PH mural booklet

A Great Miracle Happened Here:
A Journey through Jewish Baltimore
A panel-by-panel guide to the mural at the Weinberg Park Heights Jewish Community Center
Acrylic, canvas cut-outs on canvas • Artist: Jay Wolf Schlossberg-Cohen • Dedication: April 15, 2004
AJourney through Jewish Baltimore was created as part
of the JCC’s 150th
anniversary celebration. It presents
a virtual tour of the neighborhoods of Jewish Baltimore
through its first 200 years. The 18 panels (17 pieces united to make
an 18th
whole) depicts what the artist calls a spiritual geography,
the architectural record of how we move through time and space.
Despite its grand size, the mural — 10 feet at its highest point and
42 feet long — is still too small to encompass the fullness and
vibrancy of the community. Instead, buildings, streets, and neigh-
borhoods are stylized, sometimes even re-configured, depicted
through their most memorable, iconic elements, and called upon
to represent something bigger than themselves. In this condensed
form, they are able to present a glimpse of the flow of our lives,
showing us where we first settled to where we live today — one con-
tinuous Jewish neighborhood, vibrant and linked through time.
This mural is not about the rich and the famous, the extraordinary,
or the powerful. It is about all of us, where we live, and how we, to-
gether with those who came before us, made this community great.
The mural,s panels represent the unity within Baltimore,s diverse
Jewish communities. It is mounted with spaces in between the
panels, treating the wall as the canvas on which it all hangs. These
in-between spaces, called “negative space,” are designed to make
the panels appear as if they are floating. And the blueness behind
everything evokes a sense of the unity of a God-endowed sky that
surrounds us all.
The seasons serve as a unifying theme underlying the changing
dynamic of the mural. The visual narrative begins with spring
(the season of the Exodus) and proceeds sequentially through
the year. The mural primarily depicts homes and neighborhoods,
places where Jews lived. There are intentionally few businesses in
this mural, but some memorable ones from the manufacturing
district could not be left out. The businesses, like the philan-
thropies, social clubs, and country clubs, help recall the social
vibrancy of the community, and hint at the bridges as well as the
rifts, between the first wave of American Jewry, the German Jews,
and the second wave, the Russian Jews.
This mural benefited from the input of over 150 people,s person-
al narratives, drawings, and collages, created under the guidance
of the artist during the summer of 2003. Spanning the ages from
8 to 102, from places as diverse as Camp Milldale and Levindale,
the JCC Board, and New Americans, participants gathered to
explore and express the meaning of neighborhood.
The story begins on the upper right—the way classical Jewish
texts begin.

A GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatPANEL 1
The Jerusalem Panel
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A GreatT
A GreatA GreatT
A GreatA GreatT
A GreatA GreatT
A GreatA GreatT
A GreatThis scene depicts the birth of the people of Israel, from the slavery in Egypt
This scene depicts the birth of the people of Israel, from the slavery in Egypt
Tthrough the Exodus at the Red Sea, onto freedom in the wilderness, and the
Tthrough the Exodus at the Red Sea, onto freedom in the wilderness, and the
Twonder of Sinai. The biblical pillar of fire and cloud towering over the scene
Twonder of Sinai. The biblical pillar of fire and cloud towering over the scene
T
is depicted as a torch leading the Jewish people through the desert. Floating above
all is Yerushalayim shel ma,alah, the eternal, ever-present, ethereal city of Jerusalem.
This formative scene is echoed throughout our history. With tyrants oppressing us
through the ages, the Jews often suffer, but ultimately thrive in ever-new circum-
stances, ever-new places. The immigrant experience of coming to America parallels
the Exodus, wandering and arrival in the promised land.
In the sky, you can see three stars, representing evening, the beginning of a new day;
and a new moon, representing the beginning of a new month.

MiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracle
PANEL 2
The Old Countries
MiracleT
MiracleMiracleT
MiracleMiracleT
MiracleThis panel represents the Jews in Exile. The storm clouds recall the
Miraclehis panel represents the Jews in Exile. The storm clouds recall the
MiracleMiraclehis panel represents the Jews in Exile. The storm clouds recall the
MiracleMiracleT
Miraclehis panel represents the Jews in Exile. The storm clouds recall the
MiracleT
Miracledarkness, and the rain depicts the millions of tears that have flowed
MiracleMiracledarkness, and the rain depicts the millions of tears that have flowed
MiracleMiracleT
MiracleT
Miracleacross the ages. The bits of green represent the peace and prosperity we
MiracleMiracleacross the ages. The bits of green represent the peace and prosperity we
MiracleMiracleT
MiracleT
Miracleoccasionally enjoyed. Above it all are the memories of the Holocaust. Looking
Miracleoccasionally enjoyed. Above it all are the memories of the Holocaust. Looking
MiracleMiracleoccasionally enjoyed. Above it all are the memories of the Holocaust. Looking
MiracleMiracleclosely, you can see a child being held high in someoneMiracleMiracleclosely, you can see a child being held high in someoneMiracleMiracle,
Miracles arms. Elie Wiesel tellsMiracles arms. Elie Wiesel tellsMiracleMiracles arms. Elie Wiesel tellsMiraclethe following story: Once, in a camp on the holiday of Simchat Torah, a man
Miraclethe following story: Once, in a camp on the holiday of Simchat Torah, a man
MiracleMiraclethe following story: Once, in a camp on the holiday of Simchat Torah, a man
Miracleseeking a Torah to dance with approached a child and said,“Do you know the
Miracleseeking a Torah to dance with approached a child and said,“Do you know the
MiracleShema?” The child said yes. So the man picked him up and carried him aloft,
celebrating the invincibility and irrepressibility of the Jewish people.
The boat is coming from Bremen, Germany, a common port of departure for
immigrants in the 19th
century. The planes are coming from Russia and the
former Soviet Union.

