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Preserving Jewish Heritage in Texas Jewish Est. 1980 Historical Society February, 2013 News Magazine My Father, Sam Night by Bernice Night Schnurr In the year 1911, a young man of eighteen ran away from Poland, which later became Austria, because he did not want to join the army after his only brother died in the war. Instead, he wanted to live his dream of becoming a merchant who could own his own business. His parents blessed him, and that man was Samuel Naichtingal, my father. He arrived in Ellis Island and shortened his name to Samuel Naicht and then Ameri- canized to Sam Night (always with an “N”). He had several cousins in New York who helped him for a while. He taught himself to read, write, and speak English, and after some time, his sister and brother-in-law, Sam Night in his store in Beaumont, Texas Sadie and Ben Pfeffer, invited him to work for them in their store in , Texas. So he stayed in Houston and worked for a while. Later, In This Issue: he worked in Orange, Texas, and then went to to work in a store owned by B. Schwartz and his wife Annie Message from the President 2 Schwartz. They were very people who admired the Markus: Planter of Trees 4 working, ambitious Sam Night and invited him to a book review by Linda Blasnick Shabbat dinner one evening. At their house, he saw a pic- ture of a beautiful girl, who was Annie Schwartz’s niece The Gerrick Family 5 and who lived in New York. Annie wrote to her niece and by Jack Gerrick asked her to come to Dallas to meet this ambitious, nice looking man. So she came, and “Sidath” was made. Her Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish 10 name was Sarah Elise Goldstein, and she was my mother. Communities: Houston, Texas My father took her to Houston and they were married by Jewish Pioneers of Corpus Christi 12 Rabbi Max Geller. by Vickie Vogel It wasn’t too long before a friend of his, B.Wylde, asked Sam to come to Beaumont, Texas, where the Spin- R. D. Moaes 16 continued on page 3 by Lynell Bond Moses

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 1 Message from the President by Marc Wormser The January mission.” Along similar lines, I am happy meeting in San An- On behalf of TJHS, I to see so many additional members gelo was a success- thank Barbara Rosenberg taking advantage of receiving the ful meeting with and Suzanne Campbell news magazines and other bits of in- a weekend full for hosting a great week- formation via email. It not only saves of activities and end. postage, but it also seem to be a more dedication events. After the new direc- natural event than reading mail. Congregation Beth tory was mailed, TJHS The new web site will be up with- celebrated was informed of changes in the next month. I hope that every- their 100-year an- of address, deaths, phone one will like our new format. With niversary with a numbers, etc. This just the new site, one will also be able to historical marker shows that as diligent use PayPal (accepting any credit card) and a presentation as one might be, a lot of to pay dues, make donations, make of a flag flown over current information falls purchases, etc. the state capital by through the cracks. That One concern that we have is our Representative Drew Darby. He said, is the reason that in every News Maga- declining membership. We currently “This event is due to the combined zine, we continue to ask for your help have 631 members. The attrition is efforts of the synagogue members, the to keep us apprised of those changes. due primarily to deaths, which is Texas Jewish Historical Society, the I certainly realize that this notifica- understandable, but we have also had Tom Green County Historical Com- tion is not at the top of your priority several resignations of membership mission, the Collection at list. Please help us maintain a current due to a variety of personal reasons. At ASU, and the Texas Historical Com- database as much as we can. the same time, we have added thirty- three members in 2011 and twenty- four members in 2012. Hopefully, as The Texas Jewish Historical Society we go forward, every one of you can February 2013 help, and we can see a major rise in membership. Quarterly News Magazine The Annual Gathering will be in Houston, April 19 through 21. Hotel The Texas Jewish Historical Society News Magazine is published accommodations will be at the Marri- four times annually. Stories about Texas Jewish history, oral histories, ott Westchase on Westheimer (regis- and requests for assistance with research are welcome, as are photographs tration form is included). We hope to and historical documents. Please provide color photocopies or scans at see many of you there. 300 dpi or greater, in .gif, .tif, or .jpg format, and send electronically to Please note that there are two Assistant Editor Davie Lou Solka at [email protected] or by mail to 3808 registration forms for meetings in Woodbrook Circle, Austin, TX 78759, 512-527-3799. Be sure to include your name and contact information. continued on page 21 The News Magazine of the Publisher-Editor Alexa Kirk Texas Jewish Historical Society Assistant Editor Davie Lou Solka Photographers Marvin Rich and Davie Lou Solka (USPS) is published four times a year by the Texas Jewish His- Note: The Texas Jewish Historical Society is torical Society, P. O. Box 10193, unable to guarantee the safe receipt and/or return Austin, Texas 78766-0193, Travis of documents or photographs. It is strongly recom- County. Periodical postage paid at mended that you provide color photocopies of both Houston, Texas. Postmaster: send color and black & white documents. We welcome address changes to the Texas Jew- your comments and suggestions. ish Historical Society, P. O. Box Visit us on the web at www.txjhs.org. 10193, Austin, Texas 78766-0193. www.txjhs.org.

