kohn, which was to have opened in the Robert Guttmann Gallery on 15 August, was taken down in time.

 

With one exception, all the historic buildings that house the JMP’s permanent exhibitions, however, suffered damage. The Pinkas Synagogue – the Memorial to the victims of the Nazi extermination of the Jews of Bohemia and Moravia – received the most serious damage; along with its exhibition Children’s Drawings from Terezín, 1942-44, this will not reopen until the second half of 2003. The JMP’s headquarters also suffered considerable damage. The cost of direct damage to properties and facilities is estimated at almost k 18 million (about US$ 621,000). The JMP also suffered financially in connection with the destruction of its visitor publications and with lost income as a result of having to close. One of the indirect consequences of the flood is the delay in preparations for the reconstruction of the synagogue in the Smíchov district of Prague, which will serve as a Jewish archive and depository for its art collection.

Although the JMP received due insurance payments for the damage incurred (including damage caused by having to discontinue operations), its financial results did not reach the level of the previous year. This is connected (among other things) with a marked decline in tourism, which set in after the terrorist attacks on the USA of September 2001, the strengthening of the Czech crown against the American dollar and the Euro, and higher operating costs as a result of changes in certain legal regulations.

In the difficult situation after the flood, however, the JMP met with great solidarity and assistance. Dozens of volunteers, fire fighters and soldiers helped out by clearing, cleaning and disinfecting the area. Shortly after the flood, the JMP was visited by important personages from around the world, including the President of the Czech Republic Václav Havel and his wife, all of whom came to express their sympathy. The JMP also received financial resources and pledges of financial assistance for removing flood damage from the World Monument Fund, the Municipal Authority of Hamburg, the Czech-German Future Fund, the American Society of Friends of the Czech Republic, the Project Judaica Foundation, the American Jewish Committee and the Javne Fund. Donations in aid of the resumption of the JMP’s activities were also sent by numerous individuals from the Czech Republic and abroad. The JMP appreciates this support, for which it would like to express its thanks. Our thanks also go to JMP staff who, in the difficult period during and after the flooding, showed exceptional responsibility and application when rescuing the unique exhibits of the culture of Bohemian and Moravian Jews.

On 31 December 2002, the JMP had records of 145 full-time employees. In the course of the year, the JMP employed the services of 128 people on a part-time or a specific contractual basis.

2. General information on the JMP

a) Properties managed by the JMP

- Office complex, U Staré školy 1 and 3, Prague 1: Museum administration, specialist workplaces, depositories, Library, Reference Centre, café, Robert Guttmann Gallery
- 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
- 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. Temporarily closed from 13 August 2002 due to flooding
- 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.
- Ceremonial Hall: Continuation of the permanent exhibition Jewish Customs and Traditions – II. The Course of Life. 140 originals and facsimiles on display
- 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
- Robert Guttmann Gallery: exhibition venue for temporary exhibitions
- Education and Culture Centre of the JMP, Maiselova 15, Prague 1
- Old Jewish Cemetery (15th-18th century)
- A Jewish Cemetery (17th-18th century) in Fibichova Street, Prague 3
- A former synagogue in Smíchov (1930s), Prague 5: future JMP archive unit
- The main textile depository 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 in historic buildings
- Tours of temporary exhibitions in the Robert Guttmann Gallery
- Special lectures and tours organized by 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
- Access to basic Judaic literature and special software in the Reference Centre
- Use of the ORT computer room, which is focused on Jewish subject matter, with access to the Internet and special software
- Specialized 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
- Historical pictorial materials available for reproduction
- Museum publications and publicity material
- Advanced booking via the JMP Reservation Centre
- Guided visits
- Audio-guides (provided on the basis of a contract with Gallery Service, s.r.o.)

 

3. Attendance figures in 2002

 

Attendance figures for the year 2002
Month	Total number of visitors						Special educational programme
					Adults	Children	Adults			Children
Jan.	13 403				9 439	3 520	94			350
Feb.	20 382				12 266	7 450	191			475
Mar.	45 726				22 007	22 576	229			914
Apr.	56 068				33 425	20 053	420			2 170
May	59 044				43 976	11 704	435			2 929
Jun.	42 194				31 437	8 810	322			1 625
Jul.	52 197				39 055	12 287	419			436
Aug.	24 636				18 465	5 896	139			136
Sep.	0				0	0	0			0
Oct.	14 940				10 733	3 696	90			421
Nov.	18 089				12 926	4 232	116			815
Dec.	20 768				15 386	4 518	133			731
TOTAL	367 447				249 115	104 742	2 588			11 002

 

4. Overview of newly opened exhibitions

 

a) Permanent exhibitions
A new, climate-controlled vitrine was added to the Maisel Synagogue exhibition, The History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia – I. From the First Settlements until Emancipation. Two rare exhibits, dating from the sixteenth century, were placed on permanent display here: the robe and banner of the messianic pretender Solomon Molcho.

 

b) Temporary exhibitions

Robert Guttmann Gallery:
- Robert Horvitz: The Essence, 17 January – 7 April 2002. An exhibition of work by a Prague-based contemporary American artist (curator M. Hájková)
- Benjamin Levy – Encounters, 25 April – 27 May 2002 (curator A. Pařík )
- Michal Singer – Paintings from 1999-2002, 7 November – 26 January 2003 (curator A. Pařík in association with the collection department)
- The installed exhibition of paintings by Adolf Kohn, which was to have opened on 15 August, had to be taken down due to flooding. This will be on view in 2003.

 

c) JMP exhibitions outside Prague, involvement in exhibitions organized by other institutions (loans and consultation)

Czech Republic
- The National Gallery in Prague. Loan of items for a re-showing of the exhibition The Glory of the Baroque in Bohemia, which was held under the title Lumiere et ténebres. Art et civilisation du Baroque en Boheme, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Lille, France. Part of the Czech Cultural Season in France project (12 October 2002 – 5 January 2003)
- The Moravian Gallery in Brno. Loan of items for the exhibition Moravia in the Baroque, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes, France. Part of the Czech Cultural Season in France project (4 November 2002 – 4 February 2003)
- The National Gallery in Prague. Loan of two Max Ernst paintings for an exhibition in the Trade Fair Palace (6 May 2002 – 6 May 2003)
- Cheb Art Gallery. Loan of paintings and drawings for the exhibition Maxim Kopf 1892 – 1958 (1 July – 15 September 2002)
- The Liberec District Art Gallery. Loan of paintings for a re-showing of the exhibition Maxim Kopf 1892 – 1958 (3 October – 24 November 2002)
- Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees – Czech Section. Loan of drawings and prints for the exhibition Escape and Exile in Art in the Imperial Stables, Prague Castle (18 July – 15 September 2002)
- The District Museum of Prague-East in Brandýs nad Labem. Loan for the temporary exhibition Jewish Customs and Traditions (in conjunction with the Neighbours Who Disappeared project of the JMP’s Education and Culture Centre). 25 March – 30 April 2002)
- The Mudroněk Municipal Museum of Local History, Říčany nr. Prague. Loan for the temporary exhibition Jewish Customs and Traditions (in conjunction with the Neighbours Who Disappeared project of the JMP’s Education and Culture Centre). (20 May – 30 June 2002)
- The Brno City Museum. Loan of items for exhibition The Brno Jewish Cemetery – The Past and Present (25 October – 8 December 2002)
- The South Bohemian Museum in České Budějovice. Loan for the exhibition Freemasons (15 October 2002 – 15 April 2003)
- A Children’s Story – Children’s Drawings from the Terezín Ghetto. In conjunction with the travelling exhibitions Anne Frank – Legacy for the Present. Ústí nad Labem (22 March – 8 April), Klatovy (17– 29 September), Jičín (7 – 17 October)
- Consultation with staff at the Moravian Gallery in Brno for an exhibition of Vienna silver – preparation of exhibits and conservation issues (J. Kuntoš)
- The Jewish Community of Děčín. Selection and installation of vitrines in the Děčín Synagogue
- The Auschwitz Museum. Work on the final version of an exhibition scenario in association with Terezín Memorial. Search for photographs and documents relating to Czech inmates of Auschwitz, preparation of copies for installation
- Terezín Memorial in the Magdeburg Barracks. Search for material and preparation of copies, contribution to the catalogue accompanying exhibitions on the cultural activities of Terezín prisoners.
- The State Institute for the Care of Historic Monuments in Pilsen. Selection and preparation of archive material and photo-documentation, preparation of copies for the exhibitions The Year 2002 – a Year of Memories and The Fate of Those who Disappeared.
- Exhibition Debt Payment – Prague and its German Speaking Architects, 1900-1938. Information on certain individuals
- The Mudroněk Municipal Museum of Local History, Říčany nr. Prague. Copies of correspondence

Abroad
- Stiftung Neue Synagoge – Centrum Judaicum Berlin. Selection of photographs and preparation of copies for the exhibition History of Deportation
- Museum Ostdeutsche Gallery, Regensburg, Germany. Loan for the exhibition Ernst Neuschul. Die neusachliche Bilder (17 February – 14 April 2002)
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan. Loan for the travelling exhibition Friedl Dicker Brandeis (Vienna 1898 – Auschwitz 1944)
- The Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art, Japan. Loan for the travelling exhibition Friedl Dicker Brandeis (Vienna 1898 – Auschwitz 1944) (1 – 16 June 2002)
- Saitama Hall, Saitama, Japan. Loan for the travelling exhibition Friedl Dicker Brandeis (Vienna 1898 – Auschwitz 1944) (22 June – 7 July 2002)
- The Museum of Art, Ehime. Loan for the travelling exhibition Friedl Dicker Brandeis (Vienna 1898 – Auschwitz 1944) (13 – 28 July 2002)
- Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum. Loan for the travelling exhibition Friedl Dicker Brandeis (Vienna 1898 – Auschwitz 1944) (17 August – 1 September 2002)
- Museum of Contemporary Art, Sapporo. Loan for the travelling exhibition Friedl Dicker Brandeis (Vienna 1898 – Auschwitz 1944 (1 October – 20 October 2002)
- Simon Wiesenthal Center, Los Angeles, USA. Loan for the exhibition Friedl Dicker Brandeis (Vienna 1898 – Auschwitz 1944) (13 November 2002 – 13 November 2003)
- Tokyo Holocaust Education Resource Center. Loan for a permanent exhibition on the history of the Holocaust (1 April 2002 – 30 April 2003)
- Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, Israel. Loan for a permanent exhibition(15 September 1997 – 14 May 2002)

