Preserving Jewish Heritage in Texas Texas Jewish Est. 1980 Historical Society May 2017 News Magazine Schulenburg Temple Celebrates 65th Birthday by Sheldon Lippman Temple Israel has Temple Israel’s history. been part of Schulen- Roy Walter, rabbi burg’s religious commu- emeritus, Congregation nity for over 65 years. Emanu El in Hous- This Texas house of ton and a long-time worship was dedicated friend of Temple Israel in September, 1951. congregants, delivered To commemorate a brief history of the this milestone and its Temple; Moshe Ben Founding Members, Bassat, lead singer with many of their chil- the Kosher Klezmer dren, grandchildren, Band, performed a great-grandchildren, and spirited rendition of friends came together Israeli music; and there on March 19, 2017, to was belated TuB’Shvat, pay tribute to those who including a tree-plant- displayed a pioneering ing dedication in the spirit over six decades Temple’s front yard. ago that built a home for Progeny of Temple Israel founding members who grew up in Schulenberg: The Sefer Torah the small Jewish com- Paula (Schwartz) Stein; Phyllis (Schwartz) Hengst; Irvin, Marilyn, and used by Temple Isra- munity in Central Texas. Sheldon Lippman; Isyjean (Pinchin) Korenck; and Phil Lippman. el was purchased in Temple Israel has held 1903 by Leo and Susie six bar mitzvahs, the first in 1961. that couple, Fred and Diane Koenig, Edmonds Steiner of Columbus who as Three of these bar mitzvah celebrants also returned to Schulenburg from newlyweds traveled to Montgomery, returned for this special day. And there their home in Houston to receive a Alabama, and purchased the Torah has been only one wedding, in 1953; special blessing for their unique role in continued on page 17

In This Issue: Message from the Incoming President...... 2 Israelis Visit Temple Beth-El in Corsicana...... 10 by Michael Kormos Message from the Outgoing President...... 3 Adah Isaacs Menken...... 12 Notes from the Board Meeting...... 3 by Vickie Vogel Meet Your Board...... 14 TJHS Members Visit Cuba...... 6 by Vickie Vogel TJHS Grants $1,000 toward Documentary...... 21 about Texans with Crypto-Jewish Roots Jewish Congregations of Austin...... 8 by Hollace Weiner

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 1 Message from the Incoming President by Davie Lou Solka Thank you for the confi- have wonderful projects and Historical Society, and you can make dence you have placed in me to many committees could use it even more exciting by travelling serve as President of the Texas your help. Don’t hesitate with us on our journey. As Howard Jewish Historical Society. I am to contact me to discuss the Cohen, Chancellor Emeritus of Purdue looking forward to a year of opportunities available to University/Calumet, once said, “His- fun, learning and results for our you. We have undertaken tory is not history until it is written or projects—continuing and new and begun to implement a told.” It is up to us to write and tell. ones. Five-Year Plan. Much has See you in Austin! Our board members are a been accomplished, but there Davie Lou Solka wonderful group of individuals, is even more to do. We will and I know they take their responsibil- be working on that in the coming year. ity as a board member very seriously Our next Board Meeting will be in to do the best job they can. I have Austin June 10-11, and we have plans Save the Date challenged each of them to add two to visit interesting places for our future new members this year. Our organ- meetings. I hope you will join us. October 21-22, 2017 ization can only continue to grow if I have enjoyed editing the News Board Meeting in we all work toward increasing our Magazine, but with the responsibility Marshall, Texas membership and involving as many of president, I am stepping down for people as we can. You do not have the time being. Jack Solka will be the January 12-14, 2018 to be a member of the board to serve new editor. Please contact him if you Board Meeting in on a committee, and I encourage you have articles for the News Magazine. Gonzales, Texas to let me know if you are interested I think this upcoming year will be in any area of the organization. We an exciting year for the Texas Jewish April 20-22, 2018 Annual Gathering and Board Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas The Texas Jewish Historical Society May 2017 The deadline for Quarterly News Magazine The Texas Jewish Historical Society News Magazine is published four the July 2017 TJHS times annually. Stories about Texas Jewish history, oral histories, and re- quests for assistance with research are welcome, as are photographs and his- News Magazine is torical documents. Please provide color photocopies or scans at 300 dpi or greater in gif, tif, or jpg format, and send electronically to Editor Jack Solka Friday, June 9. at [email protected] or by mail to 3808 Woodbrook Circle, Austin, TX 78759, 512-527-3799. Be sure to include your name and contact information. The News Magazine of the Editor Jack Solka Texas Jewish Historical Society Layout/Design Editor Alexa Kirk (USPS) is published four times a year by the Texas Jewish Histor- Note: The Texas Jewish Historical Society is unable to ical Society, P. O. Box 10193, guarantee the safe receipt and/or return of documents Austin, Texas 78766-0193, Travis and photographs. It is strongly recommended that you County. Periodical postage paid provide color photocopies of both color and black & at Houston, Texas. Postmaster, white documents. We welcome your comments and send address changes to the Texas suggestions. Jewish Historical Society, P. O. Visit us on the web at www.txjhs.org. Box 10193, Austin, Texas 78766- 0193. www.txjhs.org

