Jewish Art Exhibitions Featuring Mahjong

Looking for Jewish mahjong art exhibitions? Here's what you need to know:

Mahjong became more than just a game for Jewish communities in 1920s America - it transformed into a cultural cornerstone, especially for Jewish women. Today, museums showcase this rich history through art exhibitions featuring:

Key Exhibition Facts:

• Entry costs: $8-12 regular, $5-7 students/seniors
• Free play nights on Thursdays
• Lessons available ($60)
• Must book game tables in advance

What Makes These Shows Special:

• Mix of Chinese and Jewish cultural elements
• Family stories and community memories
• Vintage game sets worth up to $5,000
• Interactive displays and hands-on areas

By 1941, the National Mah Jongg League had 35,000 members. Today, these exhibitions show how mahjong helped Jewish women build community, raise money for causes, and create lasting family traditions.

Want to visit? Book ahead for game tables and check museum websites for current dates and special events.

Related video from YouTube

Before You Visit

Here's what you need to know about Jewish mahjong exhibitions and how to make the most of your visit.

Exhibition Highlights

The biggest mahjong shows pack tons of history into every corner:

These shows mix up different parts of mahjong culture:

• Old-school sets from the 1920s-40s
• National Mah Jongg League history
• Real game sounds and player interviews
• Modern art inspired by mahjong
• Local stories (like Cleveland's "May the Tiles Be with You" film)

What It Costs

Extra Stuff You Can Do:

• Play for free on Thursday nights (5-8pm) at Museum of Jewish Heritage
• Book a table to play with friends
• Take a tour with the curator
• Learn the game ($60 with The Mahjologist)
• Join open play ($20 per person)

Quick Tips:

• Game tables go FAST - book ahead
• Got a 2024 NMJL card? Bring it for open play
• Double-check dates on museum websites
• Look for deals that include movies too

What to Look For

Here's what you'll spot at mahjong exhibitions:

Classic Collections

Artist Showcase

You'll also find:

• Mah Jongg Kid dolls
• Game-inspired clothes
• Home items with tile designs
• Old ads

Stories and History

The exhibits tell mahjong's story through:

Player Stories:

• Old letters and diaries
• Family game memories
• Club notes

"I'm trying to keep the love of the game going through the generations." - Michele Frizzell, third-generation mahjong player

History Facts:

• NMJL hit 35,000 members by 1941
• Store teaching notes
• Early TV shows

Museum Items:

• Local players' stuff
• Old clothes from Kent State
• Local films

"Over the past six-plus years there has been a renewed and expanded interest in Mah Jongg. Women of all ages, men, and even children want to learn the art of the tile." - Molly Dubin, Curator

The displays show how mahjong changed from:

• Gambling to charity events
• Home games to club meets
• Solo play to big leagues

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Old and New Mahjong Art

Here's what makes Mahjong sets worth money: age, materials, and craftsmanship. Let's break it down.

Classic Mahjong Sets

Want to know what makes a set expensive? A 1920s bone tile set at Vero Beach Auctioneers shows it's all about the carving detail. Most complete sets with boxes go for $300-$400. But the REALLY special ones? They can hit $5,000.

Goldielox's Menschie Mahjong Set

Today's Artists

"The shared friendship between Chinese and Jewish culture, particularly here in America, exploring how both games and craft foster community, collaboration, relaxation, and companionship." - Imin Yeh, Artist

Imin Yeh's Paper Mahjong brings something new to the table: 153 tiles that mix Chinese and Jewish symbols. The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco showed it off from July to October 2014.

The history's right here in these pieces:

• Milton Bradley's first game sets
• Parker Brothers old-school sets
• Dorothy Meyerson's how-to books
• Photos of NMJL members

Hands-On Areas

The museum offers several spaces where you can play, learn, and experience mahjong firsthand.

Want to play? Here's what's happening:

At the Contemporary Jewish Museum, you'll find:

• Game tables (reserve ahead)
• "May the Tiles Be with You" film screening
• Vintage sets from Cleveland players
• Hands-on tile matching games

"Join Cassie Lazzo, The Mahjologist, for a lesson on how to play American Mahjong at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art!" - Cassie Lazzo, The Mahjologist

Before You Visit:

• Book lessons early - spots go FAST
• Pack your NMJL card for open play
• Check Sunday program schedules
• Ask about family ArtPacks at check-in

Each game station comes with:

• Complete mahjong set
• Playing instructions
• Score sheets
• Timer (when needed)

Sundays are busy, with families making up 15% of visitors. You can buy food and drinks during events and game sessions.

Jewish and Chinese Links

The connection between Jewish and Chinese communities through mahjong tells a story of cultural exchange in America. Here's what happened:

Jewish women made mahjong their own. They didn't just play - they turned it into regular social events where they'd share stories, snacks, and community news. Plus, they used these gatherings to plan fundraisers.

Think about it: These weren't just game nights. They were mini-community centers where players used sets that had been in their families for years. And when people bought rule cards from the National Mah Jongg League? That money went straight to Jewish organizations.

But here's what makes this story special:

"Jews were also outside of Protestant culture, going to the Chinese restaurant on Sundays and Christmas and connecting with another non-Christian group, the Chinese." - Annelise Heinz, Author of "Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture"

"Mah jongg has ushered groups of 'others' into a greater sense of belonging here in the U.S. — specifically, Jews and Asian Americans." - Annelise Heinz, University of Oregon history professor

The game evolved. Jewish-American players created their own style through the NMJL's rules. You can see this mix of cultures in museums today through:

• Original Chinese sets next to American versions
• Photos showing mixed community games
• Documents tracking how the rules changed

Final Thoughts

The story of mahjong in Jewish culture shows how a simple game became much more. It's not just about playing cards - it's about moms and daughters spending time together, friends helping their community, and keeping traditions going.

"It connects me to the generations of women in my family and my faith; it provides a similar context for me as, say, bagels and Hava Magila." - Judy Goldstein Trerotola, CJP's Director, Senior Services

Want to learn more? Here's what you can do:

"I've heard people describe it as therapy, as a time when you can stop thinking about all your worries." - Annelise Heinz, Author of "Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture"

Back in 1937, 200 Jewish women started the National Mah Jongg League. Today, the League helps new players learn the game, and their rule cards still raise money for Jewish causes - just like those first players wanted.

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