 

5. Collaboration in the Czech Republic and abroad
The JMP worked with 49 foreign and 99 local political, administrative, cultural, academic and educational institutions:

 

I. Czech Republic
- Adolf Kašpar Memorial, Loštice
- Association of Museums and Galleries in the Czech Republic
- Boskovice Region Museum
- Břeclav City Museum and Gallery
- Brno City House of Art
- Brno City Museum
- Bruntál Museum
- Černovice Memorial Civic Association
- Česká palička Civic Association, Prague
- Cheb Art Gallery
- Cheb Museum
- Comenius Museum in Přerov
- Commission for the Registration of Manuscripts of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague
- District Museum of Mělník - District Museum of the Orlické Mountains, Rychnov nad Kněžnou
- District Museum of Prague-East, Brandýs nad Labem
- District Museum of Příbram
- Dobruška Municipal Museum
- Embassy of the State of Israel in the Czech Republic
- Ethnographic Society of the Czech Republic
- Faculty of Nuclear Engineering, Czech Technical University, Prague
- Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic
- Gideon Klein Foundation
- Hallmark Office of Prague
- Hans Krása Foundation, Terezín
- Hazkara Civic Association, Ústí nad Labem
- Heřmanův Městec Municipal Authority
- Higher Professional School of Graphic Art, Prague
- Holešov Municipal Cultural Centre
- Institute for Contemporary History at the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague
- Institute of Folk Culture in Strážnice
- Institute of Restoration and Conservation Techniques, Litomyšl
- Institute of the Terezín Initiative, Prague
- Jewish Community of Brno
- Jewish Community of Děčín
- Jewish Community of Karlovy Vary
- Jewish Community of Liberec
- Jewish Community of Olomouc
- Jewish Community of Ostrava
- Jewish Community of Plzeň
- Jewish Community of Prague
- Jewish Community of Teplice
- Jewish Community of Ústí nad Labem
- Krnov Synagogue Civic Association
- Kynšperk nad Ohří Friend Club
- Liberec District Art Gallery
- Lukavec Municipal Authority
- Matana a.s., Prague
- Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic
- Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Department for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of Museums and Galleries
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
- Moravian Gallery in Brno
- Moravian Land Archive in Brno
- Moravian Provincial Museum in Brno – Ethnographic Institute
- Mudroněk Municipal Museum of Local History, Říčany nr. Prague
- Museum of Central Bohemia in Roztoky
- Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague
- Museum of Dr. A. Hrdlička, Humpolec
- Museum of Local History in Olomouc
- National Gallery in Prague
- National Library of the Czech Republic
- National Museum in Prague
- National Museum in Prague Archives
- North Bohemian Museum in Liberec
- Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees – Czech Section, Prague
- Podbořany Municipal Authority
- Podještědí Museum of Karolina Světlá, Český Dub
- Polabí Museum in Poděbrady, Regional Museum of Nymburk Section
- Polná Museum
- Prague Castle Administration
- Prague City Archives
- Prague City Gallery
- Prague City Museum
- Prague Institute for the Care of Historic Monuments
- Provincial Museum of Silesia in Opava
- Red Cross Rescue Service, Prague
- Regional Museum of Mikulov
- Regional Museum of Vysočina, Jihlava, Polná Section
- Road and Railway Museum, Velké Meziříčí
- School of Chemical Technology, Institute of Metal Materials and Corrosion Engineering, Prague
- Shalom Civic Association in Bečov nad Teplou
- South Bohemian Museum in České Budějovice
- State Regional Archive in Litoměřice
- State Regional Archive in in Litoměřice, branch Žitenice
- State Regional Archive in Prague
- State District Archive in Cheb
- State District Archive in Svitavy, Litomyšl
- State Institute for the Care of Historic Monuments, Pilsen
- State Central Archive, Prague
- Terezín Memorial
- Tovačov Castle Museum
- Třebíč Municipal Cultural Centre
- Třešť Museum
- University of Southern Bohemian in České Budějovice
- Vamberk Lace Museum
- Walachian Open-Air Museum, Rožnov pod Radhoštěm
- West Moravian Museum in Třebíč
- Žamberk City Museum

Abroad
- Aktion Sühnezeichen, Bayerische Verwaltung der staatlichen Schlosser, Nymphenburg, Germany
- American Joint Distribution Committee, USA
- Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Beit Theresienstadt, Israel
- Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People, Jerusalem, Israel
- Czech and Slovak Jewish Communities Archive, New York , USA
- Gedenkstätte Bergen – Belsen, Germany
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
- Hochschule für Jüdische Studien, Heidelberg, Germany
- Imperial War Museum, London, Uk - International Council of Museums, Paris, France
- Institut für Buchrestaurierung, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek , München, Germany
- Institut für die Geschichte der deutschen Juden, Hamburg, Germany
- Institut für Geschichte der Juden in Österreich, St. Pölten, Austria
- Institut für Kulturgeschichte der Textilien, Universität Dortmund, Germany
- Institut für Zeitgeschichte der Universität, Wien
- Institute of Jewish Studies, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts, Jewish National and University Library, Jerusalem, Israel
- Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel
- Jewish Heritage Council, New York , USA
- Jewish Museum London, Uk - Jewish Museum New York , USA
- Jewish National and University Library, Department of Restoration and Conservation, Jerusalem, Israel
- Jewish Theological Seminary, New York , USA
- Jüdisches Museum, Berlin, Germany
- Jüdisches Museum, Wien, Austria
- Mahon Yerushalayim, Jerusalem, Israel
- Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum, Miyazaki, Japan
- Münchener Stadtmuseum, München, Germany
- Musée d´Art et d´Histoire du Judaisme, Paris, France
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes, France
- Museum of Contemporary Art, Sapporo, Japan
- Museum Ostdeutsche Gallery, Regensburg, Germany
- Palais des Beaux-Arts, Lille, France
- Państwowe Museum w Ośwęcimiu, Poland
- Saitama Hall, Saitama, Japan
- Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, USA
- Společnost pro vědy a umění / Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences, Rockville, USA
- Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart, Germany
- Stiftung Neue Synagoge – Centrum Judaicum, Berlin, Germany
- Synagogue Art Research, Jerusalem, Israel (B. a R. Dorfman)
- Museum of Art, Ehime, Japan
- Museum of Jewish Heritage, New York , USA
- Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art, Okayama, Japan
- Simon Wiesenthal Center – Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, USA
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington D.C., USA
- William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, Atlanta, USA
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, Japan
- Tokyo Holocaust Education Resource Center, Japan
- Yad Vashem, Israel

6. Specialist and research activities

a) Preparation of new exhibitions

- For Glory and Adornment – Textile Treasures of Bohemian and Moravian Synagogues. Ongoing preparatory work for a representative exhibition of synagogue textiles from the JMP’s collections in the Imperial Stables of Prague Castle (26 March – 23 June 2003)
- JMP travelling exhibition Jewish Customs and Traditions, History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia. Preparation of texts for panels
- Exhibition on the history of the Jews – Úštěk Synagogue (May 2003). Preparatory work
- Exhibition Silenced Tones – Egon Ledeč and Gideon Klein. Gathering of the majority of exhibits, schedule preparation (15 April – 15 June 2003)
- Preparation of the exhibition Jews in Battle and in the Resistance in association with the Jewish Resistance Association. Search for archive material, completion of the selection of photographic material. Preparation of exhibition scenario and captions for individual thematic areas

 

b) Material for local and foreign institutions and researchers
- Collaboration with genealogists and local historians – preparation of information retrievals and consultation
- Prof. David Bloch (Israel). Consultation, selection and preparation of material relating to Terezín music
- Book about Terezín House No. 28 in L410. Negotiations with the author C. Wonschick – specialist information, preparation of copies of documents and photographs for photographic reproduction
- Institut für Zeitgeschichte der Universität Wien. Specialist consultation on the “Auschwitz Album” and “Terezín Film”
- Institut für Geschichte der deutschen Juden Hamburg. Specialist consultation on “Members of the Terezín Council of Elders from among German Jews”
- J. E. Purkyně University. Consultation for a text book under preparation and selection of photographs
- Publishing House Academia. Search for and copying of photographs for Arnošt Reiser’s book under preparation Escape
- State District Archive of Svitava, based in Litomyšl. Consultation and provision of background material for the publication Lid Bible v Poličce (People of the Bible in Polička)

 

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)
- Boskovice Synagogue (history, decoration, donors, inscriptions) on the basis of Hebrew sources (O. Sixtová)
- Hebrew sources on the history of the Jews in Moravia in the 16th–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 on the history of Jewish communities in Bohemia and Moravia (O. Sixtová)
- Hakhmei Bohemiya u-Moraviya: biographical and bibliographical database of personages – rabbis, darshanim and authors of Hebrew books 12th–20th centuries (D. Polakovič)
- The Messianic movement in Bohemia (A. Putík )
- Prague donors of synagogue curtains (A. Putík )
- Responsa (Sheelot u-teshuvot) as a historical source for a religious, social and economic history of the Jews in the Czech lands (D. Polakovič)
- Social history of the Prague ghetto in the Prague Jewish Community in the 17th and 18th centuries (A. Putík )
- 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 )
- Judaica in the State Central Archive in Prague (A. Putík )
- Judaica in the State Archives – in Svitavy based in Litomyšl, Cheb, Chrudim, Česká Lípa and Pilsen (V. Hamáčková)
- Jewish literature, manuscript records and letter-prints in Bohemia and Moravia (O. Sixtová)

 

II. Collections Department
Research topics:
- Contemporary Jewish art? – A question of Jewish identity in contemporary visual arts. This experimental project aims to present the work of contemporary artists as part of the exhibition programme of the Robert Guttmann Gallery. It included the exhibition Robert Horvitz: The Essence and preparation of the exhibition Mountain of Mountains – The Desert Projects of Aleš Veselý (M. Hájková)
- Jewish artists, patrons and collectors in the Czech art world, 1867 – 1939 (M. Hájková)
- Brno Goldsmiths and silversmiths – their production of Judaica and the influences of other areas on their work (J. Kuntoš)

 

III. Holocaust Department
Research topics:
- History of the Holocaust of Bohemian and Moravian Jews. Research into relevant materials and archive sources for the requirements of consultation, retrieval of information, lectures, publication activities (A. Franková, J. Šplíchalová)
- Personal narratives of Holocaust survivors (A. Hyndráková, A. Lorencová): 50 new narratives were recorded on tape in 2002. So far (as at the end of 2002), 1,008 narratives have been compiled since the project began in 1990.

