Beit Hatfutsot – Museum of the Jewish Diaspora, Tel Aviv (must see)

This museum goes by many names. Some call it the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot. Others refer to it by its former name, Nahum Goldman Museum of the Jewish Diaspora. Most simply use its shortened name: Beit Hatfutsot. No matter what the name is, this museum is an important place to visit in Tel Aviv.

Beit Hatfutsot is located on the campus of the University of Tel Aviv. The museum tells about the history and culture of the Jewish people. The recently renovated museum consists of permanent and temporary exhibitions and an interactive children's area.

Permanent exhibitions are Hallelujah! Assemble, Pray, Study – Synagogues Past and Present and Heroes - Trailblazers of the Jewish People. The former displays scale models of synagogues while the latter celebrates some of the greatest, world-changing people who are part of the Jewish culture. Among the many people honored are Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Barbra Streisand, Anne Frank, Steven Spielberg, Mark Rothko, George Gershwin, Joel and Ethan Cohen, Gertrude Stein, Jonas Salk and Moses.

Temporary exhibits that have been featured cover all aspects of Jewish life and culture. Past exhibits have recognized areas as varied as Jewish comedians, Ethiopian jewelry and cultural photography.

Beit Hatfutsot opened in 1978. Beit Hatfutsot himself was one of the original founders and the inspiration for the purpose behind the museum's mission. The museum is easily reached by foot as it is in the center of Tel Aviv University next to Screiber Square.