PANEL 3
East Baltimore
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9
11
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10
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4
7

HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappened
PANEL 3
East Baltimore
TThis is the crowded first neighborhood of Jewish Baltimore, near the water
This is the crowded first neighborhood of Jewish Baltimore, near the water
Tfront, settled by the German Jews beginning in the 1820s. They in turn were
Tfront, settled by the German Jews beginning in the 1820s. They in turn were
Tfollowed by the first wave of Russian Jews in the 1880s. The buildings are all
Tfollowed by the first wave of Russian Jews in the 1880s. The buildings are all
T
lit up, representing the vibrancy of the lives of the people who lived here.
These buildings boast the famous colors of Baltimore,s architectural landscape in the
19th
century.
1 The Shot Tower
2 Baltimore’s famous marble steps
3 Jones Falls River
HappenedHappened
4 The Quaker Building (Quakers helped the early Jews to learn English and
Happened
The Quaker Building (Quakers helped the early Jews to learn English and
HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappened
acclimate to America)
HappenedHappenedHappened
5
Happened
Early 19
HappenedHappened
th
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Century houses
6
Happened
Lloyd Street Synagogue (first synagogue in Maryland, founded in 1829, built 1830,
HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedand the original Baltimore Hebrew Congregation)
HappenedHappenedHappened7
HappenedThe Jewish Museum of Maryland
HappenedHappenedHappenedHappened8
HappenedB’nai Israel, the original Chizuk Amuno Congregation
HappenedHappenedB’nai Israel, the original Chizuk Amuno Congregation
HappenedTwo old synagogues (near Chester and East Baltimore Streets)
HappenedHappenedTwo old synagogues (near Chester and East Baltimore Streets)
HappenedHendler
HappenedHappenedHendler
HappenedHappened,
HappenedHappened,
HappenedHappeneds Ice Cream
HappenedHappeneds Ice Cream
HappenedPatterson Park
HappenedHappenedPatterson Park
HappenedHappenedSinai Hospital also had its beginnings in this first Jewish neighborhood.
HappenedHappenedSinai Hospital also had its beginnings in this first Jewish neighborhood.
Happened

PANEL 4
Southwest Baltimore
2
1
3

HerePANEL 4
Southwest Baltimore
OO
nce called Little Jerusalem, this panel represents all the areas that housed
smaller pockets of Jewish neighborhoods. Here you see buildings in the
Pulaski, Wilkens, Eagle Street area.
1 Moses Montefiore Congregation
2 B’nai Jacob Congregation
3 Wilkens Avenue before formstone was added

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6
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820
19 1816
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PANEL 5
West Baltimore
(Eutaw Place & downtown)
17

A GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA Great
PANEL 5
West Baltimore
(Eutaw Place & downtown: The First Northwest Migration)
WWWA Greathen German Jews came to Baltimore, from the 1820s to the Civil War, there were onlyA GreatA Greathen German Jews came to Baltimore, from the 1820s to the Civil War, there were onlyA GreatA GreatA GreatA Greattwo tall buildings that could be seen from the Harbor: The Basilica and the Washington
A GreatA Greattwo tall buildings that could be seen from the Harbor: The Basilica and the Washington
A GreatMonument. This is what the immigrants would have seen as they entered the Harbor. TheMonument. This is what the immigrants would have seen as they entered the Harbor. The
A GreatMonument. This is what the immigrants would have seen as they entered the Harbor. The
A GreatA GreatMonument. This is what the immigrants would have seen as they entered the Harbor. The
A Greatartist has created his own “harbor” of iconic images. Many of these buildings and institutions owe
their existence to Jewish support.
The status of Jews in Maryland was made more secure thanks to the efforts of one of the early Roman
Catholics, Thomas Kennedy, a champion for religious freedom from Hagerstown, who fought vigor-
ously for ten years to pass the Jew Bill in 1826 (an original copy of which is in the archives of the
Jewish Museum of Maryland). The Jew Bill conferred upon the Jews the rights to be politicians, lawyers,
judges, or serve in the military. Just after its passage, the first waves of German Jews began to come.
1 Poppleton Street Synagogue (Poe House near here)
2 Har Zion Congregation – North Avenue
3 Easterwood Park – part of a vibrant Jewish community. Many Chatham
Club members who participated in the painting workshop came from here.
4 Tiferet Israel
5 Manufacturing district (Redwood Street area)
6 Hutzlers
7 The Powerplant/ESPN Zone
8 The Aquarium
9 Ner Israel (the artist wanted to balance the symbol of JHU Baltimore’s
world-renowned secular learning with its world-renowned religious learning)
10 Johns Hopkins University
11 Home of the Baltimore Jewish Times
12 The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
13 Washington Monument
14 Baltimore Museum of Art
15 Belvedere Hotel
16 MICA and train station (homage to Baltimore’s role
in America’s railroad and art history)
17 The World Trade Center building downtown
18 The Methodist Church in Mount Vernon
19 The Basilica of the Catholic Church
20 Ravens Stadium and Camden Yards