 

IV. Library
Research topics:
- Prague Hebrew printed books in the JMP library collection. Completion of a physical inspection and brief descriptions of early printed books published in Prague before 1799. In total, 377 Hebrew printed books published in Prague in the 16th to 18th centuries were examined and described in brief (A. Braunová)
- Provenance of the JMP book collection. Addition of biographical and topographical information to the database in connection with a retrospective physical inspection of the collection with the aim of ascertaining original ownership (A. Braunová)
- Description of Hebrew printed books from the collections of the Comenius Museum in Přerov, the District Museum in Rychnov nad Kněžnou and the District Museum of Local History in Česká Lípa (A. Braunová)

 

7. Educational activities

a) The Education and Culture Centre (ECC) of the JMP

I. Educational programmes for Czech schools (primary, high schools, universities, in-service education for teachers)
- Prague-based programmes – 4,389 participants, programmes outside Prague – 180 participants. The Workshop programme (including Art in Extreme Situations) was attended by 908 primary and high school pupils.

 

II. Educational programmes for foreign visitors (students, teachers, tourists)
- 397 participants from Germany, USA, Belgium, Russia and Spain.

 

III. Retraining courses for tour guides
- 77 participants.

 

IV. Seminars
- Three-day seminar How to Teach about the Holocaust (22–24 March and 19–21 April) in association with Terezín Memorial – attended by 83 teachers.
- A series of three educational seminars for teachers, Jewish History, Traditions and Culture and Education for Tolerance, in association with pedagogical centres (Ústí nad Labem, Central Bohemia, Brno, Hradec Králové, Karlovy Vary) and Jewish communities (Děčín, Brno, Pilsen). Launched in autumn 2001 and continued in 2002 – attended by 80 teachers.
- A 13-seminar course promoting mutual understanding and tolerance, organized in association with the Department of Primary Education at the Faculty of Education, Charles University, which trains future primary school teachers (of the 1st–5th grades) – 25 participants.
- A 13-seminar course promoting cultural interaction (Judaism, Holocaust, the present), organized in association with Department of Citizenship and Philosophy at the Faculty of Education, Charles University, which trains future primary school teachers (of the 6th–9th grades) and high school teachers – 30 participants.

 

V. Projects
- The Neighbours Who Disappeared project, launched in 2001, was again intended for primary and high school pupils and focused on the personal narratives of Holocaust survivors and witnesses. The project involves (among other things) preparing a history of Jewish settlement in a specific regions or drawing up a report on the state of local Jewish monuments. The ECC offers this project to schools, co-ordinates related activities and works on the results, primarily in the form of memorial volumes, film screenings and a travelling exhibition. In 2002, twelve panels were prepared for this exhibition which was installed mainly in the places where the individual project works was carried out (Ústí nad Labem, Sokolov, Ostrava, Holešov, Třebíč, Telč, Boskovice, Klatovy, Prague – Information Centre of the Prague 1 borough), but also for special occasions (part of the Prague City Hall exhibition Schola Pragensis, at the Senate of the Czech Republic, at the Terezín Memorial). Participants of the Euroclio seminar for teachers of social science subjects also became acquainted with the exhibition, which attracted some 500 visitors. The Neighbours Who Disappeared project has already involved the participation of more than a hundred groups and individuals from various areas of Bohemia and Moravia. A number of local not-for-profit organizations, museums and municipal cultural facilities have also bee actively involved in the project.
- Collaboration with the District Museum of Prague-East in Brandýs nad Labem, the Museum in Říčany and the Prague-Uhříněves local authority in connection with educational activities accompanying the exhibitions of Jewish festivals and traditions (March – September 2002).
- Travelling exhibition Anne Frank – Legacy for the Present and A Children’s Story – Children’s Drawings from the Terezín Ghetto. This exhibition project is being held on the basis of an agreement with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. In 2002, it was presented in Ústí nad Labem, Klatovy and Jičín and was seen by 121 groups from primary and high schools.

 

VI. Activities of the ORT centre
- The ORT centre offered the public an introduction to Jewish themes via the Internet and CD-ROMs, provided researchers with access to CD-ROMs of children’s drawings from the Terezín ghetto and offered assistance in work involving thematic programmes (e.g.. Encyclopedia Judaica) and database searches for Holocaust victims.

 

VII. Library and video-tapes
- The Library is open to the public three times a week . An alphabetical list of books in the reference library and of films and lectures recorded at the ECC is available on the JMP’s website.

 

VIII. Participation in conferences, symposia, discussions, lectures
- As in previous years the ECC held a series of thematic lectures connected with a tour of the JMP’s permanent exhibitions and a viewing of objects and documents and combined with film screenings. The series is intended for primary, high and higher professional school children and university students and includes seven core lectures:
- The Jewish Religion, Culture, Tradition and Art, Biblical History
- The History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia
- Important Jewish personages in art and science in the context of Czech culture
- Contemporary Israel
- History of anti-Semitism, persecution, Shoah, racism and xenophobia
- The Persecution of Jews in the Second World War
- Rescuers and Rescued (personal narratives of Shoah survivors with film screenings).
- Participation in the Euroclio seminar for teachers of social science subjects (12–17 March) in Prague and in the How to Teach about the Holocaust seminar (21–24 November) in the Terezín Memorial (in addition to lectures, there were presentations of ECC workshops on the themes The Hebrew Alphabet, Art in Extreme Situations and Researcher)
- Collaboration on the preparation of lectures for the Jewish Community in Pilsen, lecture presentations (M. Zahradníková)
- JMP Director Dr. Leo Pavlát held two lectures for the Arts Faculty in Olomouc on the themes The Values of Judaism and the Present and Anti-Semitic Stereotypes in the History of Czech Jewry
- ECC Director Dr. Miloš Pojar 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 the New York University in Prague (Modern History of Central European Jewry). Dr. Pojar also organized a further 21 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, symposia, discussions, lectures
- Jews and Moravia, Kroměříž, November 2002 (V. Hamáčková, D. Polakovič)
- Summer academy held by the Institute for the History of the Jews in Austria (Institut für Geschichte der Juden in Österreich, St. Pölten), Vienna, July 2002, discourses:
- A Contribution to the Social and Political History of the Prague Ghetto in the 1680s (A. Putík )
- The Prague Ghetto after the Great Fire 1689 as Reflected in Responsa (D. Polakovič)
- Conference of the Society for Science and Art, Pilsen, June 2002: The Boskovice Synagogue (O. Sixtová)
- Society for Science and Art conference, Pilsen, June 2002: Preservation of the Jewish Cultural Heritage in the Jewish Museum in Prague (L. Pavlát)
- Musée-Musée conference in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, as part of the Czech Season in France, October 2002: Preservation of the Jewish Cultural Heritage in the Jewish Museum in Prague (L. Pavlát)
- Meeting of the Association of European Jewish Museum, Bologna, December 2002: Flood Damage in the Jewish Museum in Prague, August 2002 (L. Pavlát)
- The Jewish Museum in a Changing World conference, Tel Aviv, December 2002. Discourse as part of the seminar Displaying the Past or Designing the Future (L. Pavlát)

 

II. Media collaboration, publications and reviews
- Contributions to the JMP publication Textiles from Bohemian and Moravian Synagogues from the Collections of the Jewish Museum in Prague:
- The Donation of Synagogue Textiles as reflected in Epitaphs at the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague (V. Hamáčková)
- Before the Curtain, Behind the Curtain: Parokhot of Prague Synagogues and their Donors, 1648-1744 (A. Putík )
- Contributions to the publication The Boskovice Synagogue Guide. (D. Polakovič, O. Sixtová)
- Building Precedent in the Halakha. The Břeclav Synagogue Case (1697) for Judaica Bohemiae (D. Polakovič)
- Bibliography of Prof. Vladimír Sadek (1955-2002) for Judaica Bohemiae (D. Polakovič)
- On the History of Hebrew Literature in Slovakia, Bratislava, Institute of Judaic Studies at Charles University, 2003 (D. Polakovič)
- Folk Literature in Yiddish in 17th and early 18th Century Prague (D. Polakovič)
- Lukavec Jews. For the publication Lukavec in the Transformation of Centuries (J. Fiedler)
- The Image of the Prague Ghetto in Responsa in the Late 17th and Early 18th Centuries. For a collection of scholarly contributions from the Sommerakademie (D. Polakovič)
- An Overview of Jewish Settlement Areas in the Former Region of Southern Bohemia. For the Southern Bohemian History Volume (J. Fiedler)
- Review for the magazine Monument Research, published by the Heritage Institute of Central Bohemia (J. Fiedler)
- Essays on Jewish communities for the 5th volume of the Karel Kuč encycopedia Cities and Towns in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia (published by Libri) (J. Fiedler)
- The Jewish Community of Lomnička and the American Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise. For the Cheb Museum Volume (J. Fiedler)
- Review of an edition of a register of Jews in the Boleslav Region, 1792 (A. Putík )
- Collaboration with the Department of Museums and Galleries of the Czech Ministry of Culture (expert opinion on a grant project for staff of the North Bohemian Museum in Liberec) (J. Fiedler)
- Assessment of student theses and reviews (J. Fiedler)
- Preparation of material for a film about the JMP (V. Hamáčková, O. Sixtová)
- Basic material for an information leaflet on the new visitor route in the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague (V. Hamáčková)

 

III. Preparation of publications
- Judaica Bohemiae, XXXVIII / 2002 (edited by A. Putík )
- Textiles from Bohemian and Moravian Synagogues from the Collections of the Jewish Museum in Prague (edited by A. Putík and E. Kosáková)
- The Boskovice Synagogue Guide (edited by O. Sixtová)
- Editorial assistance in the preparation of the JMP publications Jewish Prague and Boskovice Synagogue (J. Fiedler)
- Collaboration on the CD-ROM and catalogue Textiles from Bohemian and Moravian Synagogues from the Collections of the Jewish Museum in Prague (J. Fiedler)

 

c) Holocaust Department
I. Participation in conferences, symposia, discussions and lectures
- Terezín Initiative meeting, 18 April 2002 (A. Franková)
- Meeting with participants of the Pilsen Finale film festival, 25 April 2002 (A. Franková)
- Meeting on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the deportation of Jews from Litomyšl, 3 December 2002 (A. Franková)
- Paper at an international conference in Minsk on The Malý Trostinec Concentration Camp, 25 – 27 April 2002 (J. Šplíchalová)

