Bat-Sheva Slavin, Museum Director — ext. 140, bslavin@syjcc.org

Long Island Jewish Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum where children and their families can experience the joy and fun of learning about Jewish life, history, values, traditions and heroes, as well as Israel and the Hebrew language. The interactive displays are designed to transform visitors into participants, offering adults and children a unique opportunity to discover the wonders of their Jewish heritage.

13 Mitzvot
13 Years of Discovery

"From Moses (of the Torah) to Moses (Maimonides) there was none like Moses (greater teachers) As declared by a popular Jewish expression of Middle Ages.

Visit Our Newest Exhibit

Moses had given us the commandments mitzvot to follow, but it took the ingenuity of a twelfth century sage, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides) to systemically codify the 613 Mitzvot of the Torah into the Mishnah Torah, the book of commandments. Most people when asked what does the word Mitzvah mean, will respond with "it's a good deed," but the meaning of this Hebrew word means "commandment." The difference between the two words is significant. "Good deed" is a voluntary act, where "commandment" implies an obligatory act. The Talmud teaches us that if one follows the obligatory acts in a consistent manner, the voluntary "good deeds" will follow. As it is said: "Mitzvah Goreret Mitzvah" one good deed grows to emcompass the entire community.

Today no one observes the 613 Mitzvot, so many of them relate to the laws of purity and impurity and the rituals of the ancient Israel. In our days we practice less then 300 mitzvot. The Long island Jewish Discovery Museum is embarking on a year long rediscovery of only 13 of the Mitzvot, in honoring the museum's 13 years of discovering and exploring. Many of the 613 Mitzvot took center stage in such memorable exhibitions like: "In the Beginning," " The World Stands on Three Things: Torah, Work and Good Deeds" and "Rejoice in your Festivals."

On the thirteeth year, we will focus on rediscovering the 13 Mitzvot that are best understood by our youngsters. Let's "Teach Our Children," just as Moses and Maimonides had done so long ago.

DO A MITZVAH!
Visitors will:
* Be welcomed by Mitzvah Moe - the Real Mensch.
* Plant one good seed - for one good deed that will breed another.
* Meet "Sabba Mitz" and "Savta Vah" in the pursuit of honoring the elderly.
* Enter the "Animal Kingdom" and learn how to take care of all gods creatures.

Be a part of Long Island Jewish Discovery Museum!

Become a Museum Docent or Volunteer.
Help guide groups and families through the exhibits.

Public Hours:
Sun. 1:00-4:00 pm

Group programs available:
Sundays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
weekdays by appointment.

Fee: $5 per person; children under 3 no charge.
$18 per family