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Current Exhibitions

  Chai Lights 

  Our collection is a living history with many stories to tell. This exhibit presents 18 of those      stories highlighting the Jewish experience in Richmond, VA and surrounding areas        throughout history. These stories include Jewish individuals, families, and organizations. 

  This exhibit is the inspiration of Bonnie Eisenman and Amy Roberts and is dedicated to           them for their many years of service to the Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives. 

Beyond the Temple Walls: A Commitment to Community

This exhibit focuses on the many ways Richmond Jews have given back to the larger community over the past two centuries.  Contributing to the common good is an obligation of all Jewish people, regardless of their wealth or wishes.  It tells the story of how individuals, families and organizations, both past and present, have interpreted their obligation to restore the world. 

About two dozen individuals are featured, including Mrs. Fanny Heller Straus, the first president of the Hebrew Benevolent Association; Charles Hutzler, chair of the Richmond School Board; Naomi Cohn, a charter member of the Virginia League of Women Voters; Sam Troy, a tireless fundraiser; and storyteller Jacqueline Viener.

Commonwealth and Community: The Jewish Experience in Virginia

The history of the Jews of Virginia is detailed in this comprehensive exhibition. It begins with the Jews who accompanied Sir Walter Raleigh on his expeditions, and follows the stories of Jews who lived in Virginia during the Colonial period, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, enduring two World Wars and rejoicing in the founding of the State of Israel.

This exhibition was originally mounted in cooperation with the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and the Virginia Historical Society. It was later updated and reinstalled at Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives.

Count Me In! Richmond's Jews Respond to World War I

With the country at war, Richmond answered the call. There were 234 Jewish men from the area who served in our armed forces. The community contributed both time and money to the war effort. This exhibit honors the Richmond Jewish community’s support for the war effort – from those who volunteered at home to those who fought abroad for justice and freedom in service to their country.

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784