 

II. Media collaboration, publications and reviews
- Film director Jay Caplan (New York ): film Child Victims of The Holocaust. Shooting of archive material and photographs, interview with A. Franková and securing of interviews with other Holocaust witnesses
- W. Daughenbaugh (Knight Ridder Video, Philadelphia). Preparations for the shooting of a documentary about cultural activities in in Terezín
- Hilary Helstein, Los Angeles (project Seen Through These Eyes). Preparation of Holocaust documents for the shooting of a documentary
- Czech Television (ČT 1) Twilight Ghost. Documentary about Cyklone B, photographs, interview (A. Franková)
- Czech Television (ČT 1) Untimely Death – Jiří Orten. Preparation of documents and photographs for the shooting of a documentary
- Czech Television (ČT 2) “21”. Project Help Search for Neighbours Who Disappeared – interview, selection of documents and photographs (J. Šplíchalová)
- English Section of Radio Prague: Daniela Lazarová. Preparation of material for a programme on the Help Search for Neighbours Who Disappeared project
- Radio Regina: Information on the Help Search for Neighbours Who Disappeared project (A. Franková)
- Radio City: Contribution about the Holocaust as part of a programme about the JMP (A. Franková)
- British Co. Carlton TV: Documentary film about Nicholas Winton. Selection and preparation archive material and photographs.
- HMR-Production GmbH for the public-service TV channel ARD: documentary about the life of Hanns-Martin Schleyer: Information search
- Shooting of a regional programme by TV Pardubice: The Sixtieth Anniversary of the Deportation of Jews from Litomyšl
- The Library in the Terezín Ghetto: Article for the website www.holocaust.cz (A. Braunová)
- The Holocaust and the Present: essay for Ministry of Education material for teachers of the Holocaust Theme (L. Pavlát)

 

III. Study visits
- Opening of the exhibition Prisoners from the Czech Lands in Auschwitz (A. Franková, J. Šmejkalová, J. Šplíchalová)
- 2002 – A Year of Memories, Pilsen. Exhibitions, unveiling of a memorial plaque, opening of a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, documentary films
- Visit to exhibitions relating to the Holocaust in Berlin: Jüdisches Museum Berlin, Haus der Wannsee Konferenz, Deutsches Historisches Museum. (A. Franková, J. Šplíchalová)
- Research of archive material in the Bundesarchiv, Ludwigsburg, in association with the Institute of the Terezín Initiative and the Terezín Memorial (J. Šplíchalová)

 

d) Collections Department
I. Participation in conferences, symposia, discussions and lectures

- Short-term attachment in paper restoration workshops in Munich museums, September 2002 (M. Kropáčková, J. Stankiewicz)
- Museum and Change conference, held by the Association of Museums and Galleries (AMG), National Museum Prague, October 2002 (M. Veselská)
- Participation in a seminar for conservators and restorers, held by AMG, National Museum Prague (P. Veselý, M. Jarešová, H. Votočková, V. Nauschová)
- Participation in an international lace-makers’ congress – OIDFA (H. Votočková, V. Nauschová)

 

II. Media collaboration, publications and reviews
- Collaboration on the shooting of an educational film about the history of the Holocaust (directed by Richard Trunk , produced by Moriah Films of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Los Angeles, USA) (M. Hájková)
- Collaboration on the shooting of a film about the history of the Terezín ghetto (produced by KR Video, Philadelphia, PA, USA) (M. Hájková)
- Preparation of essays for the publication Textiles from Bohemian and Moravian Synagogues from the Collections of the Jewish Museum in Prague (edited by E. Kosáková and A. Putík , essays by L. Kybalová, M. Veselská, D. Veselská, H. Votočková, V. Nauschová, M. Scheibová)
- Collaboration on the shooting of a promotional film for the exhibition For Dignity and Adornment – Textiles Treasures of Bohemian and Moravian Synagogues (directed by Irena Pavlásková, produced by Edel) (E. Kosáková, A. Pařík , L. Pavlát, collections department)
- Work on accompanying press and promotional material for the exhibition For Dignity and Adornment – Textile Treasures of Bohemian and Moravian Synagogues – souvenirs (NAGA Co.) (E. Kosáková), CD-ROM (D. Veselská)
- Article Notes on Certain Aspects influencing the Decoration of Moravian Synagogue Textiles in the Folia Etnografica volume, Moravian Provincial Museum in Brno, 2002 (D. Veselská)
- Training for JMP guides for the exhibition Synagogue Silver from Bohemia and Moravia (J. Kuntoš)
- Production of JMP collections cards (“Quartet”) with photographs of items from the JMP’s collections – preparation of material, texts, consultation (E. Kosáková)
- Expert consultation from metal and textile restorers during final examinations at the Secondary Industrial School of Graphic Art in Prague.

 

e) Exhibitions, Publicity and Public Relations Department
I. Participation in conferences, symposia, discussions and lectures

- Conference on the protection of cemeteries, Ferrara, April 2002 (A. Pařík )
- Lectures at the ECC – January – October 2002 (A. Pařík ):
- The Prague School – Jewish Modern Artists
- Modern Jewish Sculptors
- Modern Jewish Artists in Berlin
- The Golem in Art

 

II. Media collaboration, publications and reviews
- 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 in connection with the opening of temporary and permanent exhibitions (L. Pavlát, J. Smékalová, A. Pařík , M. Hájková, J. Kuntoš, J. Fiedler, E. Kosáková)
- Numerous interviews and filming for local and foreign news programmes connected with the floods of August 2002 and the reopening of the JMP in October 2002
- Regular features in periodicals: Prague – Heart of Europe, Overview of Cultural Programmes, Culture in Prague, Rosh Hodesh (M. Hájek )
- Launch of an annual advertising campaign on Radio Classic FM – October 2002 (L. Pavlát, A. Pařík , J. Kuntoš, E. Kosáková, A. Putík , M. Hamáčková)
- Filming of the programme Synagogue Songs in the Spanish Synagogue (Czech Radio 3 Vltava), based on a script by L. Pavlát (with the participation of Rabbi Yehuda Yesharim and cantor Arnošt Neufeld)
- Czech Television filming in the Robert Guttmann Gallery – Michal Singer: Paintings from 1999 to 2002
- Press conferences for individual at the Robert Guttmann Gallery and related articles in the press.

 

III. Preparation of publications
- Textiles from Bohemian and Moravian Synagogues from the Collections of the Jewish Museum in Prague (E. Kosáková)
- Synagogue Textiles CD-ROM (5 language versions) (D. Veselská)
- Film about the JMP and its synagogue textiles, directed by I. Pavlásková
- CD-ROM – Fritz Weiss – recordings from 1940-44
- Prague Synagogues – consultation for translations (A. Pařík )
- Jewish Prague guide – texts, proof-reading (A. Pařík )
- Boskovice Synagogue guide – collaboration on the text (A. Pařík )
- Benjamin Levy – leaflet for the exhibition, poster (H. Vašková)
- Adolf Kohn – leaflet for the exhibition (A. Pařík )
- Adolf Kohn – Painter of the Prague Ghetto, catalogue (A. Pařík )
- Michal Singer – exhibition leaflet(A. Pařík )
- Prague Jewish Cemeteries – preparation of texts and illustrations (A. Pařík )
- Articles on exhibitions and reconstructions for the JMP Newsletter

8. Cultural activities

a) Cultural events at the Education and Culture Centre (ECC) of the JMP

The ECC prepared and held a total of 103 cultural programmes and events. Over half (56) were lectures, both as part of series and on separate topics. The series included: Encounters with Rabbi Sidon, The Jewish ABC, Jewish Artists of the 19th and 20th Centuries, American Jewish Literature and The Jewish Minority in the Czechoslovak Republic of the 1920s. The ECC also hosted 17 concerts and recitals, 4 book presentations (Bez adresy – nedobrovolné cestování dobou by L. Reinerová, Jakob Edelstein by R. Bondyová, Červená kráva by Rabbi k . Sidon, Rozhovory na přelomu tisíciletí by k . Hvížďala a Život mezi úzkostí a nadějí by J. Kosta), 6 talks given by authors, 4 exhibition openings and 3 evening programme organized by the Bejt Praha Conservative Jewish Congregation. In association with the National Film Archive, 8 films by Jewish directors on Jewish topics were screened at the Ponrepo Cinema.
The ECC also contributed to the participation of the French director Claude Lanzmann at the Fourth One World International Film Festival. On 16 April this world-renowned filmmaker gave a talk on the subject The Shoah in Art: Documentary or Fiction, which met with great public interest. The one-day seminar The Golem in Religion, Science and Art, held at the ECC on 9 October, was part of the Golem 2002/5763 project, which was organized by the JMP, the Argentine Embassy in the Czech Republic and the Arts Faculty of Charles University in Prague in association with the Prague Jewish Community.

b) JMP participation in trade fairs

- Buchmesse International Trade Fair, Leipzig, 21 – 24 March 2002. New JMP publications were presented on the Czech display stand.
- 8th World of Books International Trade Fair, Prague, 9 – 12 May 2002. New JMP publications were presented on a joint display stand with the Sefer Publishing House.
- 6th Trade Fair of Museums of the Czech Republic, Třebíč, 22 – 25 May 2002. New JMP publications were presented on a separate display stand.

 

c) Music programmes in the Spanish Synagogue

 

Concerts of classical music were held in the Spanish Synagogue from April to mid-August and from mid-October to the beginning of November 2002. 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 Israeli agency Golem Theater Ltd held daily performances of the Golem musical by Hamutal Ben Zeev-Efron a Shlomo Gronich in the Spanish Synagogue from 21 July to mid-August.
The Arco Diva Agency completed its second series of concerts for season-ticket holders, Prague Musical Evenings in the Spanish Synagogue, in April 2002 and launched its third series in October. During this series, the guitarist Lubomír Brabec presented a number of celebrated guests – pianist Martin Kasík , cellist Jiří Hošek , violinist Pavel Šporcl, harpist Kateřina Englichová, organist and harpsichordist Jaroslav Tůma and flautist Žofie Vokálková.
In December, the JMP held a concert of Sephardic Songs with performances by Jana Lewitová and Vladimír Merta. This was dedicated to the volunteers who had helped the Museum in the clear-up operation after the August floods.
Other shows included a concert of works by Viktor Ullmann (held by the Goethe Institute and also featuring a short lecture), a concert for season-ticket holders by the Talich Chamber Orchestra and a concert of works by the Terezín composers – Hans Krása, Gideon Klein and Viktora Ullmann (organized by the Terezín Chamber Music Foundation from Boston).
In February, the Andrej Ernyei Agency held a programme dedicated to the theme Purim Medidations.
The Spanish Synagogue was also used as a regular venue for concerts held by the JMP’s Education and Culture Centre and for religious services of Bejt Praha.

