Sunday, May 18, 1 pm, Myers House
As part of Jewish American Heritage Month, the Chrysler Museum, in partnership with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, presents Building on a Foundation of Hope, a tour of the Myers House that explores the early Jewish American experience through the story of the Moses Myers family, Norfolk’s first permanent Jewish residents.
This tour will be co-led by Rabbi Michael Panitz and Karen Dutton, manager of visitor services at the Chrysler Museum and Myers House coordinator. Together, they will guide participants through a historical discussion centered on how Moses and Eliza Myers maintained some form of Jewish identity while fully integrating into the civic and economic life of Norfolk in the Early Republic.
Through stories of Sephardic heritage, Revolutionary War involvement, and early Jewish community building, including the founding of Norfolk’s first Jewish cemetery, this program will highlight the delicate balance between assimilation and cultural preservation. Broader themes will include the rise of Jewish merchant life in early America, differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi traditions, and lessons in resilience and civic virtue that still resonate today.
Rabbi Panitz will bring insights on Jewish customs and culture, while Dutton will provide historical context and personal stories tied to the Myers family legacy.
This program is free for museum members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited and registration is required. Learn more about this program and other ways to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month at JewishVA.org/JAHM or by contacting Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater at SLautman@ujft.org.