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House of Israel, Balboa Park

Shalom,

The House of Israel is rocking and rolling every weekend in Balboa Park!

The urgent news is that we need YOU!

The House of Israel is run entirely by volunteers, and that’s where YOU come in. Thanks to our location in San Diego’s greatest tourist attraction, beautiful Balboa Park, we welcome hundreds of people every weekend from around the world. Visitors who can’t find Israel on a map, or who know only what they hear in the media, can learn the truth of Israel’s history, diversity, freedoms, and contributions to the world.

We need you to greet visitors, serve our delicious (and world-famous!) bourekas, guide people around our interactive displays, and answer questions. You’ll meet people from around the world and have a fabulous time!

We are also looking for volunteers for several committees:

·        Volunteer Committee: recruit, schedule, and train volunteers.

·        Grants Committee: research available grants from government and philanthropic organizations, prepare applications, and monitor the process.

·        Social Media Committee: plan and post updates to the House of Israel social media accounts about Israel and the  HOI.

·        Annual Events Committee: plan and organize special events such as December Nights, Ethnic Food Fair, Yom ha-Atzmaut Lawn Program, etc.

·        Outreach Committee: act as liaison between House of Israel and the San Diego area community to build links with various organizations.

·        Board of Directors: if you are interested in serving as a Board Member, please contact us to learn about the various roles available.

You may have some other great ideas, and we want to hear them! Please feel free to call  760 644 0335 or email ruth.mastron@gmail.com,

Todah rabah,

Ruth Mastron

The House of Israel is one of the 32 exposition cottages that make up the House of Pacific Relations located on the beautiful grounds of Balboa Park, San Diego, California.

Opened in 1948, we are among the first public buildings in the U.S. to fly the flag of Israel!

As a host to more than 25,000 international visitors per year, The House of Israel has become a vital resource for portrayal of Israel’s true past and present and a friendly gathering place for the community. Visitors learn about the diverse faces of Israel, her history, values, demographics and her contribution to the world. We showcase Israeli culture, history, and innovation, and provide a welcoming environment for our guests.

ISRAEL 70 YEARS OF CRAFT & DESIGN  at Mingei International Museum, San Diego

  April 21, 2018 – September 3, 2018

In recognition and celebration of the 70-year anniversary of the founding of Israel, Mingei International Museum and House of Israel collaborate on a retrospective exhibition highlighting the nation’s diverse and lively craft & design.

ISRAEL 70 Years of Craft & Design celebrates the art and innovation of the nation’s diverse people through a rich range of objects of daily use. Over 100 objects—including Yemenite jewelry, Bedouin textiles, contemporary garments, sustainable and industrial design, adornment incorporating ancient materials, furniture and ceramics—illustrate the special fusion of European and Arab influences embodied in Israel’s modern craft and design. Coinciding with global recognition of Israel’s 70 years of statehood, this project is the Museum’s first opportunity in its 40-year history to feature the innovative work of Israel’s designers and artists.

This original exhibition is organized by House of Israel curator, Smadar Samson, with Mingei International Museum’s executive director Rob Sidner serving as curatorial advisor.

DEAD SEA SCROLL EXHIBIT 

A work of art created from matza brought Spring and Passover to the House of Israel. The matza Dead Sea Scroll sculpture sat atop the House’s permanent stone rendition of the Dead Sea Scrolls to offer a seasonal aspect to this historical symbol of the Land of Israel.

The pieces were created by students in 2nd-4th and 6th grade at Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Abraham Ratner Torah School under the guidance of Rachel Naor. Students particularly enjoyed grinding matza up to make it look like sand, softening matza in order to mold it and assembling the colorful pieces of matza that they had painted into a mosaic image.

Dead Sea Scroll is exhibited each Spring in celebration of Passover.

Sign Up Here to Volunteer!

WANT TO VOLUNTEER? SIGN UP HERE!

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click HERE to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot.
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on Signup.com)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots – you will receive an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Note: Signup.com does not share your email address.

Header’s photo: Itamar Grinberg, Entrance to an art gallery in Safed