By the Rivers of Babylon
The story of the Jews of Iraq
20 Nov 2002- 6 April 2003

On 19 November Alan Yentob, Director of Drama and Entertainment at the BBC, opened By the Rivers of Babylon, a major new exhibition exploring the roots and heritage of Iraqi Jews at The Jewish Museum.
Resplendent costumes and an evocative reconstruction of a Baghdad street are only two of the attractions of this fascinating exhibition, which explores the long and distinguished history of the Iraqi Jewish community, from its ancient roots following the exile to Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar 2,500 years ago, through to the present. For almost a thousand years, Babylonia was the religious, cultural and scholarly centre of the Jewish world, the birthplace of the Babylonian Talmud. The exhibition will evoke the daily life and vibrant traditions of the community, their distinctive music and cuisine and significant contribution to the development of modern Iraq. It will record the "golden age" of Iraqi Jews in the early 20th century and the tragic final chapter that brought to an end one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world.

The exhibition also presents the testimony of those who escaped from Iraq to make new lives in Britain and elsewhere. It charts the development of the community in Britain, where families such as the Sassoons and Saatchis have become household names.

Other highlights of the exhibition will include photographs, objects and memories recorded in oral history interviews with members of the Iraqi Jewish community in London, which provide an engaging and lively account of daily life in Baghdad. The arresting paintings of Iraqi-born artist Irene Scheinmann (nee Reuben-Karady) draw on the landscape she experienced as a child, yet convey a sense of foreboding.

The exhibition aims to increase knowledge and awareness of the heritage and achievements of this little known yet exceptional community. It will be accompanied by an exciting programme of talks and events including a talk by celebrated cookery expert Claudia Roden, a concert of Iraqi Jewish music and children's workshops on themes ranging from “Magic Carpets” to puppets, mosaic and music.

Events:
Sun 8/12/2002
Dr Sara Manasseh gives an illustrative talk accompanied by Yeheskel Kojaman on the Oud.

Sun 16/2/2003
Dr Sami Zubaida discusses the the significant contribution made by Jews to the development of modern Iraq.

Sun 16/3/2003
Claudia Roden, describes the sources and influences of Iraqi Jewish cuisine.

Sun 23/3/2003
Concert by "Rivers of Babylon" - concert of music of the Iraqi Jewish tradition by the 9-piece musical ensemble, including singers and instrumentalists on the mandolin, violin, oud and percussion.
Sponsored by Mr N E Dangoor and The Exhilarch's Foundation


A Musical Education in One Afternoon
by Ivy, member of the North London Community

To read The Times article about the exhibition, click here.