PANEL 5(CONT‘D)
Eutaw Place
2122
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23
26
25
24
27

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PANEL 5(CONT‘D)
Eutaw Place
(The First Northwest Migration)
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After the Civil War, in the 1870s, this was the first wealthy German Jewish area.
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fter the Civil War, in the 1870s, this was the first wealthy German Jewish area.
MiracleMiracle
MiracleMiracle
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Miracle
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AAThe Hutzlers and other prominent Jews lived here. (The neighborhood
Miracle
The Hutzlers and other prominent Jews lived here. (The neighborhood
MiracleMiracle
The Hutzlers and other prominent Jews lived here. (The neighborhood
Miraclewas founded in the 1850s by prominent non-Jews.) Many of these homes are still standing
Miraclewas founded in the 1850s by prominent non-Jews.) Many of these homes are still standing
MiracleMiraclewas founded in the 1850s by prominent non-Jews.) Many of these homes are still standing
Miracletoday along Eutaw Place, the height of Jewish fashion. In those days, Mount Royal Terrace
Miracletoday along Eutaw Place, the height of Jewish fashion. In those days, Mount Royal Terrace
MiracleMiracletoday along Eutaw Place, the height of Jewish fashion. In those days, Mount Royal Terrace
MiracleMiracleand Bolton Hill were the fringes of Eutaw Street.
MiracleMiracleand Bolton Hill were the fringes of Eutaw Street.
MiracleMiracleMiracle21
MiracleTemple Oheb Shalom
MiracleMiracleTemple Oheb Shalom
MiracleMiracle(at the southern end of Eutaw Place)
MiracleMiracle(at the southern end of Eutaw Place)
MiracleMiracleMiracle22MiracleBaltimore Hebrew CongregationMiracleMiracleBaltimore Hebrew CongregationMiracle(second building; congregants had moved from East Baltimore)
Miracle(second building; congregants had moved from East Baltimore)
MiracleMiracle(second building; congregants had moved from East Baltimore)
Miracle(In the 19(In the 19
Miracle(In the 19
MiracleMiracle(In the 19
Miracleth
Miracleth
Miraclecentury, when German Jews in Europe and America looked to their past they
Miraclecentury, when German Jews in Europe and America looked to their past they
Miraclelooked to golden age of Islamic Spain. And you can still see their architectural influence in
New York City, Baltimore, and other East Coast cities today.)
23 Examples of the first wealthy Jewish neighborhood; this is the Hutzler house
24 McCullough Street
25 Shearith Israel Congregation, home of the oldest continuously operating Orthodox shul
in Baltimore, now housed in the Glen Avenue Synagogue
26 Bolton Street synagogue
27 Beth Am Congregation (originally Chizuk Amuno Congregation)
28 Druid Hill Park

2
5
4
1
9
PANEL 6
Next Northwest Migration
3
6
7
10
11
8

HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappened
PANEL 6
PPanel 6 connects to panel 5 , continuing from Shearith Israel, along McCullough and
Panel 6 connects to panel 5 , continuing from Shearith Israel, along McCullough and
PNorth Avenue which then hooks up with Auchenteroly TerracePNorth Avenue which then hooks up with Auchenteroly TerracePP1 Mondawmin Mall
2 Garrison Boulevard and Forest Park houses. These houses were built around the turn of the 19th
century.
3 The water tower on Garrison Boulevard; different types of duplexes
4 Auchenteroly Terrace
5 Shaarei T’filoh Congregation
Our parents and grandparents still tell the stories about the walks in the neighborhood during
the High Holidays and sleeping out in the park. The great intersection of neighborhoods, from
Eutaw Street and Eutaw Place, Auchenteroly Terrace and Liberty Heights, Reisterstown Road
and Park Heights, all culminate around Druid Hill Park. In the mural, we move from the turnand Park Heights, all culminate around Druid Hill Park. In the mural, we move from the turn
Happened
and Park Heights, all culminate around Druid Hill Park. In the mural, we move from the turn
HappenedHappened
and Park Heights, all culminate around Druid Hill Park. In the mural, we move from the turn
HappenedHappened
of the century to post WWII duplexes; we also move from fall to winter
HappenedHappened
of the century to post WWII duplexes; we also move from fall to winter
6
Happened
Rogers Avenue Shul
HappenedStewart’s at Reisterstown Road Plaza (the “Plaza”)
HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappened8
HappenedIsaac Davidson school begins the Reisterstown Road corridor;
HappenedHappenedIsaac Davidson school begins the Reisterstown Road corridor;
HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappened9
HappenedBegins the Park Heights corridor
HappenedHappenedBegins the Park Heights corridor
HappenedThe old Shaarei Zion
HappenedHappenedThe old Shaarei Zion
HappenedHappenedHappenedNes Gadol Haya Po.
HappenedHappenedNes Gadol Haya Po.
HappenedHappenedThis phrase comes from the words on dreidels found outside of the land of Israel.
HappenedHappenedThis phrase comes from the words on dreidels found outside of the land of Israel.
HappenedHappenedHappenedNes Gadol Haya
HappenedHappenedNes Gadol Haya
HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedSham,
HappenedHappenedSham,
HappenedHappenedmeaning “a great miracle happened there.” In Israel, however, the dreidels say
HappenedHappenedmeaning “a great miracle happened there.” In Israel, however, the dreidels say
HappenedHappenedHappenedNes Gadol Haya Po,
HappenedHappenedNes Gadol Haya Po,
HappenedHappened“a great miracle
HappenedHappened“a great miracle
HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedhappened here.”HappenedHappenedhappened here.”Happened

