The Elizabeth S. and Alvin I. Fine Museum
Visiting the Museum
Current Exhibition
History of the Fine Museum
Congregation Emanu-El Archives
The Fine Museum serves as a venue for a popular series of changing exhibitions on a broad range of themes. Recent shows have focused on Jewish-American identity, the contemporary experience of Jewish holidays and rituals, and the variety of religious practices in Israel.
Over the years the Museum has established a reputation for featuring works by internationally renowned Jewish artists such as Marc Chagall, Camille Pissarro, Peter Krasnow, Max Pollak, and Jacques Schnier. In addition, the Fine Museum has been a leader in recognizing emerging Jewish talent, presenting the West Coast premieres for artists Ori Sherman, David Moss, and Shalom of Safed.
Congregational history and Jewish art also intersect in many of the Fine Museum's exhibits, especially those highlighting the contributions of artists with personal ties to the Temple. Among the well-known artists affiliated with Temple Emanu-El were illustrator Ernest Peixotto (whose father was president of the Congregation from 1896 – 1905) and painter Joseph Greenbaum (whose uncle, Werner Phillips, was president from 1905 – 1906).
Whether displaying groundbreaking travelling exhibitions or items from the permanent collection, the Fine Museum maintains its commitment to making Jewish art and history accessible to a diverse audience.
New Exhibition
Traditional By Conception, Modern By Design: An Exhibition of Contemporary Judaica in Honor of Rabbi Stephen S. Pearce
May 31 – September 16, 2013, The Main Sanctuary Foyer, Martin Meyer Reception Area, and the Chapel Corridor
Please join us for an opening reception following 5:30 pm Shabbat services on Friday, May 31.
This very special exhibition brings together outstanding examples of contemporary Judaica—both ritual objects and fine art—by an array of artists from as nearby as our own Bay Area to as far away as England, Israel and around the United States. Each contributes unique insights and fresh interpretations to traditional Jewish ritual. Together they present a diverse body of work spanning individually wrought, one-of-a-kind pieces to more commercially distributed Judaica by acclaimed designers and architects. Many of the artists included are represented in such renowned collections as the Jewish Museum, New York; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Oakland Museum of California; Renwick Gallery/Smithsonian American Art Museum; National Museum of American Jewish History; Skirball Cultural Center; and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The concept for this exciting show was suggested by Rabbi Pearce himself, so please join us in honoring and celebrating his twenty years of superb rabbinical leadership by experiencing the beauty, spirituality and inspiring creativity of a remarkable group of artists.
Artists represented include: Abrasha, Jonathan Adler, Brad Ascalon, Amy Berk, Laura Cowan, Harriete Estel Berman, Marilyn and Jack da Silva, Aimee Golant, Daniel Goldstein, Laurie Gross, Tobi Kahn, Karim Rashid, Ron Kaufman, Deborah Lozier, Liz Mamorsky, Aldo Mondino, Richard Meier, Josh Owen, Albert Paley, Amy Klein Reichert, Gila Sagy, Stanley Saitowitz, Emil Shenfeld, Peter Shire, Anna Silver, and Tamar de Vries Winter.
Viewing Hours
The Museum display cases are located in readily accessible public areas of the Temple. On weekdays the galleries are always available to members and usually available to visitors. To make a specific appointment , call (415) 751-2535. On weekends, when Temple offices are closed, the galleries remain open to those attending religious services or participating in religious education classes.
Docent Tours
Staff tours of the Temple are offered weekdays depending on staff availability.
For large groups, please call the Temple at (415) 751-2535 for a reservation.