9. Publications and retail activities

a) JMP publications and souvenirs, promotional material

- New publications:
- Judaica Bohemiae XXXVIII/2002, journal of Jewish studies (500 copies)
- Boskovice Synagogue Guide (1,000 copies in Czech, 2,500 copies in English)
- Workbook for the ECC’s Noah’s Ark project (2,000 copies)
- ECC workbook for pupils and teachers (5,000 copies)
- American Jewish Literature, collection of essays (800 copies)
- Prague Synagogues (Hebrew-Russian-Japanese version, 3,000 copies)
- Jewish Prague – (Czech, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, 6 x 3,000 copies)
- Kohn exhibition catalogue (1,060 copies in English, 1,080 copies in Czech)
- Maisel Synagogue Guide (5,000 copies in English)

- Reprint of publications destroyed by the August flood:
- Klausen Synagogue Guide (3,000 copies in English)
- Jews, History and Culture (2,000 copies in Czech)
- Postcards – 18 kinds, 2,000 copies each
- Kohn monograph (1,000 copies in Czech, 1,000 copies in English)
- Klausen Synagogue Guide (2,000 copies in French)
- Prague Synagogues (Czech-English-German version, 3,000 copies)
- The Shadow of the Shoah over Europe (500 copies)

- Souvenirs:
- Pencils with JMP logo, 288
- Terezín children’s drawings with frames, 140 copies Postcards – 4 kinds, 2,000 copies each
- Replicas of collection items: Kiddush cups in two versions (2 x 50 copies)
- Textile exhibition souvenirs (through NAGA co.)
- Postcards of the flooded Pinkas Synagogue – 2 kinds, 2,000 copies each
- Promotion:
- Exhibition leaflets: R. Horvitz (600 in Czech, 900 in English), B. Levy (Czech-English, 1,000), A. Kohn (1,000 in English), Synagogue Silver (2,000 in English)
- Exhibition invitation cards: R. Horvitz (600), B. Levy (600), A. Kohn (500), M. Singer (600)
- Robert Guttmann Gallery leaflets: R. Horvitz (1,000 in Czech, 2,000 in English), B. Levy (1,000 in Czech, 3,000 in English), A. Kohn (2,500 in Czech, 4,500 in English)
- Other leaflet: The Jewish Cemetery in Fibichova Street (3,000 copies in Czech), The Old Jewish Cemetery – New Route (50,000 copies – in 6 languages), leaflets accompanying entrance tickets (50,000 in Italian, 100,000 in German, 50,000 in Hebrew)
- JMP Newsletter (4 x 2,000 copies)
- New Year’s greetings cards (1,000 copies)
- B. Levy poster (700 copies)

- Advertisements:
- Regular ads in periodicals: Prague – Heart of Europe, Overview of Cultural Programmes, Culture in Prague, Prague Events, What and When in Prague, Catalogue of Museums and Galleries

b) Shops on JMP premises

In 2002, the JMP rented out retail outlets for the sale of publications and souvenirs connected with Jewish subject-matter in the Maisel synagogue (Museum Stores before 30 June, Relax Group for the second half of the year), Klausen Synagogue (Roman Tympl) and Spanish Synagogue (Relax Group).

c) On-line sale of JMP items

Work began on the creation of a contact database in April 2002; this now comprises more than 1,100 Jewish communities (mostly from the USA), over 350 Jewish communities owning a Torah from Bohemia and Moravia, as well as other contacts, such as the Hillel organization, schools, universities and museums, which are regularly sent via email up-to-date information on the JMP (new publications, newsletters). The JMP has increased the amount of purchases of its new publications via its website by sending such information. JMP publications are also promoted by emailing relevant information to groups of people interested in Jewish literature and in the Jewish Museum.

10. Archives and documentation

a) Archives and documentation of Jewish Communities (archivist V. Hamáčková)

In addition to the continual care of the JMP’s archive holdings and depositories, the following activities were carried out:
- Collaboration on preparations for a new archive building project
- Provision of research services – 132 research visits, 22 retrievals and replies to written queries, and approximately 120 consultations (including by telephone)
- Ongoing review and digitization of the sheet music collection
- Ongoing review of archive books in the holdings of the Jewish Community of Prague in connection with the preparation of a list of material for restoration
- Resorting of part of the holdings of the Jewish Community of Prague

 

b) Catalogue of Jewish Communities (supervisor J. Fiedler)

 

- Updating of the database in accordance with J. Fiedler’s personal card index (completion of a further 38 files), editing of encyclopaedic entries on individual communities.
- Preparation of literature searches and replies to queries from researchers
- 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)
- Drawing up of a list of Judaica in museums and institutions outside Prague for the collection department (on the basis of J. Fiedler’s card-index and database)
- Preparation of 1,136 negatives for enlargement in connection with the documentation of Jewish communities

 

c) History of the Holocaust

 

- Terezín Archive collection:
Filing and inventory check , making of appropriate inventory adjustments – inv. no. 327 and sorting of inv. nos. 328 and 329 (12 box-files of documents)
- Archive collection of documents on persecution:
Editing and proof-reading of inventory translation
- Personal papers and collections:
The Bedřich Karel Fišer papers: sorting and removal of discarded documents

- Acquisitions:
The Help Search for Neighbours Who Disappeared project, which was launched in the previous year, continued in 2002. The department was contacted by about 500 persons and received original and facsimile archive documents (family correspondence, farewell letters written prior to deportation, postcards from the Terezín ghetto and concentration camps, illicit letters, personal documents), photographs (school, family, portrait) and recorded memories of the Jewish families and communities. This involved searching for information, identifying persons and producing copies of loaned documents. The material, contained in about 25 box-files, has been arranged in alphabetical order on the basis of the donors’ names.

- Photography Collection:
- Completion of the inventory check of Section V – “Resistance”
- Sorting of a set of photographs relating to transports to the Baltic States, Baltic concentration and work camps and the ghetto in Riza (handed over by the Institute of the Terezín Initiative)
- Basic sorting of newly acquired photographs: preparation of copies, description and search of personal data (Lublin and Minsk ghettos, concentration camp in Malý Trostinec)

- Testimonies from Holocaust Survivors project:
- Gathering, sorting and transcription of new testimonies and processing of information into an electronic database: 50 testimonies
- Continued sorting of selected testimonies from archive collections and their processing into a database. Completion of work on the collection of documents on persecution – 155 testimonies
- Selection, preparation and digitization of material for Martin Tuček s dissertation Research of the history of Czech Jews by using their biographies (Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, Department of Social Anthropology)
- Processing of earlier type-written testimonies into an computer database
- Collaboration on the Ben Eden project: Lifebook . Work with the collection of testimonies – data search, consultations

- Production of copies of rare archive documents:
- Scanning:
inv. no. 306 – Hlas půdy (37 folios)
inv. no. 307 – School work (44 folios)
inv. no. 324 – Fritz Janowitz (133 folios)
inv. no. 79 – Klepy (Gossip) no. 2-5 (33 folios)
- Laser copies:
inv. no. 325 – Children’s poems (96 folios)

- Restoration:
- Magazine Židovské listy (Jewish Paper) (1940, nos. 2-26 / production of protective archive box-files)
- Terezín Collection:
inv. no. 178b – 1 Jahr Hamburger Kaserne (98 folios, folders and seal)
inv. no. 306a – Hlas půdy (20 folios)
inv. no. 307 – School work (5 folios)
inv. no. 307/2 – Classification overviews (25 folios)
inv. no. 317a – Programmes and entrance tickets (6 folios)
inv. no. 318 – Esther (4 folios)
inv. no. 319a – Karel Švenk (3 folios)
inv. no. 326 – Diary of Fritz Janowitz (165 folios)
inv. no. 308a – primer Sluníčko (Sun) I (165 folios)
- Collection of of documents on persecution:
inv. no. 64/11 – correspondence from KT Schwarzheid (26 folios)
inv. no. 79 – literature, Anita Fischerová (27 folios) magazine Klepy, nos 2-10
inv. no. 79 – Hanuš Bonn (2 folios)
inv. no. 79 – Viktor Hahn (32 folios)
Gideon Klein Papers:
inv. no. 1 – 5 sheet music (36 folios)

- Provision of research services: 72 visits

- Research and consultation:
Auschwitz Album, Terezín film, the life and work of Ilse Weberová, Holocaust literature, transports to Minsk and Malý Trostinec, Terezín literature, the Pinkas Synagogue memorial, classification of concentration camps, Jews in the Jihlava region.
- Routine correspondence: about 575 letters (mostly in connection with the Help Search for Neighbours Who Disappeared project)
- Pinkas Synagogue memorial to the victims of the Shoah:
- Continual gathering of material for amendments and additions to inscriptions, implementation of additions and repairs to inscriptions, photo-documentation
- Continual drawing up of computer lists with information on Shoah victims (individuals and groups) – about 500 lists (mostly in connection with the Help Search for Neighbours Who Disappeared project). Preparation of background material for the building of memorials to Shoah victims in Chrast nr. Chrudim, Černovice, Mladá Vožice, Nymburk , Dačice, Jevíčko, Přeštice
- Conveying of the JMP database to the Institute of the Terezín Initiative, connections and comparisons between the institutions’ databases, evaluation of differences and opening of a simplified version of the Institute of the Terezín Initiative database


11. Collections

 

a) Collections Department

 