PANEL 6 (CONT‘D)
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14
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12
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20
19 18
17
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21
22
23
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13A
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HereHereHereHereHereHereHereHereHereHere
PANEL 6 (CONT‘D)
Here
(CONT‘D)
HereNext Northwest Migration
The artist explains the title: “This whole work shows how most of us came to America from
HereThe artist explains the title:“This whole work shows how most of us came to America from
HereHereThe artist explains the title:“This whole work shows how most of us came to America from
Herenightmares, with nothing. We built this extraordinary community, now almost 200 years old, into a
Herenightmares, with nothing. We built this extraordinary community, now almost 200 years old, into a
HereHerenightmares, with nothing. We built this extraordinary community, now almost 200 years old, into a
Herevibrant and world-renowned community. Truly, a great miracle happened here.”Herevibrant and world-renowned community. Truly, a great miracle happened here.”HereHerevibrant and world-renowned community. Truly, a great miracle happened here.”HereHere10 Ahav Israel Congregation
HereAhav Israel Congregation
HereHereAhav Israel Congregation
Here11 Agudah Anshei Sefarad Congregation
12 Pimlico Racetrack
13 Beth Jacob Congregation (Upper Park Heights)
13A
Beth Jacob Congregation’s first building
The JCC traces its roots back through the building and programs of the JEA. There is a JEA room
on the bottom floor of this building which houses the photos and memories of the JEA. The JEA
building still stands today, although the facade has changed. This is one of only two buildings in the
mural that are represented as they used to appear, and not as they look today.
18 Ohel Yaakov
19 Cross Country Elementary School (representing all the public elementary schools that were part of the Jewish
community. The artist chose this school because his wife’s family attended there.)
20 The Glen Avenue fire station
21 Weinberg Center, also known as the Concord House
22 Levindale, former and current Jewish Convalescence Home
23 Original site of the Jewish Convalescence Home
24 The Rambam School, previously Har Sinai, at Ford’s Lane
25 Mt. Washington, originally a 19th
-century summer getaway for wealthy city dwellers
Here14
Glen Avenue Synagogue
HereGlen Avenue Synagogue
Here15 Baltimore Hebrew University
16 Park Heights Jewish Community Center
17 Jewish Educational Alliance, the JEA building

A GreatPANEL 7
Windsor Hills
Another panel representing the pockets of Jewish settlement that are often overlooked.

6
PANEL 8
Liberty Road, Reisterstown Road
& Upper Park Heights
(The New Jewish Suburbia)
9
3
5
4
8
15
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13 12
16
7
21
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29
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MiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracle
PANEL 8
The New Jewish Suburbia
MiracleMiracle16 Chizuk Amuno Congregation
MiracleChizuk Amuno Congregation
MiracleMiracleChizuk Amuno Congregation
MiracleMiracle17 JCC in O.M. with the cornerstone marked “1854.”
MiracleJCC in O.M. with the cornerstone marked “1854.”
MiracleMiracleJCC in O.M. with the cornerstone marked “1854.”
MiracleMiracle18 The YMHA on Monument Street, another
MiracleThe YMHA on Monument Street, another
MiracleMiracleThe YMHA on Monument Street, another
Miraclepredecessor of the JCCMiraclepredecessor of the JCCMiracleMiraclepredecessor of the JCCMiracleMiracle19 Beit Tikvah (in the church)
MiracleBeit Tikvah (in the church)
MiracleMiracle20 Belvedere Towers
MiracleBelvedere Towers
Miracle21 Smith Avenue and Labyrinth Road area
22 The former Pickwick Jewish Center, which is
now Shomrei Amunah Congregation
23 Pikesville Senior High
24 Moses Montefiore Synagogue
25 New community, townhomes and “McMansions”
26 Beth Tfiloh Congregation
27 Northwest Park Heights, Caves, Greenspring,
and Velvet Valley-area developments
28 Golf courses and country clubs, one each for the
German and Eastern European/Russian Jews
29 Har Sinai on Greenspring and Walnut Avenues
Continuing the Northwest movement, post-WWII through the Vietnam War (with some recent
expansion). The suburbs of Baltimore County, where many homes symbolized the new“American Dream:”expansion). The suburbs of Baltimore County, where many homes symbolized the new“American Dream:”
Miracle
expansion). The suburbs of Baltimore County, where many homes symbolized the new“American Dream:”
MiracleMiracle
expansion). The suburbs of Baltimore County, where many homes symbolized the new“American Dream:”
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a single-family home, a yard, and nice landscaping. Some homes are almost as large as the synagogues!
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Upper Park Heights was developed by turn-of-the-century German Jews. The other two main corridors were
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MiracleLiberty Heights and Reisterstown Road.Once again,congregations followed the movement of their members.
MiracleLiberty Heights and Reisterstown Road.Once again,congregations followed the movement of their members.
MiracleMiracleLiberty Heights and Reisterstown Road.Once again,congregations followed the movement of their members.
MiracleMiracle1
MiracleNeighborhoods along Liberty Road, all the way
MiracleMiracleNeighborhoods along Liberty Road, all the way
MiracleMiracleout to 9000+ block of Liberty Rd.
MiracleMiracleout to 9000+ block of Liberty Rd.
MiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleForest Garden house
MiracleMiracleForest Garden house
MiracleMiracle(artist’s childhood home)
MiracleMiracle(artist’s childhood home)
MiracleReisterstown Road duplexesMiracleMiracleReisterstown Road duplexesMiracleMiracleMiracle3
MiracleSudbrook Middle School
MiracleMiracleSudbrook Middle School
MiracleMiracle4 The old Woodmore Synagogue, which becameThe old Woodmore Synagogue, which became
MiracleThe old Woodmore Synagogue, which became
MiracleMiracleThe old Woodmore Synagogue, which became
Miraclea conglomeration of several congregations
5 Temple Emanuel, then off of Milford Mill Road
6 Milford Mill High School
7 Randallstown Synagogue
8 The original Beth Israel Congregation
9 Clarks Lane Synagogue (represents new smaller shuls)
10 Samester building (a favorite building of artist’s mother)
11 B’nai Jacob Sharei Zion Congregation
12 Baltimore Hebrew Congregation
13 Temple Oheb Shalom
14 The Shoshana S. Cardin Community High School
on the Oheb Shalom campus, founded in 2003
15 Beth El Congregation
1a

