What do Idina Menzel, Leonard Nimoy and Judge Judy have in common? They are among the famous Jewish figures brought to life by the religious school
students at Temple Beth Elohim in Old Bethpage.
The living wax museum was the culmination of a unit of study and learning
about the notable Jewish people who have made an impression on the world,
Mark Chester, had the opportunity to research a significant historic or living person and then assumed their identities for the wax museum.
Other celebrity and famous characters portrayed were the baseball legend
Sandy Koufax, scientist Albert Einstein, football quarterback Sid Luckman,
Fran Drescher from "The Nanny" and "Happily Divorced", hockey legend Bob
Nystrom, magician Harry Houdini and actress Amanda Bynes.
The students enjoyed dressing in costume and stood still as wax figures,
ready to present their research as fellow students toured the "museum".
Families, including siblings, parents and grandparents were invited to tour
the museum along with the students, creating an inter-generational learning
experience. A light tap and the wax figure came to life with the story of
their hero.
The Wax Museum program left a lasting impression with the students. The
children honored the life of some of our world's most beloved people.
Temple Beth Elohim is a Reform congregation serving the Plainview - Old
Bethpage and surrounding communities since 1955.