I. Art Collection (M. Hájková)
- 82 items were added to the collection (49 purchases, 33 donations). These include paintings by Georg Kars Berlin – Tiergarten, oil on canvas, 65 x 75 cm; Bedřich Feigl Hlava ženy (Woman’s Head), oil on canvas, 50.5 x 40.5 cm); Alfréd Justitz Portrét sedícího muže (Portrait of a Seated Man), oil on canvas, 34.5 x 30.5 cm – donated by Mr. and Mrs. Klabík , Prague; Alfons Mucha Portrét mladé ženy (Portrait of a Young Woman), oil on wood, 40 x 32 cm – donated by Hana Zahrádková, Velký Rybník ); Salomon Salomonowitz Dívka se džbánem (Girl with Jug), oil on canvas, 59 x 50 cm); Michal Singer Na kořenech (On the Roots), oil on canvas, 95 x 125 cm; drawings by Mané Katz, Georg Kars, Alfréd Justitz, Jakub Bauernfreund, Lotte Schroetter-Radnitz, Bedřich Feigl, Hugo Steiner-Prag, Karel Fleischmann, Leo Haas, Robert Piesen and Aleš Veselý; graphic art by Emil Orlik (a dry point and an etching); a cast of the death mask of the Prague writer Oskar Baum
- Work continued on a long-term project for the restoration and conservation of the art collection. Attention was focused mainly on the restoration of the collection of paintings, which had suffered the most in the past as a result of unsuitable storage. In addition, work continued on the sorting of the collection of drawings and graphic artworks; certain items were set aside and transferred to the manuscript and historical photograph collections. In total, 144 paintings from the JMP’s collections were restored (106 paintings by Adolf Kohn and 38 artworks by, among others, Alfréd Justitz, Ludwig Blum, Bruno Beran, Jakub Bauernfreund, Marianne Lederer, Marie Münzer-Thorwart, František Foltýn, Leo Haas, Ernst Ascher, Ignác Pereles, Fidelis Walch)

 

II. Paper Restoration Workshop (M. Kropáčková, J. Stankiewicz)
- Collaboration on the preparation of exhibitions: At the JMP: matting of watercolours by B. Levy (42 paintings). Outside the JMP: conservation and restoration of items, matting and framing, preparation of records on the state of individual items – 1 pastel and 2 drawings by Friedl Dicker Brandeis, 10 drawings by M. Kopf, 5 drawings by k . Fleischmann.
- Restoration of 5 pastels and 10 drawings for the art collection.
- Facsimiles for permanent exhibitions of the JMP: Maisel Synagogue (55 items in mat frames, 14 book bindings), Spanish Synagogue (1 book facsimile) a Klausen Synagogue (1 facsimile of an Esther scroll).
- Restoration of 10 paper cut-outs, 7 Esther scrolls, 6 parchment tablets for the collection of manuscripts and early printed books.
- Restoration of 16 books for the JMP Library – after disinfection in the National Library.
- Completed conservation of the book bindings of 10 Judicial Records and 3 manuscripts for the JMP archive. Mechanical cleaning of 85 books and production of 130 special archive cardboard cases. Completed restoration of the binding for manuscript inv. no. 3.326 (about 600 pages).
- Restoration of the Terezín children’s magazine Klepy for the Holocaust Department.
- Arrangements for the restoration of paper and parchment items for JMP departments by external restorers and bookbinders.

 

III. Textile Collection (D. Veselská)
- Work continued on a long-term project involving the documentation of donation inscriptions on textiles – about 720 inscriptions were transcribed and translated.
- Work continued on the cataloguing of textiles – 350 items (the cataloguing of Torah mantles and textiles from the Second World War period was completed and work began on the cataloguing of fragments).
- Information was continually processed into the JMP’s database archive system (Torah mantles);
- Background material was prepared in response to 5 research queries.

 

IV. Textile Restoration Workshop (H. Votočková, V. Nauschová)
- 84 textiles were restored and conserved.
- 75 textiles were selected for external restoration.
- The 16th century robe and banner of the messianic pretender Solomon Molcho was adjusted for display in the Maisel Synagogue.
- Photographic documentation of a group of small textiles was completed.
- The Genizot textiles were given new inventory numbers, which were sewn on to individual pieces
- Inventory numbers were sewn on 300 Torah mantles.

 

V. Metal Collection (J. Kuntoš)
- 8 acquisitions (6 purchases, 1 donation, 1 find from the depository)
- In association with the Czech Technical University, tests aimed at determining the purity and composition of silver items were launched by using atomic spectrographs.
- The process of ascertaining the makers of silver pieces of Viennese provenance continued.
- Work began on the cataloguing of the spice box collection, with emphasis on filigree objects.
- 7 research queries were dealt with.

 

VI. Metal Restoration Workshop (M. Jarešová, P. Veselý)
- 86 silver and brass objects from the collection were conserved and restored for the JMP’s permanent exhibitions and loans for other exhibitions;
- 6 large brass and iron objects from the collection were selected for external conservation
- Wooden objects were selected for external conservation and 1 piece of historical furniture was restored (escritoire inv. no. 173.928).

 

VII. Documentation of the Collection Department (M. Veselská, H. Mlsová, S. Hlaváčková, H. Kopřivová)
- 28 loan agreements were prepared for exhibition purposes (5 for foreign institutions, 23 for Czech institutions, including Jewish communities). 27 objects from the collection were loaned to institutions abroad, 395 to institutions in the Czech Republic.
- 75 loan agreements and 81 work agreements with external restorers were prepared – in addition to restoration, this involved (among other things) producing copies of objects from the JMP collection and framing paintings for exhibition purposes.
- 23 agreements were prepared for the purchase of art works from auction centres and individuals.
- 334 items (606 objects from the collection) were recorded in the Acquisitions Register – 52 purchases, 107 donations, 146 objects transferred from the Holocaust Department, and 301 from inventory reviews in the JMP’s depositories, from the gradual sorting of genizot finds and from secondary shipments from Jewish communities in Bohemia and Moravia.
- The collections were enriched by donations from individuals and institutions: Petr Pokorný, Helena Bergerová, Alena Klabíková, Jana Hynčicová, Dana Svobodová, Jarmila Vítková, Hana Zahrádková, Ivana Sádlová, Benjamin Levy, Alžběta Horovitzová, Jewish Community of Prague, Ztichlá klika Gallery, District Museum in Kutná Hora.
- The collections were recorded in the Central Register of Collections of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic (H. Mlsová).
- The number of specialized catalogues not in use was reduced; the supplemented numerical catalogue (the main register) and a specialized catalogue of items based around collection points now form the basis of record-keeping (H. Mlsová).
- Scanning of the ‘German Catalogue’ continued (120 volumes were scanned by the end of 2002). The catalogue was conserved, restored and rebound. The contents were transcribed onto computer using a text editor and checked to see that they corresponded in terms of condition and number with the objects in the collection (in co-operation with JMP depository administration staff). On this basis, the state of the level II cataloguing process in respect of the JMP’s individual holdings was clarified.
- Work continued on the detailed processing of information from the ‘German Catalogue’ into an Excel database – collection points: the Old Jewish Museum, Treuhandstelle, S. H. Lieben (H. Mlsová).
- A database of all accessible records on loan agreements concluded since 1995 was prepared (S. Hlaváčková).
- A list of exhibitions involving JMP participation in 1945-2002 was drawn up using accessible records. (Lists of exhibits based on inventory numbers will be further elaborated on this basis.) (M. Veselská, H. Mlsová).
- Work started on a trial transcription of information from acquisition registers into a newly created Excel database, with focus on the smaller collections of items, such as spice boxes and crowns (S. Hlaváčková).
- Requests from Jewish communities, dating from 1945-1950, for the handing-over of liturgical items from the JMP’s holdings were processed into an Excel database (H. Kopřivová).
- A card index of accessible information on items handed over by the JMP after the Second World War to Jewish communities was drawn up (M. Veselská).
- A database of records of discarded items and related inventory numbers was drawn up on the basis of accessible sources (M. Veselská, H. Kopřivová).
- An archive research on the movement of items in the JMP’s holdings in the years 1945-50 was undertaken (M. Veselská).
- 8 retrievals were undertaken for external researchers (M. Veselská).
- The most notable items from the Prešov-based Barkány Collection were documented (D. and M. Veselská).
- On the basis of an agreement concluded with the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, work started on a project for the transfer to the JMP of liturgical items that are not used in individual Jewish communities (preparation of background material, undertaking of reviews in most Jewish communities in Bohemia and Moravia.
- In association with curators, work started on a project aimed at documenting Judaica in the Czech Republic (excluding the JMP collection). Items from the collections of the following institutions were documented: Třešť Museum, Polná Museum, West Moravian Museum in Třebíč, Podještědí Museum of Karolina Světlá, Český Dub, Žamberk Municipal Museum, Bruntál Museum, Provincial Museum of Silesia in Opava, Museum of Local History in Olomouc, Comenius Museum in Přerov, Tovačov Castle Museum.

 

VIII. Photography Archive (Š. Kovařík , P. Máčová)
- CD-ROMs featuring images of objects from the JMP collection continued to be recorded for the requirements of the JMP and external researchers.
- A computer program for the automatic reading of pictorial data stored on the JMP’s photography studio servers was put into operation.
- 80 requests from researchers and institutions were dealt with and about 25 visits from researchers and journalists were received.
- Photographs were provided and produced for the JMP publication, Textiles from Bohemian and Moravian Synagogues from the Collections of the Jewish Museum in Prague, and for the exhibition For Dignity and Adornment – Textile Treasures of Bohemian and Moravian Synagogues.
- Work continued on the production of photos from the glass negatives contained in the JMP’s archive (88 pictures).
- Work continued on a review of all materials stored in the photography archive.
- 53 copyright permits were issued.

 

IX. Photography Department (P. Kliment, D. Cabanová, Y. Dunděrová, J. Tatranský, A. Kindelmannová)

- Projects focused on the digitization of the JMP’s collections and archives, photographic work connected with the management of the collections: Digitization of the collection of synagogue textiles continued in connection with the preparation of the exhibition For Dignity and Adornment; 602 pictures were taken (380 inventory numbers). Digitization of the wartime ‘German Catalogue’ continued with the scanning of 22,500 images. 1,046 pictures were taken for the Holocaust Department. Digitization of the collection of paintings continued with the scanning of the pictorial documentation included in restoration reports; 1,071 pictures were taken (231 inventory numbers). The collection of paintings by A. Kohn were digitized as part of exhibition preparations.

- Photographic work in connection with JMP publications and exhibitions, documentation of cemeteries: Pictures were taken of cemeteries, tombstones, buildings and artworks for books published by the JMP (Jewish Prague, Prague Jewish Cemeteries, Boskovice Synagogue). Documentation of the cemetery in Brandýs nad Labem continued. 717 pictures of cemeteries and 509 other pictures were taken for the above purposes. 168 pictures (inv. no. 147) in connection with the A. Kohn exhibition. 334 pictures (inv. no. 270) were taken for other publications (quarterly Newsletter, Judaica Bohemiae, exhibition publications.

