Rabbi David Wolpe, left, and comedian Howie Mandel hosted the gala. (photo courtesy of Vince Bucci)

The American Friends of the World’s Jewish Museum held its third annual gala for the World’s Jewish Museum Hamakom at The Maybourne Beverly Hills on Nov. 19.

The gala celebrated architect Frank Gehry’s design and vision for the museum, and honored three individuals for their commitment to the WJM project.

Scholar, author and spiritual leader Rabbi Joseph Telushkin received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Tel-Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai accepted the Early Adopter Award and Miri Nash, a powerhouse in the world of Jewish philanthropy, was presented with the Israel Legacy Award.

Comic and Emmy-nominated TV host Howie Mandel and Rabbi David Wolpe returned to co-host.

At the gala, Gail Asper, the founding force behind The World’s Jewish Museum, revealed that the projected cultural center will now be called The World’s Jewish Museum Hamakom, an addition of the Hebraic word for “the place.”

Asper announced that more than half of the construction budget had been raised and plans are on track to lay the museum cornerstone in 2023. The gala raised more than $1.4 million.

“As we move closer to the fulfillment of our vision for the World’s Jewish Museum, I am convinced that we are building an iconic, one-of-a-kind gathering place that will become a destination jewel in Tel-Aviv,” Shauna Shapiro Jackson, executive director of AFWJM, said. “This will be a place to celebrate the impact the Jewish people have had on the world through the ages and to inspire future generations for years to come.”

The World’s Jewish Museum will be an immersive experience, part of a complex that will include a cultural and entertainment center. Designed by Gehry, the museum will celebrate contributions that the Jewish people have made to the world.  Situated on the bank of the Yarkon River and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the museum will serve as a cultural hub in Tel Aviv.

For information, visit worldsjewishmuseum.com.