Welcome to The Michael Klein Collection!
The Klein Collection is full of stories and beautiful works of art.
Explore our collection online with CatalogIt and Smartify!
CatalogIt allows you to look through collection records for all of our objects, organized into folders to help you find specific areas of interest.
Use Smartify from home to browse our collection or use the app in our display space to access additional content and audio resources about the pieces you see!
Publications
The Klein Collection Catalogs
These thematic catalogs delve deep into the collection, sharing stories and traditions from all over the world.
Collection Highlights
Looking for a little guidance? We are excited to share some of our collection favorites, to help get you started.
Hanukkah Lamp
Some hanukkiyot, or Hanukkah menorahs, are meant to be kept out year-round and not put away at the end of the holiday! This example, from early 19th century Eastern Europe, is a multi-tasking work of art. It includes a tray of eight oil-burning fonts for each night of the holiday, candlestick holders that can be used every week for Shabbat, beautiful pomegranate trees flanking a synagogue facade, and lions, phoenixes and dolphins.
Stained Glass Windows
The most distinguishing and highly prized feature of B’nai Jehudah’s Linwood Boulevard location was its 20 stained glass windows by artist John La Farge. He was renowned for his glass work, including “Battle Window” at Harvard University and the “Peacock Window” in the collection of the Worcester (MA) Art Museum. B’nai Jehudah’s commission is believed to be the only one La Farge accepted for a Jewish house of worship. The temple’s windows typified ten periods in Jewish history and cost a total of $6,000 when purchased in 1907. Four of the La Farge windows are installed at B’nai Jehudah’s current building and one is integrated into the Menorah Medical Center chapel.
The Klein Collection in the Community
The Klein Collection is available to come to your organization as a traveling exhibit. This unique resource offers an opportunity to explore topics in Judaism through art and artifacts. Contact staff to learn more about how to bring the Klein Collection into your community.