- Photo-documentation of JMP activities: Flood damage and subsequent repair and reconstruction work were documented; 3,397 pictures were taken in connection with the August floods. The JMP’s exhibition and social activities and selected events of the ECC were documented in 1,114 pictures. In total, 31,630 pictures were passed on to the JMP photo archive or otherwise used.

b) Department of Jewish Studies and History of Jews

I. Collection of Manuscripts and Rare Printed Books (O. Sixtová)
The following activities were undertaken, in addition to the ongoing professional care of the holdings (and responding to queries and meeting research requirements):
- Cleaning and restoration of, in particular, Esther scrolls and single sheets
- Consolidation and, in part, cleaning and storage of the collection of single sheets (transfer from the Collections Department)
- Recording and photo-documentation of 64 scrolls handed over from the Jerusalem Synagogue in Prague
- The collection was enriched by donations from the District Museum in Kutná Hora (Torah scroll and scroll of Esther) and Alžběta Horovitzová (Yahrzeit plaque)

 

II. Collection of written material from genizot (O. Sixtová)
- Updating of the catalogue of finds
- Photo-documentation of the Luže Cemetery (as part of the documentation of genizot from the Luže Synagogue)

12. Library and Reference Centre

a) Statistics

 

Library

• Attendance
  

  registered researchers: new researchers: research visits:

  789 109 1,031

 

• Loans

  total: short-term (to JMP staff):

  668 232

 

Reference Centre

• Attendance

  visitors: excursions:

  646 6

  
  
  In 2002 the JMP Library was recorded in the central library register. The Library was open to the public two days in the week , the Reference Centre on weekdays. From 13 August to 14 October 2002 the Library and Reference Centre were closed due to the floods.

- Acquisitions:
books: 1,613 titles (617 for the Education and Culture Centre, 53 for the Reference Centre)
periodicals: 18 titles (out of a total of 641 titles, 526 are foreign titles, 115 Czech)
CD-ROMs: 10 for the Library, 15 for the Reference Centre

b) Participation in events

- Seminars
- Archives, Libraries and Museums in the Digital World, 2002. (Association of Library and Information Professionals, Prague)
- Libraries of the Present 2002 (Czech Republic Library Association, Seč u Chrudimi)
- Meeting of SUALEPH – Association of Aleph Users – (SUALEPH Prague, SUALEPH Slovak National Library, Martin, Slovakia)
- Information Sources for the Humanities and Social Sciences. (Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague)
- Cultivate (Central State Archives, Prague)
- Electronic Sources and Weblog Database (National Library, Prague)
- The Invisible Web (Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague)
- Jüdische Sammlungen (Jüdisches Museum Dorsten – Germany)
- 13th ICAU meeting (ICAU, Paris – France)

- Conferences
- Inforum 2002 (High School of Economy – Albertina Icome Praha, Prague)

- Trade fairs
- Book World 2002 (Prague)
- Buchmesse Leipzig 2002 (Leipzig – Germany)

c) Specialist visits and consultations

 

I. Czech Republic
- National Library, Prague, Department of Early Printed Books and Manuscripts, Department of Periodicals
- National Library, Prague, Central Depository
- Library of the Oriental Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague
- Prague City Library
- Library of the Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague
- Ztichlá klika, antiquarian bookshop and gallery, Prague
- Association of Librarians and IT group members, Prague
- Institute of Computer Technology, Charles University, Prague
- Higher Technical School of Information Services, Prague
- Comenius Museum in Přerov
- Rychov nad Kněžnou District Museum
- Znamení čtyř – architectural practice, Prague
- Ing. J. Juneák – climatologist, Prague
- Ing. Z. Bláha – production of compact shelves, Vraný

 

II. Abroad
- Ori Ainy – Ex Libris, Israel
- J. Hlaváčová – Pestalozzi Bibliothek , Zurich
- Dr. M. Patka – Jüdisches Museum, Wien
- Dr. G. Silagi – Monumenta Germaniae Historica, München

 

d) Service automation

- Aleph system
16,954 entries were processed in the Aleph system as at 31 December 2002 (new acquisitions in the catalogue module, earlier publications in the catalogue module – retro-cataloguing, records in the Hebrew base, analytic records of selected periodicals)
Work in the Acquisition and Serial modules, preparation of Loans and OPAC modules for the Internet

- Internet
Search for bibliographic information in catalogues of Czech and foreign libraries and in electronic databases
Search for factual information for the requirements of JMP staff and Library visitors
Participation in professional electronic conferences

 

e) Digitization of the Library holdings

- In association with the Photography Department, a digital copy was made of a printed prayer book with the first Czech translation, Tefilot Yisrael – Prayers of the Israelites, Vienna, 1847

 

g) Work with the Library holdings

- The retrospective physical inspection of the Library holdings continued with a view to ascertaining original ownership and processing the resulting data in a database. As at 31 December 2002, 47,377 books were inspected and 28,008 entries were stored in a database..
- Checks were carried out on part of the Library’s historical holdings (I Br. call-number series)
- Checks on the contents of the holdings were carried out on an ongoing basis and selected publications were subsequently discarded
- 136 volumes were subject to a micro-biological investigation and subsequent treatment
- 31 volumes were restored in association with the Restoration Workshop
- 70 protective cases for restored and treated volumes were made
- 55 volumes from the reading room and 27 from the Reference Centre were restored externally
- New bindings were made for 10 volumes
- Micro-biological investigations were carried out in the JMP depositories

 

13. Computer network

 

a) General hardware and software backup for PC users

 

8 new computers, including operating systems and 8 MS Office XP user programmes were purchased. Also, a backup power source (UPS) was acquired for the main servers.

b) Local network extension

 

The local computer network was extended and now connects 70 computers.

 

c) Email and Internet

 

All employees connected to the local computer network have access to electronic mail and the Internet. Specific client programs allow users access to their mail boxes and indicate in-coming messages by sending an SMS. The speed of the Internet connection was increased to 256 kb/s.

 

d) JMP digital archive system

 

The ‘smart’ version of the museum database archive system (developed in association with X-Media) was completed and was put into trial operation (M. Veselská, V. Vrbický).

 

e) Securing of anti-virus checks

 

The anti-virus database and anti-virus program were continually updated.

 

f) Telephone connections

 

A contract was signed with GlobalTel a.s., with a view to securing cheaper telephone connections (long-distance, international and mobile).

14. Technical and building projects

 

The devastating flood of August 2002 (which broke all extant records) caused significant damage to the following JMP properties: Office complex, U Staré školy 1 and 3, Spanish Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, Klausen Synagogue, Maisel Synagogue, Ceremonial Hall, and stores at the former office in Jáchymova Street. After the culmination of the flood, it was necessary to gradually drain away the contaminated water, to clear the flooded areas, to secure the liquidation of destroyed items, to secure structural surveys and, in buildings where there was a risk of structural damage, to monitor the development of cracks in load-bearing structures. In addition, it was necessary to carry out specialist inspections and, in certain cases, to provide an alternative electric current and to carry out repairs and checks on electric installations. Flooded structures had to be disinfected several times, and mould and salts were removed from brickwork . The clean-up operation continued with the ventilating, drying and rehabilitation of damaged structures and areas. Despite all this, the JMP managed to carry out most of its originally planned projects.

a) Repairs and reconstruction

 

I. Office complex
In the course of the August flood, groundwater in the basement areas reached an average height of 2 metres and left all the technical facilities out of order. Work on the elimination of damage started immediately once the water had been drawn out of the flooded areas. Four sources of alternative electric current were acquired for the essential servicing of the building; this was connected to EPS and EZS mains, sewage pumps, emergency lighting for the basement, and air-conditioning equipment in the depositories. The water completely destroyed the transformer station, which had to be rebuilt after being dried out. Also destroyed were the technical distributors, which were gradually inspected and renovated. After putting the transformer stations back into operation, the temporary mains were connected to the electric current of the building’s upper floor, and rehabilitation work began in the basement areas. Plaster was removed from the perimeter walls, the plasterboard facing of the walls and ceiling was taken down and damaged insulating material was removed. The dampness was gradually reduced by installing up to 32 dehumidifiers and the occurrence of mould was restricted to a minimum through suitable temperature control, ventilation and the use of special chemicals. Technical facilities were gradually put back into operation after the completion of checks and specialist inspections; this work will be completed in March 2003. The central heating boiler was put into emergency operation (without temperature measurement or regulation) before the onset of winter in 2002.
After fixing the heat distribution pipes, the building could be heated and the supply of hot and service water was secured. Heating and cooling walls in the Robert Guttmann Gallery and depositories were put into use on a temporary basis. The considerably damaged cooling ventilation and air-conditioning facilities were repaired by the end of 2002. Two of the five elevators, all of which were damaged in the flood, were put into operation by the end of the year.
- In order to reduce dampness on the basement walls, drainage was carried out in the basement corridor and the walls were provided with a new special foil.
- Eye catchers for the Robert Guttmann Gallery were placed on the facades of the building.
- Technical facilities in the depositories were improved by connecting dehumidifiers to the direct drainage of condensed vapour.
- Depository windows and doors were fitted with insulating and dust-resistant material.
- The paper restoration workshop was fitted with two cooling units, a humidifier and dehumidifier, thereby creating better conditions for the handling of sensitive materials.
- The ground-floor reception and security area was fitted with a cooling unit (transferred from the Robert Guttmann Gallery).
- An air compressor was fitted in the basement and a compressed air distributor was completed and put into operation in the building.

II. Maisel Synagogue
- The parts of the ground and courtyard that had fallen through after the flooding were repaired. Rehabilitation work was also carried out in the basement areas (clearance, removal of plaster, inspection and repairs to electric installations) and the water and sewage mains were repaired.
- A climate-controlled “vitrine safe” was installed in the exhibition space, which meets the heightened demands for the comprehensive protection in respect of security, stable micro-climate, lighting and protection against UV and IR radiation. The required level of humidity is maintained by means of calibrated Art-sorb panels, and low-intensity light is channelled through special optic cables with UV and IR filters. The walls and floor of this space have been coated with high-absorption paint that improves viewing conditions, even with low intensity lighting.
- Certain alterations have been made in the entrance hall (including the installation of heat panels) in connection with the new retail facilities.

III. Spanish Synagogue
- Repairs to tinsmith’s features
- Alterations to lighting fittings in order to meet requirements for different levels of light intensity
- Alterations to windows and blinds at the ticket-office
- Locating of a glass screen on the first floor with information about the exhibition of synagogue silver in the Winter Prayer Hall
- Comprehensive maintenance and exchange of lighting fixtures (including chandelier)
- Completion of the information system.