Page 2 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Sam Night, continued from page 1 dle Top oil boom had begun. He said promised to pay every penny back. His Help was hard to find, so he sold that all the merchants in Beaumont word was his bond. They trusted him the contents of the store to another were doing well. Sam found a store at and he made it through the hard years. merchant, rented the new merchant 479 Crockett, so my parents left Dallas Many of the merchants did not survive the store, and went to work for him. in 1920. My father worked hard and the 1929 crash. After the crash, condi- He worked in the store like it was established good relationships with his tions improved and the store began to his very own. The new merchant did customers by accommodating them be fruitful again. My father was able to extremely well during the war years. late into the night. Many nights he purchase four tracts of land and moved On March 25, 1945, my father was stayed open until nine or ten—or even back to the middle of the block, which in China, Texas, collecting debts that midnight—so that they could shop was 479 Crockett where he started. His were due from rice farmers when he after work when the ships came into slogan was “Sam Night Back in the crossed the and was struck the harbor of Neches River port. Middle of the Block.” by a passing car. He suffered a head Sam did well until the stock mar- The oil boom was over, so my injury and died that night. He died ket crash in 1929, which forced him to father began to cater to farm- working. He was forty-nine. move to a smaller store at the corner ers of the small nearby of Nome, My brother Harvey came home of Crockett and Park. By this time he China, and Fanette. He was willing to from the war and asked my mother had four children: Harvey, his old- sell them the work clothes that they to re-open the store. The merchant est; Bernice, Geraldine, and Evelyn. needed and was willing to trust them who was renting the store was asked He was so proud of his children. He to pay after the crops were harvested. to move and new merchandise was wanted a dozen so my mother had two Most of the people paid and for those put in. That was in 1948. Harvey more. Thank God they were boys— who didn’t, he would drive on Sundays built it back up, and as time went on Ralph and S.D. “Donnie”—because he to collect from them in person. My he brought his brothers, Ralph and wanted his name to live on. That made father actually never drove, but my Donnie, into the business. Ralph is a half-dozen and my mother said “that mother was the driver and took him still co-owner. Donnie left and went was all.” Today, my three brothers anywhere he wanted to go. She worked into commercial real estate. The two have three sons, and five grandsons. at the store and helped him with every- brothers worked well together and They also have two daughters and four thing. She sold and loved being the kept the styles contemporary with the granddaughters. The girls have three cashier. She was a great help to him. changing world, selling high fashion, sons and three daughters, five grand- He also catered to the railroad men and western wear, and even the “super- daughters and three grandsons. As of all workmen. He sold a lot of khakis, fly” look in the sixties and seventies. 2012, there are sixteen grandchildren overalls, boots, work shoes, rainwear They changed the name of the store and three great-grandchildren. called “slickers,” trunks, suitcases, and to “Nights.” They still sold work Sam managed to keep his store a lot of hats. He had Stetson hats made clothes, boots, shoes, hats, etc. open during the depression and with his name in them. They soon realized that there was continue to stay open late into the When World War II started, his son a need for uniforms, so they began to night, hoping for sales. He wrote his Harvey joined the Air Force and was furnish uniforms for post office work- creditors to give him time. He would sent to the war in the China-Burma ers, prison guards, and other law en- send them money a little at a time and Theater. His son Ralph was still young. forcement related groups. They built continued on page 15 We need Your Stories! We are currently looking for assistant editor. ture generations. stories with ties to Texas Jewish Everyone has a story to tell, So what are you waiting for? history! Any kind of story about long or short. Your history is of in- Send your article to our assis- your family history or your Tem- terest to members across Texas and tant editor, Davie Lou Solka, at ple’s history can fill the pages the nation! And you will be able to [email protected], mail it to 3808 of our quarterly news magazine. see your family’s history in print. Woodbrook Circle, Austin, TX Write your story, and if you have It is a wonderful keepsake and a 78759, or call her at questions or need help, call our valuable piece of genealogy for fu- 512-527-3799.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 3 markus, planter of trees: A Memoir by Elizabeth Meyer Liener, Bloomington, : iUniverse, 2012. 226 pages. Review by Linda Blasnick, Librarian, Tycher Library Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Meet Markus Rosenberg. the traditional Jewish lifestyle Is he the man whose love for that they knew in Europe. family and community took But outside of the orthodox him across the ocean to begin a population centers of New new life in a new continent? Is York, , Cleveland, etc., he the man who built a school, it took visionary leadership a business and a shul in Dallas, to lay the groundwork for a Texas? Is he the man who made vibrant, traditional community something from nothing? Is he to sustain itself in subsequent the man who inspires us to do generations. For the most part, the same? The answers are yes, those communities that were yes, yes, and you bet! not privileged to be blessed Markus, Planter of Trees is with such leadership could not the portrait of a spirited, intelli- maintain a vibrant orthodox gent young man, Markus, who community, to the detriment, woke up early every day ex- in my opinion, not only of cited to learn and ready to put traditional but of the that learning to good use. In six broader Jewish community short chapters, Liener leads us in that as well. Thanks through his journey. We meet to the visionary leadership of the man who always looked Markus Rosenberg and others, ahead and excelled due to his we are privileged to be counted forethought. To build a Jewish amongst the fortunate ones.” community in Dallas, Texas, Both institutions are stronger he saw the need for children to and more embracing than ever receive a Jewish education. He before. found the children and built a Rosenberg. And what is unique in how Liener expertly and school around them. He saw the need Marcus built the school is that it is one thoughtfully takes us along Markus’s for a shul. He found the minyan and of diversity. Children of all back- journey. She shines light on his tri- built a shul around them. All the while, grounds come together to learn about umphs and leaves his pains in dusky these institutions grew and Marcus their heritage. Congregation Shaare shadows. We see the quiet and strong Rosenberg—along with his wife, Ann, Tefilla just celebrated its 25th anni- love that Markus had for his parents, and their growing family, put the insti- versary. Rabbi Ari Perl, Senior Rabbi siblings, and friends. We do not see tutions before personal needs. of Congregation Share Tefilla states, him losing a loved one—holding them In 2012, Akiba Academy cel- “While it’s impossible to know, I think only by a last look for the last time. ebrated its 50th anniversary. Rabbi that it’s entirely plausible that without Yet we know that the power of those Zev Silver, current Headmaster of the vision and generosity of Markus tragedies propelled Markus forward. Akiba Academy replies to the question Rosenberg, traditional Judaism would His work was never ending. His goals of how Dallas would be different if not be nearly the vibrant and dynamic were clear. His obstacles were only Markus had not built the school. “The force that it is today. In the early to opportunities. continuity of our people is based on mid-20th century, many communities While the memoir is told chrono- Jewish children being educated and across the U.S.—and even across the logically, is time the thread that holds nurtured. The Dallas community has state of Texas—had small groups of the work together? It is possible? been transformed because of Markus immigrant who tried to maintain continued on page 5

Page 4 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 The Gerrick Family by Jack Gerrick In 1943, George and Evelyn brokerage. organization in Houston, my father Gerrick moved with their four children There was very little Jewish cul- and a number of other men in the val- from Chicago to a little in South ture in McAllen or Pharr inasmuch as ley spent many days in buying Texas called Pharr. Pharr had a popu- there was no synagogue and services as many guns and weapons as they lation of 2,000 people and was located were held in individual homes and could find. They sent them to a ship about eight miles from Mexico in the no Hebrew school until three years in Brownsville, which then shipped in the heart of the later after World War II when some of them to Israel to support statehood. citrus and vegetable growing area. the soldiers remained in town. There Many other weapons were also sent to Living in Pharr at the time were were numerous Jewish families up and Brownsville from South America, and three Jewish families: the Weisfelds, down the valley and later synagogues the ship was almost entirely filled with the Goldbergs, and the Tennebaums. in Mercedes, Harlingen, and Browns- weapons for Israel. We later found out Joe and Anna Goldberg owned a dry- ville. that the ship arrived in Haifa in April goods store and had two children: Bil- I’d like to point out that my right before Statehood and the war for ly, who later became of the brother Albert contracted polio when independence. State Democratic Party, and Rosalie, he was three years old and a major In 1949, I attended the Univer- who became a doctor in Houston. The epidemic hit the valley and nation. sity of Texas and while there, a major Tennebaums had two children, and the He spent some years in an iron lung freeze hit the valley and destroyed Weisfelds had four children (Seymour, and endured numerous operations. In most of the citrus industry and 80% of Harold, Rosie, and Sheldon). a last effort to cure him, my mother the trees. My dad’s entire grove froze Morris and Pauline were in the took him to Warm Springs, , and all of his trees, which were thirty citrus business and had a packing where there were some magical wa- to forty years old, died. My parents plant along with some citrus groves. ters. While there, she met President and siblings (Albert, Delores, and Pauline was my mother’s sister who Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Most Jerry) moved to California, and I was convinced our family to move to Pharr know that FDR also had polio and drafted out of school into the Air Force and helped my dad get started in the was in a wheelchair. After two weeks, during the Korea conflict. The val- valley in the citrus business. At a there was no change, and my brother ley has grown tremendously over the later date, my dad went into business lived the rest of his life in braces and years and there is quite a Jewish pres- with Mr. Irving Kunik of McAllen in crutches. ence there now, with many Mexican a citrus packing plant and vegetable In 1947, under the direction of an Nationals moving into the valley. Markus, Planter of Trees, continued from page 4 Scene one shows Markus waking early mick, French’s, and Durkee, Markus ment Agency that afternoon, and along in the cold so excited by the learning went to to attend the with Erika, ground, processed, and for the day that he could barely sleep. bidding process. He made a bid and packaged pepper in cans. Markus and Bava filled his head and imagi- was asked by the Quartermaster officer his employees filled the order on time nation. So as not to waken his sleep- where his plant’s address would be. for the U.S. Army, sneezing all the ing brothers, he whispers Modeh Ani, Without an address but with confi- way. Once more, Markus succeeded ritually washes his hands, dresses, and dence, Markus promised a building for due to intelligence and spirit. packs a sack lunch of bread and butter. inspection within one week. “I got the Not every moment in Liener’s He is off to cheder. bid! I got the bid!” he told his uncle. memoir is filled with light. Markus in Fast forward to Dallas, Texas. He purchased a pepper grinder, and Auschwitz, famished and volunteering Markus and his sister Erika arrive, with a little help from his uncle, se- to do hard labor, saw darkness and ab- neither speaking more than a few cured 2815 Main Street in sorbed pain. A witness to evil, he per- words of English. Within several Dallas. Markus explained his story to severed. Among those liberated and months, Markus found that the U.S. the inspector and received approval to weighing less than 90 pounds, Markus army was accepting bids for a new start working on the pepper contract. ultimately met his sibling, Erika, who black pepper contract. Not knowing He hired Eloisa and Frances Carrasco, was serving in a soup kitchen. The that he was competing with McCor- two sisters from the Texas Employ- brother and sister faced the losses of continued on page 8

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 5 TJHS Winter Meeting

TJHS Board members gather for the board meeting.

Welcome sign at Panel Presentations at Angelo State University.

