Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center Cultural Arts Department Records

The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center (LSJCC), a branch of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Boston (JCCGB), was built on the Gosman Campus in Newton, Massacchusetts and opened in 1983. The LSJCC, and the JCCGB as a whole, is a non-profit organization with the aim to provide quality educational, fitness, cultural and social programs to serve and sustain the local Jewish community.

The same year of its opening, the LSJCC established its Cultural Arts Department. This department provided programming and instruction in the Jewish arts, and for many years was headed by David Mladinov, who served as its director for almost two decades. The goal of the department was to “stimulate creativity in the individual; to help develop new artistic talent; to bring traditional and new Jewish works to the attention of the greater community; and to use the arts to educate and involve the community in Jewish identity, heritage, and future.” To accomplish these goals, it established various programs, including but not limited to the Starr Gallery, the Jewish Theatre of New England, Creative Judaica, and Magic Arts Children’s Series, to serve the community’s cultural needs.

The Starr Gallery was the only Boston-area exhibition space focusing on the work of Jewish artists, as well as work relevant to the Jewish community and its history, culture, and heritage. It was established in 1983 and displayed more than 110 exhibits until it closed in 2005 after 21 years. Such exhibits include those on the work of artists Albert Alcalay and Sigmund Abeles; "Where Once We Lived," which showcased photographs of Jewish sites in towns where Jewish communities once thrived within Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia; "Beta Israel," highlighting art made by the Ethopian Jewish community; and "The Power to Enchant," which displayed historical objects, fine Judaica, and artwork related to common Jewish superstitions and good luck charms, such as amulets and talismans. The gallery also annually exhibited the work of the LSJCC's visual arts faculty, as well as held a fine Judaica craft sale and exhibition.

The Jewish Theatre of New England (JTNE), founded in 1984 as the resident theatre company of the LSJCC, was the only professional company in New England focused on performing contemporary and classical Jewish theatrical works. Working under the Actors Equity Small Professional Theatre contract, the company typically presented two JTNE productions, as well as several booked concerts or theatrical productions, each year. JTNE productions include Wendy Wasserstein’s The Sisters Rosensweig, Esther: A Vaudeville Megillah, Beau Jest, A Bintel Brief, Social Security, That's Life! and Lies My Father Told.

The Cultural Arts Department established numerous programs specifically for children. Developed in 1989 in coordination with Boston-area religious school principals, artists, and educators, Creative Judaica was a curriculum that taught Jewish history and culture though an exploration of Jewish visual arts. The Magic Arts Children Series presented live performances from children’s entertainers, and Kaleidoscope Summers Arts Camp offered arts education experiences for children during their summer break (it eventually was renamed Kaleidoscope Arts & Science Camp to reflect the addition of science-based activities).

Additionally, the Cultural Arts Department developed various other activities and programs through their visual arts and performing arts programs, offering courses, workshops, and lectures on painting, ceramics, drawing, dance, music, and drama. In 2009, the Ryna Greenbaum JCC Center for the Arts was established to support these cultural arts programs.

1983

Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center (LSJCC) opens in Newton, Mass.

LSJCC establishes a Cultural Arts Department.

Starr Gallery opens.

1984

Jewish Theatre of New England is established.

1989

Creative Judaica is developed.

2005

Starr Gallery closes.

2009

The Ryna Greenbaum JCC Center for the Arts is established.