Sydney Jewish Museum crowdsources snapshots of Jewish identity

Life. Colour. Connection. That is the promise of Chai-Lights, a new online gallery from the Sydney Jewish Museum that is already buzzing with stories of Jewish life in all its forms.

The crowd-sourced platform invites anyone in the community to upload photos, videos, and stories. From Shabbat dinners to footy games, from music and art to ritual and resilience, it is a living scrapbook of Sydney Jewry, building an archive of joy, memory, and meaning for generations to come.

 

SJM Senior Curator Shannon Biederman described Chai-Lights as a “digital exhibition space where individuals and organisations can share their photos, videos, and stories that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Jewish life in all its forms.”

“Photos and videos that show moments of joy, resilience, tradition, and connection will help shape future exhibitions in our community’s museum,” she said. “We want to bring meaning and heart to our shared experiences. Chai-Lights is an uplifting, easy way for us all to connect.”

Already, the site showcases a colourful mosaic of Jewish life. The images span food, festivals, ritual objects, prayer and music, as well as community sport and cultural events. Some are captioned with personal reflections, others stand alone as powerful visual snapshots, together creating a vibrant patchwork of identity and memory.

SJM Head Curator Ros Sugarman said every upload plays a role in capturing the evolving story of Sydney’s Jewish community. “Every photo or video uploaded to Chai-Lights captures who we are and what we carry forward,” she said. “By sharing them, we are not just preserving memories; we are actively shaping the living story of our Jewish community.”

The initiative comes while the Sydney Jewish Museum is closed for a major redevelopment to create a new Centre for Contemporary Jewish Life. While hard hats and scaffolding fill the physical space, Chai-Lights ensures that the community’s stories continue to be collected and celebrated.

From 2027, once the expanded museum opens, many of these contributions will take centre stage in exhibitions on Jewish culture and identity. For now, Chai-Lights lives online, offering a secure, opt-in way for both individuals and organisations to share their stories.

The name itself carries a playful spirit, combining “chai,” the Hebrew word for life, with the highlights of the community. “With a little humour, we wanted to make it warm and inviting,” said Biederman. “It is about making people smile while recognising the depth of our traditions and resilience.”

Chai-Lights is part of the bigger picture. In September, the museum will host its Capital Appeal events, offering guided tours of the redevelopment, sneak peeks of new exhibition technology, and powerful short talks from Holocaust survivor descendants and social media changemakers. Guests will see how the Museum is expanding its mission: keeping Holocaust memory alive, teaching tolerance and moral courage, and reaching young people where they are.

Founded in 1992, the Sydney Jewish Museum is a cornerstone of Holocaust education in Australia. Its mission is to give “history a voice,” combating antisemitism and bigotry through remembrance, education, and storytelling. The redevelopment aims to expand its reach, illuminating not only the Holocaust but also the richness of Jewish culture, identity, and resilience.

Visit https://chai-lights.sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au to explore the collection and add your story.