Executive Director’s Report

Dear JMOF-FIU Family,

Wherever you are in the world, if you’re reading this, it means that you are already a Museum stakeholder. Which means you have been touched by our rich programming, trailblazing exhibitions, and meaningful mission that guides this institution. If that is indeed the case, this letter is my opportunity to request that you do two simple things.

First, I ask you to visit JMOF-FIU. Whether you are local or have plans to travel to Miami Beach this summer, make it a point to come say hello. Set aside a few hours to soak in all the stunning changes that our hardworking staff has made over the past few years, including a shimmering new roof and fresh coat of paint inside and out. Let history envelop you as your eyes are guided from polished floors bathed in the light streaming through our 80 historic stained glass windows now more visible than ever thanks to our reimagined core exhibition design. Stroll through the sun lit Bess Myerson Gallery to view everchanging exhibitions of photography, paintings, textiles, and more. If you’ve been unable to visit us recently, this is your chance to see JMOF-FIU as you’ve never seen it before. I guarantee you, it will take your breath away.

My second request is equally straightforward; while you’re here, I ask that you take a few minutes to renew your membership. It is only through the support of our members, donors, and sponsors that we are able to bring groundbreaking exhibitions and programming to our vibrant, international, and cross-generational community. It is because of people like you that JMOF-FIU is not only a beautiful place to visit, but also the only place that collects, preserves, and interprets 250+ years of Florida Jewish history.

Now more than ever, it is essential that you step in and step up as a member. When you renew, consider joining at a higher level, perhaps becoming part of the Stained Glass Window Society, a community of donors dedicated to making an even larger difference to Jewish culture and education in Florida. Whatever you are able to give, know that your membership counts. If you’re unable to visit us, please renew your membership TODAY at www.jmof.fiu.edu/support.

In other articles in this issue of Tiles, you will read about the enriching exhibitions and programs we’ve hosted this year, as well as the exciting plans we have for the upcoming season. You may also know that JMOF-FIU is the recipient of a GO Bond from the City of Miami Beach, which will enable us to make further major capital improvements to the interior and exterior of our historic buildings, rendering the JMOF-FIU even more of a gem. None of this would be possible without the small but mighty staff, Nancy, Jacqueline, Todd, Luna, Daniel, Pierre, Eva and our dedicated security guard Evans, who work day and night, weekdays and weekends, to bring everything together behind-the-scenes and to keep us safe. I am incredibly grateful for their dedication, and I want all who care about JMOF-FIU to know how hard they work to bring a world-class cultural arts experience to our visitors.

The Museum is in excellent hands now all it needs is your continued support. Make the choice today to visit us, renew your membership, and continue to be a treasured, essential part of our story.

With gratitude,

Susan Gladstone Pasternack, Executive Director