Bernard Museum of Judaica

The Bernard Museum of Judaica is located within Temple Emanu-El and displays religious objects, textiles, and ceremonial items across three separate gallery spaces. The collection includes over 800 pieces ranging from ritual vessels to historical documents.

The collection originated from Temple Beth-El holdings, which merged with Temple Emanu-El in 1927 and preserved its artifacts. Many pieces date from the 14th century and document Jewish communities across multiple centuries.

The galleries display marriage contracts and manuscripts from Jewish communities across the world, reflecting their diverse traditions and artistic expressions. Visitors can see how these objects were used in religious practices and daily life.

The museum is located in a building on the Upper East Side and is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors should note that opening hours vary, so it is advisable to check availability before your visit.

A remarkable piece in the collection is a silver Torah case from 1891 made by Chinese silversmiths specifically for Jewish settlers from Baghdad. This object tells an unexpected story of cross-cultural craftsmanship and connection.