Havdalah with Megan and Matthew Mizell.

Rabbi Marcy Greene gives the blessing at Shabbat dinner. Earlene Gorden, Charles Hart, Gary Whitfield, and Bruce Gordon.

Page 6 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 San Angelo, Texas, January 25-27, 2013

The Kurtz family, who visited from , Georgia. Front row: Zachary and Bryce Kurtz, Photo above: Unveiling the historical marker for Congre- Rachel, Lila and Jonah Turner. Back row: Chris gation Beth Israel was Marc Wormser, Amy Mizzell-Fling, and Carrie Turner, Betty and Ron Kurtz. Jeffrey Lisson, Suzanne Campbell, Carol Polunsky, and Barbara Rosenberg.

TJHS members came to commemorate the unveiling.

President Marc Wormser spoke at the unveiling of Congre- gation Beth Israel’s historical marker.

The panel that spoke about growing up in San Angelo: Peggy Polunsky Jessel, Carol Polunsky, Bob Becker, Sylvia Fine Wilken- field, Ron Kurtz, Marty Cohen.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 7 San Angelo, Texas, January 25-27, 2013

TJHS at Lawnhaven .

Suzanne Campbell and Barbara Rosenberg, San Angelo weekend co-chairs. www.txjhs.orgVisit us on the web at www.txjhs.org.

Markus, planter of trees, continued from page 5 their mother, father, and young brother Aaron. Markus, Emanuel, and David survived. They were determined to move forward. Marcus changed the spelling of his name. He changed the places where he lived. Yet, he changed the past by changing the future. With his family in the new world, he began a new family. Children married and had children of their own. Marcus changed his name once more—to Opa. He gave his grandchildren nicknames and always had a secret stash of KitKat or “kitty Rosenberg descendants. Front row: Miles Pulitzer, Ann Rosenberg, cat bars” waiting for them at the top of David Waks. Middle Row:Elie Rosenberg, Shalva Rosenberg, Tali his office closet. “At the time of the memoir, Rosenberg, Gabriella Grief, Noa Waks, Mina Pultizer. Marcus had a legacy of fifteen grand- Back Row: Jake Greif, Daniel Waks. children (two of them married) and institutions he founded, along with Read and enjoy Liener’s memoir. two great-grandchildren, with hopes of those to which he gave generously, It is the journey of an unstoppable man many more to come, God-willing. The continue to advance and thrive.” whose spirit and love inspire today.

Page 8 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 An Invitation to a Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony The Members of the Texas Star Chapter of The Daughters of the cordially invite you to attend the Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony for Major Leon Dyer, Army of the Republic of Texas on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at 2:00 pm. The ceremony will take place at the Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery Broadway and 43rd Street at Avenue K in Galveston, Texas Light refreshments will follow. Please bring your lawn chairs. Free street parking will be available. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place at Congregation B’nai Israel 3808 Avenue O, Galveston A special thanks to the following for their donations or support: the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Galveston County Historical Commission Congregation B’nai Israel in Galveston, Texas Texas Jewish Historical Society Ralph E. Dittman, M.D., Houston, Texas David M. Zwahr, Pasadena, Texas Chapter website: www.lksfriday.com/DRT/DRT-013.htm A Recent Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony Congregation Beth Israel in San founding fathers, some who came Angelo, Texas, unveiled a historical from California, Georgia and marker Saturday, January 26, 2013, , as well as in Texas. in conjunction with the Board Meet- The week-end was chaired by ing of the Texas Jewish Historical Barbara Rosenberg and Suzanne Society. The unveiling ceremony Campbell, TJHS members. The also celebrated the Congregation’s Texas Jewish Historical Society, 100th Birthday. It was attended by the Tom Green County Historical approximately two hundred people, Commission and the West Texas including TJHS Board members and Collection at Angelo State Uni- spouses. Also attending were many versity worked together to have descendants of the congregation’s the marker placed.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 9 Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities The Texas Jewish Historical Society awarded a grant to the Institute of Southern Jewish Life to re- search and publish the histories of Jews in Texas towns. These histories are available on the Institute’s website and are called “Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities.” We will print one of these histories in each issue of our News Magazine. Thanks to Dr. Stuart Rockoff, director of the History Department, for permission to reprint these articles. To see other towns, go to the Institute of Southern Jewish Life website and click on “Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities.” Houston’s Jewish Congregations Brothers merchants. Augustus and Jews con- John Allen envi- tinued to settle sioned building in Houston and a vibrant city in by 1860, there the new Texas were one-hun- Republic. Their dred-eight Jews creation, which who lived in they named after the City. the hero of the All but six of Texas War for the sixty-eight Independence, adults were im- Sam Hous- migrants. They ton, was soon concentrated declared the tem- in retail trade, porary capital owning 15% of the fledgling of the city’s nation. As the stores in 1860. seat of govern- Most achieved ment for the economic Texas Republic, success rather Houston grew “300 block of Main Street facing north at Preston Avenue.” 1883-1884.1 quickly. Sever- from twelve al Houston Jews residents at the start of 1837 to 1,500 Jews were attracted to Houston became leaders of the local business people just four months later. After early in the city’s history. Jacob community. Morris Levy and Henry the capital moved to Austin in 1839, DeCordova was one of the most Fox were both involved in creating a Houston turned to the region’s leading prominent citizens in the town. He group that sought to connect Houston cash crop, , to fuel its economy. helped create the Houston Chamber of to the through a ship Plantation owners would ship their Commerce in 1840 and later opened channel. The eventual success of the cotton along with corn and animal a real estate business. During the project would later transform Houston. hides to Houston, which would then 1840s he served as an alderman and Fox served on the first board of direc- travel by steamboat down the Buffalo represented Harris County in the leg- tors of the Houston Board of Trade Bayou to Galveston, where they would islature. He moved his land business and Cotton Exchange and became be shipped to major ports in the east- to Austin in 1852. Lewis and Mary president of the Houston National Ex- ern U.S. and Europe. The construc- Levy moved to Houston in 1841 and change Bank. John Reichman served tion of railroads in the 1850s and 60s were also involved in real estate busi- as an alderman and was the city secre- linked Houston to the nation’s growing ness. According to historian, Helena tary and treasurer during the 1870s. transportation network, and enabled Schlam, seventeen Jewish adults lived Soon after Jews settled in Hous- the city to become a major commercial in Houston in 1850, and of the eleven ton, they began to pray together. The center for the southeast. adult males, all but DeCordova were continued on page 11 Page 10 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Houston, Texas, continued from page 10 first reported minyan took place in Israel in 1859 were young immigrants favor of the organ. By 1874, Beth Is- 1837. It wasn’t until 1854 when they who found economic success in their rael had joined the Union of American bought land for a cemetery, that Hous- new home. Hebrew Congregations, completing its ton Jews began to organize community Most of these Jews observed evolution to . institutions. In 1855, Levy led the traditional Jewish practices. The In 1870 when Beth Israel built way to creating the Hebrew Benevo- Occident reported in 1860 that most a brick synagogue on the corner of lent Association, which aimed to serve Houston Jews “keep the Sabbath and Crawford and Franklin Street, it the cemetery and care for the Jewish Festivals strictly and do no business endured continual fights over ritual needy in the city. The Association was on the sacred days.” M. Levy, the first questions. Since it was the only greatly respected in Houston and was president of Beth Israel, had moved Jewish congregation in Houston, a invited to take part in the city’s July to the city from Charleston, where he group of traditional members left in had led an Orthodox breakaway group 1887 to meet for Orthodox services. from Beth Elohim Congregation after At that time there were two different it adopted Reform Judaism. When orthodox minyans—one Galician and Beth Israel bought a wooden build- one Russian. In 1891, they joined ing in 1860, it had separate seating together and formed Adath Yeshurun. for men and women. Members were P.S. Nussbaum was the first president. fined if they entered the synagogue They met in private homes before they with their heads uncovered. They bought a small house in 1894. hired Rev. Zachanah Emmich in 1860 When Galveston was hit by the to lead services and act as a schochet, 1900 hurricane, Houston emerged providing kosher meat to the congre- as the major port city in the area and gation. When Beth Israel’s leadership eventually became the second busiest tried to enforce Sabbath observance on port in the . Along with its members requiring that they keep the city’s growth, the Jewish popula- Jacob DeCordova, a prominent their stores closed on Saturday, several tion reached 11,000 people by 1927. Jewish Houstonian who helped members were suspended for violat- The Galveston Movement brought create the Houston Chamber of ing this rule. In 1864, the men of the hundreds of Jews to Houston between Commerce in 1840. congregation took over the religious 1907 and 1914. Most of these immi- 4th parade in 1856. school that had been founded a year grants were Orthodox Jews who need- In 1859, thirty-two men founded earlier by the women, claiming that ed to be able to walk to synagogue on Texas’ first Jewish congregation, Beth they had taught “an objectionable the Sabbath. As a result, sixteen men Israel. At least four of these founders catechism.” formed Adath Israel congregation in lived in other parts of Texas, in places After , Beth Israel 1905. Initially the new Orthodox con- as far away as Jefferson and Paris. began to move toward Reform Juda- gregation held services in the home of None were Texas natives and only one ism. In 1866, members voted over- its president, H. Wertheimer. In 1910, had been born in the United States. whelmingly to adopt Isaac Mayer a building was dedicated with the rab- The average age of the founding Wise’s Reform prayer book Minha bis of Beth Israel and Adath Yeshurun members was less than twenty-eight. America. Later, all of the new prayer participating. With sixty members in They were established economically books were stolen from the synagogue. 1910, Rabbi Jacob Geller was hired and several had amassed significant The congregation began to discuss to lead the congregation. He led the fortunes. Of this group of twenty-one adding an organ to worship services, congregation until his death in 1930. founders, six owned slaves, though but in 1869 when a vote was taken, Another Orthodox congregation, most only owned one as a house it was narrowly defeated. Four years Adath Emeth, was founded in 1910. servant. The men who created Beth later, Beth Israel’s members voted in continued on page 14 www.txjhs.orgVisit us on the web at www.txjhs.org.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 11 From Our Archives Jewish Pioneers of Corpus Christi by Vickie Vogel A number of nineteenth century primary cause of death was listed as Jews found Corpus Christi, Texas a “acute indigestion.” Born in Indianola likely place to thrive.1 One of the in 1871, he had lived in Corpus since earliest was Moritz L. Lichtenstein the age of two. who came to the United States Julius’ funeral was conducted by from Germany at the age of 17, Rabbi Terdesche of . arriving in Texas in 1857. He All city offices were closed to joined the Confederate army, give employees and heads of attaching himself to Sibley’s departments an opportunity to brigade in Victoria. Taken attend the service. The flag prisoner by Union troops at City Hall was lowered to in 1862, he was part of a half mast. The long funeral prisoner exchange which cortege included almost all enabled him to rejoin his city and county officials unit. He served in New as well as business and Mexico and professional men. The until the end of the war. district court was recessed Moritz opened a cloth- so attorneys could pay ing store in Goliad, then one their respects. The Corpus in Indianola, and arrived in Christi Times of February Corpus Christi in 1874 where 21, 1923 reported, “The he operated Lichtenstein’s death of Mr. Lichtenstein has Department Store until his cast a gloom over the business death thirty years later. He mar- and other elements of Corpus ried Selina Egg in 1868 and had Christi, as he was perhaps the three sons (Selig Julius, Abraham most familiar figure in the com- Albert and Emil2) and one daughter, mercial life of the city and was active Selma. in all affairs concerning the growth Specially built “hacks” carried and development of Corpus Christi goods through brush and since attaining manhood.” hill country. When the road The entire work force of M ended, the hack was left Julius Henry. Photo courtesy of the Corpus Christi Public Lichtenstein and Sons met with a friendly rancher and Library, Local History Department. the body at the train and es- the salesman loaded mer- corted it to the family home. chandise onto one horse, continuing to in 1941. Moritz’s sons Albert and On February 22, the headlines read remote ranches. Since these salesmen Julius, and later grandsons Morris and “Many Mourn With Family at Burial: were often the only outside contact for Abraham Albert Jr.,4 were well-known Last Rites for Julius Lichtenstein Wit- the ranchers and their families, they in the community because of Lich- nessed by Large Number of Citizens were warmly welcomed. tenstein’s. Julius married Charles and from All Walks of Life.” Lichtenstein’s Department Store3 Sara Weil’s daughter Carrie5. When After Albert died in 1929, his was housed in the first two-story brick Julius died in 1923 at the age of 51, sons Morris and A. Albert, Jr. became building in Corpus. The store moved the city mourned. He had gone to San president and vice-president of Lich- to a three-story building at Chaparral Antonio for treatment of a stomach tenstein’s. A. Albert married Annie and Schatzel Streets, and moved again complaint, his wife by his side. The continued on page 13