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PANEL 9
Owings Mills Neighborhood
(Latest Northwest Migration)

HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappened
PANEL 9
Owings Mills Neighborhood
(Latest Northwest Migration)
TThis is the Owings Mills panel, depicting the Owings Mills Boulevard corridor from
This is the Owings Mills panel, depicting the Owings Mills Boulevard corridor from
Tthe mall all the way past the Carroll County line. These are the most recent JewishTthe mall all the way past the Carroll County line. These are the most recent JewishTneighborhoods built in the Baltimore area, continuing Jewish Baltimore’s “Northwest
Tneighborhoods built in the Baltimore area, continuing Jewish Baltimore’s “Northwest
T
Passage,” post-Vietnam era to the present.
1 The Owings Mills Mall
2 New Town High School (the high school most recently built in Baltimore County near a dense Jewish population as
of the creation of the mural)
New Town High School
)
New Town High School
Happened
3 Beth Israel Congregation, which was originally located at 9000 block of Liberty Road
Happened
Beth Israel Congregation, which was originally located at 9000 block of Liberty Road
HappenedHappened
4
Happened
Congregation Adat Chaim
HappenedHappened
5
Happened
Beth Tfiloh Congregation, Glyndon Campus
HappenedHappened
(as of 2006 printing)
HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedFranklin High School
HappenedHappened7
HappenedTemple Emanuel on Berryman’s Lane
HappenedHappenedTemple Emanuel on Berryman’s Lane
Happened

HerePANEL 10
The Aerial View
TThis is an emerging segment of Baltimore’s Jewish community,
This is an emerging segment of Baltimore’s Jewish community,
Trepresented by an aerial view, looking like a developer’s rendering.
Trepresented by an aerial view, looking like a developer’s rendering.
TIt almost looks mosaic. This schematic represents the growth of our future.
Notice that only a few farms remain, represented by the large red rooftops.
This illustrates the trade-off between green space and development.

PANEL 11
Baltimore Jewish Summer Vacation
1
2
3
4

A GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatA GreatPANEL 11
Baltimore Jewish Summer Vacation
1 Camp Milldale - When the JCC was established in 1951, Camp Woodlands was one of its
founding institutions. In 1953, the camp moved to a site on Keyser Road in Stevenson and
was given a new name: Camp Milldale. Thirteen years later, in 1966, Camp Milldale moved
to a magnificent 155-acre site on Mt. Gilead Road in Reisterstown, a gift of Helen and
Hugo Dalsheimer. Today, Camp Milldale has become a tradition in our Jewish community,
providing an outstanding camp experience to children and teens every summer.
2 Behind these hills are all the other great summer camps that serve Baltimore’s Jewish
community: Camps Airy and Louise, Beth Tfiloh Camp, with campsites all the way up to
Maine representing all the sleep-away camps populated by Baltimore’s Jewish children
(Most in-state sleep-away camps were Russian/Eastern European; most out-of-state sleep-away camps were German.)
3 The boat going to Tolchester and other spots along the Chesapeake Bay. On long
summer days, families would line up on Light Street in the city, get on the boat and have
their picnics with them. Joined by their cousins and uncles and aunts they would take the
boat across the Chesapeake to Tolchester and then rush off to get the best picnic table
They would spend the day picnicking and swimming and have a great time.
4 Other bastions of Baltimore Jewry’s vacations: southern Florida — Miami, Naples, Boca
Raton, the boardwalk in Atlantic City, Rehoboth, and Bethany Beach.
A GreatIt was not that long ago that Jews were not allowed to go everywhere.A GreatA GreatIt was not that long ago that Jews were not allowed to go everywhere.A GreatA GreatToday, we can travel throughout the world.
A GreatA GreatToday, we can travel throughout the world.
A Great

