Grey Roots L'Chaim - To Life exhibit has been awarded the Ontario Museum Association's Award of Excellence.

The winning exhibit, L'Chaim - To Life: The Story of the Beth Ezekiel Synagogue, chronicles a remarkable story of determination, tenacity, and faith. It tells of local Jewish pioneers and the contributions they made to Owen Sound and Grey County.

The OMA presents the Award of Excellence to individuals, institutions or agencies who have demonstrated an outstanding and significant contribution to the Ontario museum community. This is the second Award of Excellence Grey Roots has received in the last four years.

Over two years in the making, Grey Roots staff and members of the local Jewish community also contributed countless hours to create this exhibit.

Jeff Elie, president of the synagogue, is delighted that the exhibit has won the award. 

"It is an example of what a community museum can do when there is commitment and passion involved in the topic," he said.

Grey County Council and the Heritage Committee have also provided strong support in the development of the exhibit.

"We are very honoured to receive this Award of Excellence," Chair of the Heritage Committee, Delton Becker said. "Compliments go to the Grey Roots staff for development of the exhibit and thanks go out to the Beth Ezekiel synagogue for their part in making this exhibit possible."

The Award of Excellence was presented to Grey Roots last Thursday at the Ontario Museum Association awards banquet.  The banquet is during the three-day annual OMA conference held this year at the Delta Chelsea Hotel, Toronto.

L'Chaim - To Life: The Story of the Beth Ezekiel Synagogue is open now at Grey Roots Museum & Archives until September 7, 2008.