Page 12 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Jewish Pioneers, continued from page 12 Carol Wolfe in 1939. In 1953, he an- in the Bowery, then in the salt mines to Texas and heard stories of the nounced for mayor and promptly left of Pennsylvania where he traded salt booming little settlement on Corpus for a sixty-day Mediterranean cruise. for coal. He sold potatoes in Schenect- Christi Bay. He bought and sold wool Despite his failure to campaign, he ady, New York until he earned enough hides and skins, having worked in won the election.6 He supported a toll to buy a broom factory. Deciding New his father’s warehouse marking wool tunnel under the ship channel. When York was too cold, he travelled to Key bags. In 1875, he joined the commit- the city council voted to build a high West, and then sailed with “some Ne- tee to plan the Corpus Christi, San bridge instead, because the state would groes and Cubans” to Indianola, arriv- Diego, and Rio Grande narrow gauge pay for it, Albert stood up, resigned, ing in 1858. He was wounded fighting railroad. He served as vice president and took a seat in the audience. Indians in El Paso. of the Corpus Christi Fire and Ladder Another early Jewish pioneer was Continuing his colorful travels, Department, and was elected president Emanuel Morris, born in Germany in he tried to break the salt blockade of the Corpus Christi National Bank in 1841, who came to the United States when the Civil War broke out, but 1890. Hirsch was the first president of at age 18. He became a successful when he returned to Corpus Christi, he the Corpus Christi Independent School rancher, and owned stores in Corpus found it occupied by Federal troops. District and served until his death in Christi, Alice, , Laredo, and Undeterred, he chartered a boat and 1902. An elementary school is named . Morris’ import/export went to Ingleside, bought groceries, for him. His first wife was Jeanette business, with offices in New York and brought them to Corpus to open Weil, sister of Charles Weil. She died City, was successful. Morris is said to a store in 1865. His first job had been in 1873, and five years later, David have shipped the first oleomargarine, farm work, for which he received $4 married Olivia Benedict of Covington, produced by Victoria Packery, to Ham- a month. He worked at a bakery to Louisiana. burg, Germany. When it was found to save up the $500 needed to open his When Jeanette died, Captain be a substitute for butter, however, the grocery business. He brought over his Richard King’s son-in-law would cargo was dumped into the harbor! cousin Bertha Nathan from Europe not allow her to be buried in Corpus Emanuel’s wife was Carolyn Bar- and married her in 1865. Julius Henry Christi. David took her body in a thelow, daughter of Thomas Jefferson served as an alderman and then as covered wagon to Gonzales for burial, Barthelow of . Barthelow postmaster until his death June 30, a distance of almost 150 miles. When came to Victoria with a regiment of 1912.8 Captain King returned from out of General Zachary Taylor, and was the Charles Weil arrived in Corpus town, he was so outraged by his son- first sheriff of Cameron County. Caro- Christi in 1869. He married Sarah in-law’s actions that he donated land lyn was once voted the most beautiful Hymans of Gonzales on January 1, to the Jewish community for Hebrew woman in Corpus Christi. Her son 1874. Charles and his brother-in-law Rest Cemetery. Emanuel Morris and Leopold was editor of the Victoria Emanuel Frank established the Frank- David Hirsch were named trustees.9 Advocate. Emanuel died in 1897 at the Weil General Store. Charles and Sarah By 1875, according to a letter to age of 56. had eleven children. All their sons the editor of the American Israelite, Emanuel brought over the Cohn entered the mercantile business except “...within this body of Christ there brothers, Herman and Nathan, from Jonas, the oldest, who managed his lives no less than forty-five Jews and Europe and they in turn brought father’s ranch interests. In 1891, Jonas Jewesses...a goodly number for an over M. D. Cohn around 1882. M. was a member of a rain-making group out-of-the-way town on the Texas D. bought the San Diego branch of which fired cannons into the clouds. frontier.” Lichtenstein’s in 1904. Other mer- The popular Jonas was the first Jewish Ed Grossman arrived in Corpus chants include Simon Gugenheim, D. farmer in Corpus, wearing cowboy Christi in 1911. He was noted as the Schwartz, and Lawrence Levy. Levy boots “even in his home.” In 1902, only one in those days who subscribed owned a toy store. Charles’ sons Moise and Alex opened continued on page 18 A newspaper clipping in our a grocery business which operated archives cites Julius Henry, born in until 1945. Posen, Prussia, as the first Jewish set- David Hirsch, also in wholesale If you need TJHS member- tler in Corpus Christi.7 He sailed to and retail dry goods and groceries ship applications for an event, England in 1854, then on an American among other interests, was another program, personal use, etc., clipper loaded with iron and glass to early pioneer in Corpus Christi, arriv- please contact Rusty Milstein New York City. Most of his fellow ing in 1868. Coming to at [email protected]. passengers were Irish. Julius worked in 1848, Hirsch began making trips