PANEL 12
Fort McHenry Area
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PANEL 12
Fort McHenry Area
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1
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SS Warfield which became the
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Exodus.
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Exodus.
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(It was a pleasure boat that went up and down
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the Chesapeake, between Virginia City and Baltimore.) Compositionally, the artist
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MiracleMiracle
Miraclesought to balance the immigrant experience on the right of the mural, the one side that
Miraclesought to balance the immigrant experience on the right of the mural, the one side that
MiracleMiraclesought to balance the immigrant experience on the right of the mural, the one side that
MiracleMiraclecame from fear, with the experience of hope, on the left side.
MiracleMiraclecame from fear, with the experience of hope, on the left side.
MiracleThe letter
MiracleMiracleThe letter
MiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiracleshin,
MiracleMiraclewhich stands for
MiracleMiraclewhich stands for
MiracleMiracleel
MiracleMiracleel
MiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleshaddai,
MiracleMiracleshaddai,
MiracleGod, the spark of light that illuminates
MiracleGod, the spark of light that illuminates
MiracleMiracleGod, the spark of light that illuminates
Miracleeverything and balances the moon on the right. The Jewish calendar is both solar
Miracleeverything and balances the moon on the right. The Jewish calendar is both solar
MiracleMiracleeverything and balances the moon on the right. The Jewish calendar is both solar
MiracleMiracleand lunar.
MiracleMiracleand lunar.
MiracleMiracleMiracle3 Fort McHenry. The battle of 1812 was the last stand against the British, and in thatMiracleFort McHenry. The battle of 1812 was the last stand against the British, and in thatMiracleMiracleFort McHenry. The battle of 1812 was the last stand against the British, and in thatMiraclebattle, the sons of two Jewish families, the Ettings and Cohens, who were in Baltimore
Miraclebattle, the sons of two Jewish families, the Ettings and Cohens, who were in Baltimore
MiracleMiraclebattle, the sons of two Jewish families, the Ettings and Cohens, who were in Baltimore
Miraclein the late 1700s, fought for their young country.
Miraclein the late 1700s, fought for their young country.
MiracleMiraclein the late 1700s, fought for their young country.
Miracle(Also, the artist’s grandmother, Grandma Mary,
Miracle(Also, the artist’s grandmother, Grandma Mary,
MiracleMary Cohen, was a nurse there during World War I, tending wounded soldiers)
4 The immigrants’ boats came around Fort McHenry and made that turn, then they would
go to Locust Point and see the downtown skyline, Baltimore, and America.
5 Floating above all are ten little buildings, childlike and fun: houses, apartment buildings,
and a synagogue, in the colors of the rainbow, that are based upon the different kinds
of buildings that were created in the workshops by the 150 people who helped the artist
envision this mural. These buildings are an homage to them and to future generations.

PANEL 13
Tikkun Olam
(repairing the world)
2
7
6
5
4 3
1
8

HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappened
PANEL 13
Tikkun Olam
(repairing the world)
TThe mural needed a Jewish ethical/spiritual context, so the artist chose four
The mural needed a Jewish ethical/spiritual context, so the artist chose four
TTTTTfoundations of Judaism represented by the four lower panels. In Panel 13,
Tfoundations of Judaism represented by the four lower panels. In Panel 13,
Tyou will find volunteers planting trees, painting houses, putting up a mezuzah, and
gathering leaves; and a man in a wheelchair pruning bushes.
1 Sinai Hospital
2 A church
Happened
3 A synagogue
Happened
A synagogue
HappenedHappened
4
Happened
A mosque
HappenedHappened
5
Happened
Children of all kinds playing together
HappenedHappened6
HappenedFeeding the hungry. On the tablecloth:
HappenedHappenedHappenedhamotzi lechem
HappenedHappenedhamotzi lechem
HappenedHappened(the blessing over bread)
HappenedHappenedwith the Jewish mother presiding over the meal and the distribution of the food.
HappenedHappenedwith the Jewish mother presiding over the meal and the distribution of the food.
HappenedHappened7
HappenedTHE ASSOCIATED:
HappenedHappenedTHE ASSOCIATED:
HappenedHappenedJewish Community Federation of Baltimore
HappenedHappenedJewish Community Federation of Baltimore
HappenedHappenedbuilding
HappenedHappenedbuilding
HappenedHappened8
HappenedA
HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedtzedakah
HappenedHappenedtzedakah
HappenedHappenedbox
HappenedHappenedbox
HappenedHappened(in a workshop, the participants made this image and called it The Tzedakah Building,
HappenedHappened(in a workshop, the participants made this image and called it The Tzedakah Building,
HappenedHappenedso the artist took that and put it by
HappenedHappenedso the artist took that and put it by
HappenedHappenedTHE ASSOCIATED
HappenedHappenedTHE ASSOCIATED
HappenedHappenedbuilding.)
HappenedHappenedbuilding.)
Happened