IV. Klausen Synagogue
- Rehabilitation work in the basement areas damaged by flooding: removal of plaster, inspection and repair of electric installations, comprehensive repair of the gas boiler.
- Repair of the underfloor heating system.
- Repair of window-panes
- Cleaning and maintenance of the original floor tiles.

V. Pinkas Synagogue
During the August floods, contaminated groundwater in the nave and south-west vestibule of the synagogue of the Spanish Synagogue reached a height of 1.3 metres. This destroyed the system of underfloor heating and lighting fixtures, damaged walls bearing inscriptions of the names of Shoah victims and other art-historical features, and also slightly damaged the structure of the building. A team of experts under the guidance of J. Červeňák was set up with the aim of eliminating the consequences of the damage. After the removal of the water, the area was cleaned and the inscribed walls were treated under the supervision of this team. Also removed were the damaged lighting system in the banisters and, gradually, the upper layers of flooring with the destroyed insulation material and heating system. In addition, building construction investigations were carried out and structural damage was monitored. A special regime of dehumidification, ventilation and alternative temperature control was introduced with the aim of minimizing damage and preparing the building for reconstruction in 2003 in accordance with a project that was being drawn up. In connection with the repairs being carried out to the building, the first-floor permanent exhibition of children’s drawings from the Terezín ghetto was temporarily closed.

VI. Smíchov Synagogue
A building permit was issued in 2002 for the repair and reconstruction of the Smíchov Synagogue which, from 2004, will serve as a depository of paintings and the JMP archive with essential office and service facilities, while respecting all the art-historical elements of the building. Nine competitions for tenders were held in 2002. Reconstruction work is currently being carried out on the Ark . An old extension that was no longer functional was demolished and a foundation pit was dug for a new extension and shored by means of micropiles with special grounding network and sewage and water pipes under the concrete base. Demolition work was carried out inside the synagogue and the building’s foundations were secured by jet-routed columns. In addition, sewage mains with connections to the building site were completed. In December 2002, a contract was signed with contractor Konstruktiva KONSIT a.s. for the completion of the building.

VII. Jewish Museum Café
The air-conditioned vegetarian café situated on the ground floor of the JMP office complex had to be closed after the flooding, for its technical facilities in the basement were destroyed. General repairs have to be carried out before its planned reopening in March 2003.

 

VIII. Robert Guttmann Gallery
- Specific technical alterations were made to the heating, cooling, humidification and dehumidification systems. The standard cooling unit and central heating were replaced by an overhead heating and cooling system (Nickel), which improve the climatic conditions in the gallery and provides for a more effective use of exhibition space.
- A flag promoting the gallery was hung on a pole by the Spanish Synagogue.

 

IX. Jáchymova 3, Prague 1
The basements areas, used by the JMP as storage space for the Library and Photography Department, were flooded in August. These areas had to be cleaned and dried. The necessary repair of the sliding compact shelves will be repaired in 2003.

 

X. Old Jewish Cemetery
- During a structural inspection of basement areas alongside the Pinkas Synagogue after the flood, it was ascertained that the load-bearing structure of the tunnel ceiling was being weakened. Therefore, a new visitor tour route was built with strengthened paths, borders and protective railings.
- After the flood, an expert assessment relating to the safety of trees was carried out, on the basis of which several had to be cut down or treated.
- 69 selected tombstones were restored; cleaning and conservation work was carried out on 80 tombstones.
- In association with an expert adviser, background material was prepared for the obtaining of a grant from the Ministry of the Environment for the improvement of greenery and the planting of wood species in selected cemeteries owned by the Jewish Community in Prague. These include the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Jewish Cemetery in Fibichova Street, which are managed by the JMP.

XI. Jewish Cemetery in Fibichova Street, Prague
Safeguarding and conservation work was carried out on 104 tombstones and part of an inscription was renovated on 1 tomb.

 

XII. Synagogue in Brandýs nad Labem
The space for the Library depository was enlarged, new shelves were installed and some of the holdings were relocated. The electric heating system was repaired and the outside window frames and doors were repainted.

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. The level of maintenance was increased in connection with eliminating the consequences of the flood.
- Regular humidity checks were carried out in exhibitions to ensure optimum conditions and a new heating regime was prepared. Regular maintenance of electric installations was also carried out.
- The state and technical safeguarding of the collections were checked on an ongoing basis

 

b) Technical supervision of repairs and reconstructions (A. Pařík )

- Reconstruction of the Jerusalem Synagogue in Prague
- Expert collaboration on the repair of the Pinkas Synagogue

 

c) Integrated security system

On the basis of a review of its security systems, the JMP obtained a quality guarantee certificate from the Gremium Alarm Association of Technical Security Services. Security measures (including fire alarms) were continually improved in all JMP properties.

 

15. Prominent visits

May
- Laura Bush, the First Lady of the United States with he daughter Jenny

 

June
- Representatives of the Lithuanian Foundation for the Support of the Jewish Cultural Heritage from Vilnius
- Dr. Subrahmanyan Jaishankar, Indian Ambassador to the Czech Republic

 

July
- Alan Gill, The American Joint Distribution Committee
- Steve Hoffman, Director of the United Jewish Communities
- Iveta Šulca, Latvian Ambassador to the Czech Republic

 

August
- Günther Verheugen, European Commissioner for EU expansion
- President of the Czech Republic Václav Havel with his wife Dagmar
- Serge Cwajgenbaum, Secretary General of the European Jewish Congress
- Rabbi Aba Dunner, President of the Conference of European Rabbis

 

September
- Deputy Foreign Minister if the State of Israel, Rabbi Michael Melchior
- Representatives of the European Council of Museums, Lola Mitjas and Ulla Keding Olofsson
- Arie Hahn, Secretary General of the Knesset

 

October
- Culture Minister of the City of Hamburg, Dr. Daňa Horáková
- Their Royal Highnesses, the Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Marie Teresa of Luxembourg

 

November
- Madeline Albright, former US Secretary of State
- The wives of participants of the Prague NATO Summit Meeting in Prague

16. Sponsors

a) From abroad

- Foundations and institutions:
The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation (USA)
The Javne Fund (USA)
World Ort (Uk , Switzerland)
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (USA)
The Jewish Education Center, (Canada).
Anne Frank Stichting (Holland)
Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (Japan)
Ezra Bratislava Foundation (Slovakia)
Freie und Hanselstadt Hamburg (Germany)
The Project Judaica Foundation (USA)
Megaler Misiones Montevideo (Uruguay)
The Herzl Foundation (USA)
The Shalom Congregation (USA)
Luther Seminar Bayreuth (Germany)
Jüdisches Museum Dorsten (Germany)

 

- Individuals:
Adler J. (USA)
Barylko B. (Poland)
Bondy R. (Israel)
Bornstein M. (USA)
Bradman V. (USA)
Cornel M. (USA)
Decatur L. (USA)
Dombro L. (USA)
Goldman N. (USA)
Hybš I. (Uk )
Chirlin J. (USA)
Korn V. (Canada)
Luxemburg Jack A. (USA)
Patz N. (USA)
Rozen Ch. (Israel)
Sachs J. (Sweden)
Sova J. (Australia)
Starkman V. (USA)
Talisman M. (USA)

b) from the Czech Republic

- Foundations and institutions
Prague City Hall
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport

 

- Individuals
Ciencala Libor
Crhová M
Diamant Jiří
Economia, a.s.
Fujan Miroslav
Hofmannová Lenka
Kovačík S.
Kubeša Milan
Margoliusová Daniela
Novotná Hana
Panusová D.
Páral Ivo
Procházka Radek Skálová Zuzana
Štolbová Věra
Vacek M.

 

 

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:

The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic
The Lauder Elementary School Prague,
The Rychnov nad Kněžnou Municipality
The People in Distress Foundation, Prague S
The MAMMA Foundation, Prague
The Foundation Fund for Abandoned Children, Prague 3
The Civic Association of the Visually Impaired, Prague
The Polish Institute in Prague
The ZORA physical training association, Prague
The Jewish Community in Prague

 

Prague, 28 January 2003

Leo Pavlát Director

 

Attachments: information about economy JMP

 

BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands of k )
	As of 31. Dec. 2001	As of 31. Dec. 2002
PERMANENT ASSETS	268 080	265 497
Intangible fixed assets	472	729
Tangible fixed assets	267 608	264 768
Financial investments	0	0
CURRENT ASSETS	121 694	135 797
Inventories	6 147	4 474
Receivables	6 937	5 270
Financial assets	106 240	112 656
OTHER ASSETS	2 370	13 397
TOTAL ASSETS	389 774	401 294
OWN SOURCES	351 810	386 233
Funds	315 198	351 110
Economic results in current accounting period	36 612	35 123
EXTERNAL RESOURCES	37 964	15 061
Short-term commitments	7 872	14 930
Provisiones	30 000	0
OTHER LIABILITIES	92	131
TOTAL ASSETS	389 774	401 294

PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT
(in thousands of k )
	As of 31. Dec. 2001	As of 31. Dec. 2002
REVENUES	168 431	189 589
Sales of goods and services	9 081	6 470
Sales of entrance fee	148 338	95 206
Subsidies	0	150
Recognition of provisions	0	30 000
Other revenues	11 012	57 763
OPERATING COSTS	115 680	139 210
Expenditures on realized sales	33 762	54 768
Personnel costs	34 947	37 565
Depreciation	12 091	15 687
Other operating costs and provisiones	34 880	31 190
INCOME TAX	16 139	15 256
ECONOMIC RESULT	36 612	35 123

Jewish museum in Prague employee structure
In 2002, the Jewish museum in Prague had an average of 138 employees (part-time workers consolidated).
Museum management	3
Employed experts	64
Building protection	53
Support and other activities	18

Repairs and reconstructions of buildings (in thousands of k )
Building	1995-2001	2002
Spanish synagogue	33 339	21
Administration and Research Centre	2 861	31
Maisel synagogue	14 741	793
Pinkas synagogue	4 281	64
Ceremonial hall	1.812	0
Klausen synagogue	5 780	44
Depository of textiles	2 157	0
New Administration and Research Centre	86 321	24.949
Education and Culture Centre	354	0
Smíchov synagogue	160	13 254
Jewish Cemetery - Fibichova St. Prague 3	5 202	3 999
Old Jewish cemetery	5 364	800
Total	162 372	22 438