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 13 Houston, Texas, continued from page 10 This group, led by Chazzan and scho- eventually a disgruntled faction sued to accept the “Basic Principles” as a chet, Meyer Epstein, rented a small the congregation in 1911. Mediation requirement for full membership. In house to hold services. They held was held, but it was unsuccessful. response, 142 people, including Rabbi joint High Holiday services with Adath The case went to trial in 1914, and the Kahn, left Beth Israel, and in 1944 Yeshurun, and in 1918 they bought a judge worked out a compromise in established Congregation Emanu- small house on the corner of Houston which both factions would have equal El. Rabbi Kahn was hired to be their and Washington Avenue. Three years representation on the board. This Rabbi. After Israel was founded in later, this house was replaced with a did not work as a group tried to force 1948, Rabbi Schachtel renounced his synagogue building. It burned in 1923 Rabbi Willner out, barring him from membership in the Council of Ameri- and was quickly replaced with a new entering the sanctuary. He led a group can Judaism and supported the Jewish building. of his supporters down the street to state. The “Basic Principles” were As the Orthodox congregations the Knights of Columbus Hall, where revoked in the 1960s, though they had were establishing, Beth Israel was also they held services as Congregation long since fallen into disuse. growing. The congregation dedi- Beth Shalom. However, this did not This was not the first split within cated a Romanesque synagogue on the last long, and in 1916, the two con- Houston’s Jewish congregations. In corner of Crawford and Lamar Streets, gregations merged and Rabbi Willner 1924, members of Adath Yeshurun but soon outgrew this building. An- became Adath Yeshurun’s rabbi once who wanted to move away from strict other Greek-revival temple was built again. That year Adath Yeshurun was at Austin and Houston Streets in 1920. the largest congregation in the city While Beth Israel had fourteen dif- with two-hundred-sixty members. ferent rabbis between 1860 and 1900, Zionism was at the heart of a bitter long-term stability was established dispute that split Houston’s only Re- when Rabbi Henry Barnstein was form congregation in the early 1940s. hired in 1900. He was a lover of high Leaders of Beth Israel were concerned culture and helped found the Houston about the growing size of the congre- Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston gation. Some of the new members Symphony Society. He also served were from Orthodox backgrounds on the board of the Houston Public and the leadership was concerned that Library for twenty years, and later they might push the classical Reform changed the spelling of his name to congregation in a more traditional di- Barnston. Beth Israel members were rection. When Rabbi Barnston retired pleased that their rabbi was such a in 1943, the congregation hired Rabbi respected community leader and sup- Judah Schachtel as the senior Rabbi, ported his interfaith work. passing over Associate Rabbi Robert Adath Yeshurun, the Orthodox Kahn who was serving overseas as Rabbi William Malev, who congregation, grew quickly and had a military chaplain in World War II. served Beth Yeshurun from one-hundred-sixty-five members by Rabbi Schachtel was a member of the 1946 to 1973. 1910. Rabbi S. Glaser was their first strongly anti-Zionist American Coun- orthodoxy broke off to form Temple Rabbi and in 1905, a new building cil for Judaism, while Rabbi Kahn Beth El, a Conservative congregation. was built. However, it was sold two supported the Zionist cause. The By 1926, Beth El had 210 members years later and in 1908, the congrega- Board created the “Basic Principles,” and was led by Rabbi Nathan Blech- tion built a new home on the corner a statement of beliefs that each new man. Beth El bought Beth Israel’s old of Jackson Street and Walker Avenue, member would have to ascribe to in building in 1925 and remained there with Rabbi Wolf Willner leading the order to receive voting rights in the for twenty years. This split did not congregation at this time. He served congregation. These principles, which last, and in 1942, Beth El and Adath from 1907 to 1924. Rubin Kaplan was were a restatement of the classical Yeshurun formed a joint religious the congregation’s cantor from 1912 to Reform tenets issued in the 1865 Pitts- school. Four years later, the two con- 1924. burgh Platform was in opposition to gregations merged to form Beth Ye- During Rabbi Willner’s tenure, a Jewish homeland. At an extremely shurun. While the new congregation the members squabbled over matters contentious congregational meet- would be Conservative, there were of ritual and finance to the point that ing, the members of Beth Israel voted continued on page 15

Page 14 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Houston, Texas, continued from page 14 daily Orthodox minyans in the chapel more in 1967 to a large new temple on gious school meeting at a local public to accommodate the more traditional North Braeswood. elementary school. In 1949, they members, and these minyans continue As Houston’s Jewish commu- dedicated their first and only building today. After the merger, Beth Yeshu- nity grew in the postwar years, new across from . Rabbi run had almost 1,000 members. Rabbi congegations were established. In Robert Kahn led Emanu-El from 1945 William Malev, a graduate of the 1955, Brith Shalom, a Conservative until he retired in 1978. He was an Jewish Theological Seminary, came congregation formed. In 1957, Hous- outspoken voice for social justice and to Beth Yeshurun in 1946, and led the ton Congregation for Reform Judaism civil rights in Houston. When Rabbi congregation until 1973. began and by 1962, they had bought a Kahn retired, Rabbi Roy Walter, who As the Houston Jewish community small building. had been an assistant Rabbi at Emanu- moved south, the Orthodox syna- Rabbi Jack Segal succeeded Rabbi El since 1970, became the senior rab- gogues also began to move. In 1939, Malev at Beth Yeshurun in 1973 and bi. He retired in 2011 after forty-one Adath Israel built a new building in served for twenty-three years. Since years. Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss the Washington Terrace neighborhood, 1996, Rabbi David Rosen has led the became senior rabbi in 2012. and in 1937, Beth Jacob, a new or- congregation. Beth Yeshurun had thodox congregation, built a building 2,170 families in 2011, making it the With approximately 45,000 Jews at Cleburne and Hamilton. In 1948, largest Conservative congregation living in the Houston area, there were Adath Emeth built a new synagogue in the United States. By 1971, Beth twenty-three different congregations in at Cleburne and Ennis Streets. After Israel had 1,235 members and when Houston in 2011. Forty years earlier the merger, Beth Yeshurun built a new Rabbi Schachtel retired in 1975, he there were six. Houston remains a synagogue in the neighborhood in was followed by Rabbi Samuel Karff, vibrant, flourishing community with a 1950. As their members again began who led the congregation for the next wide array of Jewish resources. to move, Beth Yeshurun built a new twenty-four years. Since 2004, Rabbi Editor’s note: There will be more building on Beechnut Street in Mey- David Lyon has been the senior Rabbi about the Houston Jewish community erland, which was completed in 1962. and the congregation had 1,700 mem- in future issues. Adath Emeth moved to a new syna- ber families in 2011. References: gogue on North Braeswood Boulevard Temple Emanu-El grew quickly, 1 Online Image. in 1960, and Beth Jacob moved that and for its first five years met at Cen- Digital Library. 24 January 2013. same year. Beth Israel moved once tral Presbyterian Church, with the reli-