PANEL 14
Education
7 8
1
2 3 4 5 6
17
16 10
11 9
1213
15
14

HereHereHereHereHereHereHereHereHere
PANEL 14
Education
HereTHereThis panel represents the primacy of education in the Jewish community, reaching
Herehis panel represents the primacy of education in the Jewish community, reaching
HereHerehis panel represents the primacy of education in the Jewish community, reaching
HereHereTHerehis panel represents the primacy of education in the Jewish community, reaching
HereTHereback to the first Jewish schools in Baltimore set up by the German Jews for the new
Hereback to the first Jewish schools in Baltimore set up by the German Jews for the new
HereHereback to the first Jewish schools in Baltimore set up by the German Jews for the new
HereHereTHereback to the first Jewish schools in Baltimore set up by the German Jews for the new
HereTHereback to the first Jewish schools in Baltimore set up by the German Jews for the newback to the first Jewish schools in Baltimore set up by the German Jews for the new
immigrants to help teach them English. It begins with Henrietta Szold, through theHereimmigrants to help teach them English. It begins with Henrietta Szold, through theHereHereimmigrants to help teach them English. It begins with Henrietta Szold, through theHereHereTHereimmigrants to help teach them English. It begins with Henrietta Szold, through theHereTHereIsaac Davidson schools, to the synagogues with their own schools, to public schools, the
HereIsaac Davidson schools, to the synagogues with their own schools, to public schools, the
HereHereIsaac Davidson schools, to the synagogues with their own schools, to public schools, the
Hereprivate schools, the colleges and universities, and then throughout the world.
1 “V’shinantam l’vanekhaV’shinantam l’vanekha, and you shall teach them to your children.” (Deuteronomy Chapter 6)
Flanking the entry way are seven banners based on the 27 collages of the 150 mural
workshop participants.
2 Religious symbols
3 America
4 The arts
5 The Russian immigrants, including the old country
(top, Odessa etc.) and the new country (bottom).
Upper Row: images of the best-loved schools of
Jewish Baltimore’s past
9 The old Western High School
10 University of Baltimore
11 Auchentroly Terrace (Early in our experience here,
Jews were not allowed to go to any private school in Baltimore,
so we had to create our own. It was founded here: The Park School.)
12 City College
6 Education
7 Tzedakah
8 Vacation, summer and celebration.
13 Beth T’filoh on Garrison Boulevard
(representing Baltimore’s Jewish parochial schools)
14 Garrison Junior High
15 Arlington Elementary
16 School 59
17 Forest Park High SchoolForest Park High School (The second of two(The second of two
buildings in the mural that does not exist today)

PANEL 15
Chanukah House
1
2
3 4 5

A GreatPANEL 15
Chanukah House
This represents the intermingling of all Jews, a unique feature of the
Baltimore Jewish community in Park Heights. Chanukah symbolizes the
challenge to balance the sacred and secular in Jewish history.
1 Menorahs, decorations, and dreidels everywhere
2 The choir singing; everyone is huddled together to share warmth and the
miracle of the holiday. It also symbolizes the vibrancy and revitalization of
Jewish Park Heights.
3 A portrait of the artist, with red kippahkippah, surrounded by members of his family.
4 The artist’s daughter, Lilliana, in a favorite outfit
5 The artist’s wife, Allie

MiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleMiracleThis panel reflects Baltimore’s relationship with Israel at all periods
Miraclehis panel reflects Baltimore’s relationship with Israel at all periods
MiracleMiraclehis panel reflects Baltimore’s relationship with Israel at all periods
Miracleof our history: it reflects the young Zionist Jews, the Russian
Miracleof our history: it reflects the young Zionist Jews, the Russian
MiracleMiracleof our history: it reflects the young Zionist Jews, the Russian
Miracleintellectuals who came over in the big waves of immigration in
Miracleintellectuals who came over in the big waves of immigration in
MiracleMiracleintellectuals who came over in the big waves of immigration in
Miracle1904, 1905; the new Zionist ideas they brought to America; the rally for IsraeliMiracle1904, 1905; the new Zionist ideas they brought to America; the rally for IsraeliMiracleMiracle1904, 1905; the new Zionist ideas they brought to America; the rally for IsraeliMiraclebonds in the 1940s, and the Six-Day War in the 1960s; up to today’s struggles
Miraclebonds in the 1940s, and the Six-Day War in the 1960s; up to today’s struggles
Miraclefor peace, coexistence, and hope. This is the only lower panel in which you
don’t see people, but they are there, in the hand-lettered banners that speak of
their passion and love for Israel, and on the bottom, in the little hands that are
holding the flags.
PANEL 16
Israel

