Those who attended the opening of Jo Israelson’s multimedia installation at the Maine Jewish Museum Thursday, September 3, 2015, entered under a hand-woven Abraham’s tent stretching overhead, trod on a floorcloth stenciled with images of seaweed from House Island and compass roses, and past walls covered with the word “begat” over and over. One room featured weavings created by diverse members of the Portland community. Upstairs, seven artistic aprons represented “Sarah’s Generosity,” the seven members of NCJW who provided kosher food to immigrants arriving at the House Island quarantine station in the 1920s. Israelson contrasted the 1923 odyssey of Hungarian immigrant, Bela Gross, with the stories of those newly-arrived in Portland today. NCJW provided the food and drinks for the reception, which drew a large crowd. After thanking all those involved in the exhibit, Israelson invited everyone to weave their own contribution on a loom set up near the refreshments. Read all about the exhibition in the Maine Sunday Telegram. Don’t miss this opportunity to review the treatment of immigrants in Portland during the 1920’s and today. The Museum at 267 Congress Street in Portland will be hosting the installation until October 26, 2015.