Sam Night, continued from page 3 Mazel Tov up a great uniform business and changed the name to the following to “Nights Uniforms Company.” Their customers Texas Jewish Historical Society Members are very loyal and the brothers are just as giving, helping, loyal, and enjoying of them as my father Jane and Guy Manaster, on the birth of their grandson, Jude was in his day. Saul Manaster. He was born November 7, 2012 to Rex and My sister Geraldine Night Rich is from St. Mika Manaster and is little brother to Sadie. Louis and I live in Houston, Texas. We are both very proud of our father, and are also proud of Cynthia Salzman and Allen Mondell, on the birth of their our brothers, Harvey and Ralph Night. My sister grandson, Juan Jose Santos Mondell. He was born October 24, Evelyn Night Schackman and my brother Donnie 2012 to Fonya Naomi Mondell and Juan Jose Santos, Jr. Night have passed on, but we were very proud of them also. It was quite an era from 1920 to 2012. Cynthia Salzman Mondell, on receiving the Lois Weber Award As I write this article, my brothers are selling from the Grand Prairie Public Library for body of work and the merchandise and will close the store in 2013. impact on the Texas Motion Picture Industry. This is the first It was a wonderful adventure for my father, Sam time a filmmaker has received this award. Night, and a second-generation adventure for my brothers, Harvey and Ralph Night. They are the Please send information for this column to last of the small merchants from Beaumont, Texas Davie Lou Solka at [email protected]. in the 1920s.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 15 R. D. Moses by Lynell Moses Bond R.D. Moses always loved model 1970s, while his five kids were mostly trains. There is no particular rhyme grown, R.D. had a mild stroke and or reason of what in each of our lives the doctor told him he needed to slow determines the hobbies which we down and find a hobby. That was just tend to enjoy and gravitate towards. the right prescription he was looking Some people collect stamps, others for to renew his dormant fascination like to fish, enjoy sports, photography, with model trains. R.D. and his wife knitting, reading, or woodworking; Beverley never moved from their R.D. liked model trains. He built his modest brick home where there was first small railroad layout in the early little room for his rekindled interest to 1950s on a 4x8 sheet of plywood, but be built. So he purchased a 12x16 out- with a growing family amid lim- door storage shed and had it placed in ited space and funds he soon had to the backyard. That plan worked well give that up. He tended to his fam- for about ten years where he continu- ily and business but was without his ally added to the layout until it was treasured pastime. Then in the early nearly tight against the walls. Know- ing he was “land- locked,” he re- moved along with the building itself. He then what he had built what he believed would be could plenty of space for his grand plans— from the a building about 14x24. That, too, layout for worked only for so long, and he once future use again had his “train shed” enlarged and then for the final time, to 50 feet long. demol- With that addition, and under Bever- ished ley’s stern eyes, he sheepishly named every- the little town built on the new side as thing else “Broken Promise” because he broke his promise to her that he would not make the building any larger. He spent countless hours building his train layout. This was his true passion. People look in awe that he built it by hand. He formed the mountains with plaster of paris over screen wire, the rock embankments were solid cast plaster. Then he took an exacto knife and hand sculpted every individual stone. He made each tree from twisted wire and modeling fern

continued on page 17

Page 16 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 R. D. Moses, continued from page 16 material. He painted TX, 75657, www. and textured every- Jefersonmuseum. thing: the scenery, com. The town of the buildings, the rail Jefferson built a cars, and the hundreds special building so of little people. He the setting could be loved showcasing little completely shown as dioramas of daily life it was originally cre- just happening. He ated. R.D.’s dream beamed with pride as of having his hobby he showed it whenever enjoyed forever has visitors would come. come true. He was featured in several newspapers and national train appropriate location. Finally Arthur found the perfect match in Jefferson Save the Date Texas. There were several obstacles to be overcome, the April 19-21, 2013 greatest of which Annual Gathering was that the only in Houston, Texas way to remove the layout from the back June 7-9, 2013 yard was to have it Summer Meeting cut in half, crated, Corsicana, Texas and then lifted out over the house by a October 4-6, 2013 large crane; it was Fall Meeting the family’s honor in to fulfill his wishes. magazines for his realistic layout. Outside of his family, nothing else R.D. hoped that after he passed gave him as much pleasure as his The deadline for away, his trains and their settings trains. the May 2013 TJHS would be donated to a museum where The R.D. Moses T & P Model they could be enjoyed by many Railroad can be seen as part of the News Magazine is people for years. After his death in Jefferson Society and Historical Mu- Saturday, 2009, his son, Arthur, searched for an seum, 233 W. Austin St., Jefferson, April 13.

Does TJHS Have Your Current Email Address? Is your email address current? be electronically sending as much Has it changed since the 2012-2014 mail as possible, so don’t be left out directory was printed? Have you or behind—send your current infor- changed email providers? If so, mation today! please send Marc Wormser an email Please put “email change” in the at [email protected] so that he subject line and with your name in can update your information in the the text of your message, and send it database. To reduce postage costs today! Thank you. and printing delays, we are going to

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 17 Jewish Pioneers, continued from page 13 to a Yiddish newspaper, the Tageblatt. Temple Beth El10 Sisterhood (1928- formed to fight a proposed amendment His wife, Sadie, was a much beloved 1932), and was chair of the local to the city charter stating that human figure in Corpus Christi Jewish history. branch of ORT.11 She was instru- life begins at conception. The proposal Born in in 1892, she settled mental in bringing the first combined was defeated 63% to 36%, and Helen with her family in Boston as one of convention of Hadassah and the Zion- was encouraged to run for mayor, but nine children. Her first humanitarian ist Organization of America to Corpus she declined.13 efforts were at the age of 14 when she Christi in 1933. Not all was smooth sailing for raised money for victims of the 1906 At the Golden Anniversary Donor Jews in Corpus Christi, according to San Francisco earthquake. Sadie and Dinner in 1976, Hadassah honored Frank Wagner who participated in a Ed had six children. They opened Sadie Grossman as an organizer and TJHS panel at the Texas State His- their home for social and fundraising named her “Woman of the Year Emeri- torical Association in March of 1988. events, and for hospitality to Jewish tus” for her history of service and Wagner was an educator, historian and servicemen in the Corpus area. One “ commitment to her religion, to retired chemist who was called “the serviceman even celebrated his wed- Israel, and to humanity.” smartest man I ever knew” by District ding in their home. One interesting document in our Judge Mike Westergren.14 Wagner archive file on believed one cause of anti-Semitism in Corpus Christi Corpus Christi was the Jews’ rational is a copy of approach to the fight against the boll the affidavit weevil.15 The fundamentalist Christian of support that approach blamed the boll weevil on Max Strauss the will of God. When a Mr. Goldman of New York paid five cents for each boll weevil signed in 1938 brought in, he was called an agent of on behalf of the devil. Louis, Liesel, In a letter to Ruthe Winegarten, Siebgert and Wagner told the story of Judge J. Wil- Kurt Hirsch, liamson Moses of Aransas and Duval all relatives of Counties. A gang of Texas Rangers his wife Lea, decided to hang him for being a Jew. to get them out They did a poor job of it, and a friend of Germany. cut him down before he died. Moses The occupa- took his family to Mexico for an ex- tion for all the tended visit. Hirsch relatives “The practice of Judaism was a is stated as risky business in during “horse dealer.” the latter part of the 19th century,” These Hirsches Wagner wrote in June, 1988. “A news settled in item in the Corpus Christi paper ...in Waco.12 reference to David Hirsch’s obser- The Jewish vance of Friday evening and Saturdays Community was said to ‘affront’ the community. has continued Captain King stood alone. Most of the to be active in people in the community were an- civic affairs David Hirsch. Photo courtesy of the Corpus Christi tagonistic towards Jews and made no Public Library, Local History Department. in Corpus bones about it. Sabbath and Holy Day Christi. The observances were regarded as exam- Often recognized for her commu- Corpus Christi Caller Times carried a ples of the Jews going out of their way nity service, Sadie Grossman was the photo of a jubilant Helen Wilk, TJHS to annoy the community.” first president of the Pioneer Women Past President, in its January 20, 1991 Be that as it may, the Jewish com- (Zionist), was active in Hadassah, issue. Helen was treasurer of Citizens munity continues to thrive in Corpus served as the first president of the United for Charter Integrity, a group Christi. continued on page 19