3
2
5
4
1
6
PANEL 17
“And I shall remember my covenant”
7

HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedHappened
PANEL 17
TThe last panel (working as a Hebrew text) could be considered the first (working as an
The last panel (working as a Hebrew text) could be considered the first (working as an
TEnglish text).TEnglish text).TThe tree in Judaism symbolizes many things. Here, it represents the tree of life, which in turnThe tree in Judaism symbolizes many things. Here, it represents the tree of life, which in turn
relates to the Torah, aitz chaim hi. It is a sign of faith to plant, for it is possible that you will not
see the fruits of your labor. Rather, you plant for the future. Trees also connect us to our great
environmental tradition, our connection to the land, both here but especially in Israel. The
symbol of a tree reminds us of the Garden of Eden; the tree is planted in the covenant.
This tree also represents the seven-branched menorah, the original menorah that was in the
tabernacle in the desert and then in the two Temples. Today it is on the seal of Israel.
The branches connect down to the ancient roots. Seven branches (representing theThe branches connect down to the ancient roots. Seven branches (representing the
Happened
The branches connect down to the ancient roots. Seven branches (representing the
HappenedHappened
The branches connect down to the ancient roots. Seven branches (representing the
HappenedHappened
comparative newness of Baltimore Jewish community) connect to the roots (the past). Seven
HappenedHappened
comparative newness of Baltimore Jewish community) connect to the roots (the past). Seven
HappenedHappened
branches represent our ability to be everywhere — in the seven major Baltimore metro-area
HappenedHappened
branches represent our ability to be everywhere — in the seven major Baltimore metro-area
HappenedHappened
communities, outward in the “Northwest Passage,” and back into the city.
HappenedHappened
communities, outward in the “Northwest Passage,” and back into the city.
HappenedHappened1
HappenedSECTION ONE:
HappenedHappenedSECTION ONE:
HappenedHappenedThe new and future settlements of the Jewish community: Baltimore, Harford,
HappenedHappenedThe new and future settlements of the Jewish community: Baltimore, Harford,
HappenedHappenedand surrounding counties
HappenedHappenedand surrounding counties
HappenedHappenedSECTION TWO:
HappenedHappenedSECTION TWO:
HappenedHappenedCultural Areas
HappenedHappenedCultural Areas
HappenedHappened2
HappenedHackerman House, part of Walters Art Museum
HappenedHappenedHackerman House, part of Walters Art Museum
HappenedHappened3HappenedArtist’s parents’ house, where they host musical salonsHappenedHappenedArtist’s parents’ house, where they host musical salonsHappenedHappened4
HappenedThe Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins Univ.
HappenedHappenedThe Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins Univ.
HappenedCenter Stage
HappenedHappenedCenter Stage
HappenedThe Hippodrome
HappenedHappenedThe Hippodrome
HappenedHappenedHappened7HappenedThe Charles and Everyman Theatres;HappenedHappenedThe Charles and Everyman Theatres;HappenedHappenedHappenedHappenedthe North Charles Arts District
Happened

9
15
14
1312
10
20
19
17
16
11
PANEL 17 (CONT‘D)
21
18
23
22
25
24
8
17a
13a

HereHereHereHereHere
PANEL 17 (CONT‘D)
Here
(CONT‘D)
Here“And I shall remember my covenant”
HereSECTION THREE
HereHereSECTION THREE
HereHereHere8
HereRepresented here is the country with horses and farms.
HereHereRepresented here is the country with horses and farms.
HereOnce, we had horses so we could make deliveries.
HereOnce, we had horses so we could make deliveries.
HereAs we got more prosperous, we could bet on them. Today, we live out among them.
HereAs we got more prosperous, we could bet on them. Today, we live out among them.
HereHereAs we got more prosperous, we could bet on them. Today, we live out among them.
HereHereSECTION FOURHereHereSECTION FOURHereHereHere9
HereThe Bolton Street synagogue.
HereHereThe Bolton Street synagogue.
HereIt also appears in Panel 5, but it is here because their new synagogue building was
HereIt also appears in Panel 5, but it is here because their new synagogue building was
Herededicated during the creation of this mural (2003).
Herededicated during the creation of this mural (2003).
HereHerededicated during the creation of this mural (2003).
Here10 The rabbi and a member of the synagogue under the chuppah, during the ritual of taking the Torah
from the old building to the new one.
11 The multi-turreted Victorian homes represent Roland Park, one of the newest Jewish neighborhood
12 Cross Keys area
13 Johns Hopkins area 13a Hampden & Remington area
SECTION FIVE: The only part of the scene that appears twice in the mural, because, as the artist explains,
“Nobody really thought that Upper Park Heights would be a vibrant Jewish community again, but it is.”
14 JCC on Park Heights Avenue. If you stand near the street and look in the window at night, you will
see this mural. It is fully lit.
SECTION SIX: Waterfront section.
15 Canton Cove
16 The American Visionary Art Museum
17 Locust Point
17a South Baltimore
SECTION SEVEN: Northeast Baltimore
18 Artist’s house
19 Roger’s Forge
20 The Senator Theatre
21 Towson Courthouse
22 This young tree is connected to all of Judaism and the
base of the tree the ancient roots. These three letters
represent the first three words of the Torah. Bereishit Bara Elokim,
“In the beginning, when God began to create…” This is the tree of our people.
23 Four apple trees – represent Baltimore, Garden of Eden, and the Matriarchs
24 Three cypress trees – represent Israel and the Patriarchs
25 Vezacharti et briti:Vezacharti et briti: “And I shall remember my covenant.”
(Genesis 9:15)

“This quote from God to Noah serves as the foundation for the entire
mural, for it depicts how we — along with all Jews — are planted,
grounded, in this covenant. It expresses our connection from Noah to
the infinite future.
”

AAgreat miracle happened here: Out of degradation, poverty, and nightmares, we
Agreat miracle happened here: Out of degradation, poverty, and nightmares, we
AAgreat miracle happened here: Out of degradation, poverty, and nightmares, we
AAAAAcame to America, to Baltimore. Now, we help make the entire world a bettercame to America, to Baltimore. Now, we help make the entire world a betterAcame to America, to Baltimore. Now, we help make the entire world a betterAAcame to America, to Baltimore. Now, we help make the entire world a betterAplace; so we can and we must protect the good that we have wrought. As Jews, we know
it can all be lost; so we must continue to cultivate discernment AND tolerance toward
many points of view.
-Jay Wolf Schlossberg-Cohen
A Great Miracle Happened Here:
A Journey through Jewish Baltimore
AFTERWORD

PH mural booklet

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