photo by: Chris Conde/Journal-World

The Watkins Museum of History

A new exhibit highlighting the domestic religious practices of Jewish settlers in Kansas will be on display at the Watkins Museum of History.

The exhibit, “Transplanting Heritage: Judaica from The Klein Collection,” will feature numerous items, including Kiddush cups and menorahs from the Michael Klein Collection at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah in Overland Park. The exhibition will explore how 19th century German-Jewish settlers preserved the traditions of Shabbat, Passover and Hanukkah while settling on the frontier. It also highlights early Jewish families in Douglas County, including the Summerfields and Cohns, according to a press release from the Watkins Museum.

“When Jewish immigrants from Germany resettled in Kansas, they brought their most prized possessions with them. These objects from the Klein Collection are examples of the kinds of heirlooms families cherished enough to carry them that long distance,” Abby Magariel, educator/curator of the Klein Collection, said in the release.

The exhibit will be displayed in the museum’s second-floor gallery from Thursday to June 14. The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts St. Light refreshments will be provided.

Additionally, a special showing of the exhibit will be on Saturday, April 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will also include an observance of Havdalah, marking the conclusion of Shabbat, which will take place in the exhibit gallery at 7 p.m. This program is a collaboration between the museum, B’nai Jehudah and the Lawrence Jewish Community Center.