Page 18 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Honor or Memorialize a Friend or a Loved One With a Donation to the TJHS Endowment Fund

When you honor or memorialize a The Texas Jewish Historical Society gratefully acknowledges your friend or a loved one with a donation to the gift to its Endowment Fund in the amount of Texas Jewish Historical Society’s Endow- $______ment Fund, you help support important programs. Send the honoree’s full name, In honor/memory of: ______type of honor (memorial, congratulations, ______or occasion—birthday, anniversary, award, new child or grandchild, etc.) and your Acknowledge To: name, along with a check in the amount of Name: ______your , to Address: ______The Texas Jewish Historical Society Phone: ______P. O. Box 10193 Donor Information: Austin, TX 78766-0193 Name: ______Address: ______Your support of the Texas Jewish His- ______torical Society’s programs is greatly appre- ciated and will be recognized in an issue of Phone: ______the quarterly news magazine. Thank you. Your gift will further the efforts to record, preserve, and disseminate historic information about Texas Jewish culture.

Jewish Pioneers, continued from page 15 Endnotes 4 Albert was born February 15, 1910. ka was the first woman President of 1 Box 3A170, Texas Jewish HIstorical His first vivid memory was when Temple Beth El, 1980-1982. Email Society Collection, Dolph Bris- the family home was destroyed in from Solka to the author coe Center for American History, the 1919 hurricane. 6, 2012. University of Texas at Austin. All 5 http://www.cclibraries.com/local_ 11 ORT is an acronym of Russian information is from this box un- history/mondayclub/lichtensteinc. words meaning “The Society for less otherwise stated. Temple Beth htm Trades and Agricultural Labor.” ORT El provided a history “Old Fami- 6 The City Manager, W. B. Col- is the world’s largest Jewish educa- lies and Early Settlers” in 1957, lier, resigned when Lichtenstein tion and vocational training non- which Helen Wilk updated for the was elected, saying he wouldn’t governmental organization. http:// 50th Anniversary in 1983. Various serve with him “for all the tea in www.ort.org/about-us/about/ newspaper clippings from the Cor- China.” http://abt-unk.blogspot. 12 http://obit.wilkirsonhatch- pus Christi Times, Nueces County com/2012/07/sentimental-sunday- bailey.com/obitdisplay. News, the American Israelite, etc. kin-to-corpus.html html?task=Print&id=542920 and other writings are in this box. 7 Corpus Christi was founded in 1839. 13 Email Helen Wilk to author Novem- 2 Emil went to the Naval Academy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cor- ber 29, 2012. and reached the rank of Commodore pus_Christi,_Texas 14 Wagner died in 2006. http://www. in the U.S. Navy. His son Mor- 8 Bertha Nathan’s sister married Ferdi- caller.com/news/2006/jul/15/frank- ris Spitz Lichtenstein later joined nand Wormser of Laredo. wagner-chemist-dies-at-80/?print=1 the department store as secretary- 9 Burials in Hebrew Rest can be found 15 The boll weevil in Texas was an- treasurer. http://abt-unk.blogspot. at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry. nounced by a Corpus Christi drug- com/2012_07_01_archive.html com/ ~txnueces/hebrew%20rest%20 gist, Charles W. DeRyee in 1894. 3 The store was sold in 1972 and re- cemetery.html http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/ named Frost Brothers in 1977. ibid. 10 TJHS Vice President Davie Lou Sol- online/articles/teb01.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 19 Jewish Sites in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal In December, a group of fourteen, members will join tours in other parts your directory for contact informa- plus the tour director, enjoyed a trip of the world. Let us know where you tion). to Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, want to go by contacting Travel and an area rich in Jewish history. TJHS Adventure Chair Vickie Vogel (see

Vickie Vogel with sculpture of Mai- Santa Maria La Blanca, 12th century Vickie Vogel at Hanukkiah in Lisbon, monides in the old Jewish quarter of synagogue in Toledo, Spain. Portugal park. Cordoba, Spain. Identifying the Graves of Texas Veterans by Herschel L. Sheiness The Texas Jewish Historical Soci- Administration and Texas State cem- name of the month) ety, in conjunction with the National eteries, since they have already been • Date of Death (please spell out the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Cemetery identified—their headstones have a name of the month) Committee, is expanding a project Star of David. If you know of Jewish • Place of birth initiated by San Antonio Jewish War veterans buried in National and State • Name of cemetery Veterans Post to identify the graves of who do not have the Star of • City/town of cemetery all Jewish military veterans buried in David on their tombstones, we would • Grave plot number any Texas cemetery, Jewish and non- like to know about them too. • Branch of service (Army, Navy, Jewish. This does not include Jewish If you know of a Jewish military Air Force, etc,) veterans buried in National Veterans veteran, male or female, combat vet- • Dates of service eran or not, buried in any Texas Jewish • Campaigns in which veteran or non-Jewish cemetery, or a VA or served (WW1, WW2, Korea, Viet- Texas State cemetery and does not nam, etc), have a Star of David on the headstone, • If killed in action, name of theater please forward as much of the follow- • awards and decorations ing information as you know about • What the veteran did while on the individual to the address in the last active duty (pilot, infantry, physi- paragraph: cian, etc.) • Full Name of deceased veteran • Identification of military unit(s) in • Date of birth (please spell out the which he/she served continued on page 21

Page 20 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 In Memoriam Reva Cohen, John Perel, TJHS member, died on Max Stool, a TJHS member, November 28, 2012, in Houston. longtime TJHS died on Octo- He is survived by Janice Crane, Eli member and ber 7, 2012, in Crane, Will Crane, his brothers and former board Houston. She sisters-in-law, Stephen and Frances members, died is survived by Perel and Bobby and Linda Chew on November her daughter and Perel, one niece, one nephew, an 1 2012, in San son-in-law Diana and Mark Phil- aunt, and several cousins. Antonio. He lips, her son and daughter-in-law is survived by Lawry and Patricia Cohen, four Evelyn G. Maltz, his sons and grandchildren, and many in-laws, TJHS member, daughters- nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and died on December in-law, Samuel Ethan and Patti great-nephews. 3, 2012, in Corpus Stool and Benjamin Laurence and Christi. She is Michele Ritter Stool, his daugh- Elaine Utay survived by her ter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Greenberg, sons and daugh- David Friedman, six grandchildren, TJHS member, ters-in-law, Larry and Patti Maltz one great-granchild, and numerous died on Decem- and Mike and Rosalyn Maltz, her son nieces and nephews. ber 18, 2012, in Kenneth Maltz, four grandchildren, Houston. She and six great-grandchildren. Hilda Atlas Rich, TJHS member, is survived by her daughters and died on Janu- sons-in-law Elena and Joel Dinkin Aaron Wechter, ary 4, 2013, in and Sandy and Mike Reckles, her TJHS member, Houson, She daughter Sherry Leva, seven grand- died on July 19 is survived by children, her brothers, her sister-in- 2012, in El Paso. her daughter law, and numerous nieces, nephews He is survived and son-in- and other family members. by his wife Syl- law, Renie via, his daughter Jacqueline Reed Zarefsky, TJHS Rich Carniol Dana, his sons and Paul Car- member, died on June 2, 2012, in and daughters- San Francisco, California. She niol, her daughters Sharon Rich and in-law, Randy Nancy Red, six grandchildren, her is survived by her husband, Paul and Janet and Keven and Jamie, and Zarefsky, and her son, Jacob. brothers and sisters-in-law nieces, seven grandchildren. nephews, and her special daughter and son-in-law, Mary and David May their memories be a blessing. Klein and their children.

