Kohanim would be Halachically unable to attend the Liberty Science Center for several months due to an upcoming exhibition, according to a Liberty Science Center manager.
The following letter was sent by a manager of the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City:
I hope you had a blessed Passover. I want to alert you about an exhibition we will be hosting June 18 – January 16 that I’m sure your customers will want to avoid.
I tell this to you in all openness because I respect the Jewish community and don’t want anyone to be caught unaware.
The show is called “Bodies Revealed” and it features real human forms, organs and skeletons preserved for display and educational purposes. These are the same kind use in medical schools such as the University of Michigan.
The show will be in a separate closed gallery on the 4th floor, but I am sure most of our Jewish visitors will not want to enter the building while it is here. If you know of any other factors I should be aware of, please let me know.
I will be sending letters to the editors of Jewish publications in which we advertise to let them know of the show.
Additionally, we will have a large sign outside the building so if a family does come here without hearing about the show, they will not walk into the building and then find out. I imagine that would be a very unpleasant surprise.
Yours sincerely, Elizabeth
[TLS – SB]
What sensitivity!
That’s very respectful and thoughtful of the management.
Can you please send her email address so I can send her feedback on the respectful and thoughtul gesture?
Thank you.
I was always under the impression that there is a general problem with Kohanim visiting Liberty Science Center…
How thoughtful and considerate! I too would like to thank her for her sensitivity. Also, I believe this only impacts Kohanim, or am I missing something?
Since my husband and boys are Kohanim, they have never been to this museum due to the question of human parts in storage, which we have never been able to clarify. If anyone has accurate information about the Liberty Science Center and about the Franklin Museum, another fantastic museum experience, kindly post it here.
May God bless you Elizabeth with all that is good. What you did is above and beyond. Im personally touched. Good luck always.
Please don’t share her email here. You can go on thier website, and leave feedback, which will be seen by the upper management. (just my assumption)
She doesn’t need a flooded inbox with thank yous.
Wow, Thanks for that very helpful information. In keeping us maintain our holiness my you in turn be blessed with good health and success. Thank you
Rabbi Kohen
What’s the status of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” as far as Kohanim go?
What a wonderful, sensitive person!
I would check with a rov before not going no so cut and dry. Might be super sofake if metamea boyhoil
I agree that this is very sensitive and definitely above and beyond. We have no kohanim in the family so I’d consider renewing my membership now and telling them it’s specifically thanks to the sensitivity displayed.
I might avoid the new exhibit, not for religious reasons, just because I’m squeamish. 🙂
Franklin Institute has Mummies…. (if you believe there is anything in those wood boxes…..)