Graves, continued from page 20 President’s Message, continued Please send the information Contributions from page 2 to Herschel Sheiness, at 718 The following donations have been received by this issue. One is for the An- Mello Oak, San Antonio, TX the Texas Jewish Historical Society: nual Gathering and the other for 78258 or [email protected]. the Summer Board meeting that If submitting by e-mail, please A Gift to the Endowment Fund: will be held in Corsicana early enter something like “Identifying In Memory of Allen Feinstein,From Enid Klass in June. We were concerned that a Jewish veteran” in the subject In Memory of Frances Kallison, From Bobbi the next issue of the News Maga- line. Kallison Raviez zine would not reach you in time Thank you for your sup- In Memory of Max Stool, From Susan and Bob to register for the Summer Board port of this project to recognize Lewis; Mina Pashkoff and Perry Vann; Vickie meeting, so we are sending the deceased Jewish veterans buried and David Vogel; Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Wilk registration form for that meeting in Texas. in two issues. Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 21 Welcome New Members! Proposed Slate Ann (Trugman) Ackerman Liz (Meyer) Liener of Officers, TJHS 7 Bartemus Tr., #306 6444 Willow Ln. Nashua, NH 03063-7606 Dallas, TX 75230 [email protected] 972-980-0011 2013-2014 [email protected] Officers Directory Changes President Marc Wormser (Pearland) 1st Vice-President Scott Langston Add: Change of Address: David and Elka (Rich) Poor Judy Myers (Weatherford) Box 47; Moshaw Ramot 3121 , 2nd Vice-President David Beer (Dallas) Naftali-Upper Galilee #4301 3rd Vice-President Davie Lou Solka (Austin) Israel 13830 Houston, TX 77098 Treasurer Ruth Nathan (Houston) 011-972-77-200-7080 [email protected] [email protected] Recording Secretary Change of email: Corresponding Susan Lewis (Big Spring) Has Your Mark & Patricia Hutman Secretary Samylu Rubin (Dallas) Address Changed? in El Paso, Historian Sally Drayer (Dallas) If you have any changes [email protected] Archivist Claire Brooks (Houston) in your information, please Parliamentarian Vickie Vogel (La Grange) send them Change of listing: to Marc Wormser at Please change Marc & 1601 S. Riviera Ct., Miriam Risking Isenberg to Board Members 2013-2015 Pearland, TX 77581, Marc Isenberg and Miriam Elaine Albin (Rockport) 832-288-3494, or Riskind Douglas Braudaway (Del Rio) [email protected]. Suzanne Campbell (San Angelo) Roy Elsner (Dallas) Can You Guess Brad Greenblum (Austin) Jan Hart (Temple) This Member? Harold “Pacey” Laves (Austin) Marilyn Lippman (Dallas) In the last the second time Amy Manuel (Denton) issue of the News around--- This Abbi Michelson (Lockhart) Magazine, we ran person is number 1 Amy Milstein (Frisco) the photo below. in our book. There was not a The first person Allen Mondell (Dallas) correct answer, so to correctly iden- Shirley Rich (Houston) we are going to tify this person will Dr. Stuart Rockoff (Jackson, MS) give you a second receive a year’s William “Bill” Rosenberg (Belton) chance to Guess membership to Dr. Bryan Stone (Corpus Christi) this Member! Re- TJHS. Email your member, previous guess to Davie Lou Bobbie Wells (Plano) winners and family Solka at editor@ Rosalie Weisfeld (McAllen) members are not txjhs.org any time Gary Whitfield (Fort Worth) eligible to partici- after February 28, Rotating Member (Varies) pate. 2013. Entries received before that The picture is of a current date will not be considered. The Nominating Committee: Howard “Rusty” Board Member of TJHS. We’ll winner will be announced in the Milstein, Chair, Sally Drayer, Nancy Hoffman, give you a clue since this is next issue. Audrey Kariel, Vickie Vogel

Page 22 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 TJHS Board of Directors 2012-2014 Officers Board of Trustees Board of Trustees President 2012-2014 2011-2013 Marc Wormser (Pearland) Rabbi Murray Berger (Dallas) Dr. Robert Abzug (Austin) 1st Vice-President Scott Langston (Weatherford) Gordon Cizon (Dallas) Douglas Braudaway (Del Rio) Bette Jean Cohen (Dallas) 2nd Vice-President Dick Brooks (Houston) David Beer (Dallas) Anita Feigenbaum (College Station) Suzanne Campbell (San Angelo) Sonny Gerber (Houston) 3rd Vice-President Roy Elsner (Dallas) Davie Lou Solka (Austin) Bob Gindler (Sugar Land) Dr. Kay Goldman (College Station) Dr. Neil Gurwitz (Bastrop) Treasurer Brad Greenblum (Austin) Marilyn Jorrie (Boulder, CO) Ruth Nathan (Houston) Dorothy Harelik (Hamilton) Joan Katz (Houston) Recording Secretary David Leff (Houston) Louis Katz (Houston) Susan Lewis (Big Spring) Joan Linares (Baytown) Jane Manaster (Dallas) Corresponding Secretary Abbi Michelson (Lockhart) Samylu Rubin (Dallas) Selma Mantel (Houston) Greg Meyer (San Antonio) Amy Milstein (Frisco) Historian Allen Mondell (Dallas) Sally Drayer (Dallas) Mitzi Milstein (Longview) Bernard Rabinowitz (San Antonio) Shirley Rich (Houston) Archivist Dr. Bryan Stone (Corpus Christi) Claire Brooks (Houston) Jack Solka (Austin) David Vogel (La Grange) Rosalie Weisfeld (McAllen) Parliamentarian Vickie Vogel (La Grange) Debra Winegarten (Austin) Gary Whitfield (Fort Worth) Hollace Weiner (Fort Worth) Immediate Past President Rotating Member (Various) Rusty Milstein (Longview) Sherry Zander (Dallas)

TJHS Traveling Exhibit The Texas Jewish Historical your location. The only expense Society has compiled two to the borrower will be the museum-quality photo exhibits, shipping of the exhibit back via with explanations, depicting early UPS ground. Jewish life and contributions. The exhibits have been Both exhibits highlight the lives displayed in various locations of Jews in Texas since the early in Texas and other parts of the part of the century. United States, including Rhode Each exhibit is comprised Island and California. They of approximately thirty-six photographs that can be either are an excellent program for self-standing with an easel back schools, congregations, and other or hung on a wall. There is no organizations. To schedule the charge for the exhibits, and they exhibits, please contact Jack will be shipped, prepaid freight Gerrick at 817-927-8765 or email via UPS in waterproof boxes, to him at [email protected].

Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013 Page 23 NONPROFIT ORG. Texas Jewish U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX Historical Society PERMIT NO. 1662 P.O. Box 10193 Austin, Texas 78766-0193

return service requested

Texas Jewish Historical Society New Membership and Information Update Form Join the Texas Jewish Historical Society today! Or use this form to update your contact information. Complete each section below. Clip out and mail this form with your check made payable to the Texas Jewish Historical Society, P.O. Box 10193, Austin, TX 78766-0193. Please PRINT.

 YES! Count me in! My dues are enclosed.  Please update my information Check the Appropriate Box(es)  New Member  Donor: ______ Renewing Member Address: ______ Updated Information Only Phone: (______)______Occasion: ______Membership Category  $18 Student Member  $35 Annual Member  $100 Sponsor  $500 Benefactor  $50 Supporting Member  $250 Sustaining Member  $1,000 Patron Name(s): ______Maiden Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Home telephone: (_____)______Cell: (____)______Fax: (_____)______E-mail address(es): ______Website:______Contributions to the Texas Jewish Historical Society are tax deductible within the limits of the law. Page 24 Texas Jewish Historical Society - February, 2013