Page 2 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Message from the Outgoing President by David Beer When I was elected a feel for what graduation gifts. Please help preserve your president back in was needed to be Texas Jewish History. the spring of 2015, my done and how to In addition to the need to increase immediate goal was to do it in my capac- a younger membership base, we decid- go into a “not sink the ity as president. ed to look to the past in order to plan ship” mentality. I was As we trav- for the future of TJHS. With that in anything but well versed eled around the mind, a committee was formed to put in how the inner work- state, I have together a Five Year Plan that was pro- ings of our organization enjoyed the posed to chart our future. In the past operated. After my opportunity to eighteen months, the plan has begun panic attack subsided, in meet so many of a rare moment of clarity the members that to be put into action. We still have ad- in my brain, I came to I did not know. I ditional parts that need to be instituted realize where my defi- do regret, how- and will be in the near future. ciencies lay in order to ever, that there So, as my presidency draws to lead an organization of this magnitude. are so many more of the membership a close, I have happily accepted my The thoughts that prevailed in that mo- that I would have enjoyed meeting as past-president’s pin at the Annual ment of clarity were, “If I don’t know TJHS continues to go from town to Gathering in San Antonio, and will be what is required of me in my capacity town, and continue to hear about, col- proud to have my name added to the as president, where could I receive the lect, and disseminate our Texas Jewish illustrious list of past presidents. advice and counsel to help me along history. I want to thank the TJHS members the way?” When I took office at the Annual for honoring me with the opportunity I decided to ask our past presi- Gathering in Dallas in April, 2015, to serve as president these past two dents going back some ten to twelve one of my prime objectives was to years. As I turn over this fine organ- years for their assistance. They gra- recruit new members to add to our ization to my dear friend Davie Lou ciously agreed to provide me the help membership rolls. As our membership Solka, I want to say to her, “DL, I that I so desperately needed when I ages, the need for younger members hope that you don’t find too much of a came across presidential decisions that becomes more critical than ever to mess that I leave behind for you.” had to be made. Over the past twen- “replenish” the ranks. If we don’t ty-four months, I regularly reached look for new (and younger) members, Finally, I want to thank all of the out to my “Past President’s Advisory then the future of the Texas Jewish members of the board and the officers Council” who kept me from sinking Historical Society becomes very that I have had the honor of serving the ship. For their guidance, I am uncertain. Please, friends, give the with for the past twenty-four months. most grateful. I am glad, though, that gift of membership to your children, Thank you again. as my term progressed, I began to get age-appropriate grandchildren, and as Your (past) president, David Notes from the Board Meeting At the April Board Meeting in information about Ms. Glantz and • Lynna Kay Shuffield is research- San Antonio, the following occurred: her film. ing Historic Texas Cemetery • A grant of $1,000 was approved • A new slate of officers was elect- designations and is completing for Jillian Glantz, an independent ed (see listing elsewhere in this or has submitted applications for filmmaker who is directing a issue). the Navasota Hebrew Benevolent documentary about Texans with • A change to Article IV, Sections Society Cemetery, Emanu El Me- Crypto-Jewish roots. Sugges- (e) and (g) was made. The posi- morial Park Cemetery in Houston, tions for people to contact will tions of Archivist and Historian Hebrew Section of Fairview Cem- be welcomed by Ms. Glantz. See were combined making the title etery in Gainesville, and Emanuel the article on page 21 for more Historian/Archivist. Hebrew Rest in Fort Worth.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 3 Annual Gathering in San Antonio

Back: Jack, Liz, Michael, Steven, and Andrea Solka. Havdalah service with Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl. Front: Davie Lou Solka

Mitzi Chafetz and Ben Rosenberg at the Jewish exhibit at the David Beer receives his past-resident’s pin from Institute of Texan Cultures. Davie Lou Solka, incoming president.

Robert Cohen spoke at the San Antonio TJHS members who attended the Annual Gathering. Library on photographing cemeteries.

Page 4 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 April 21-23, 2017

Charles Hart; Marty & Ruthe Berman; Jack Solka; Pacey Laves under Chihuly sculp- ture at San An- tonio Library.

Sharon Gerber and Joan Katz.

Davie Lou Solka, Bobbi Kallison Ravicz, and Jack Solka.

Cousins at TJHS: Jan Hart, Glenda Alter, and Charles Hart.

Left: Barbara Temple Chai’s Rabbi David Komerofsky, Abbi Rosenberg with Michelson, and Samylu Rubin. a family trunk at the Institute of Texan Cultures.

Right: Texas Jewish Historical Society recognized at an exhibit at the Institute of Texan Culture.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 5 TJHS Members Visit Cuba by Vickie Vogel

The Texas Jewish Historical Soci- ety sponsored its third trip to Cuba in January. Twenty-one travelers, some new to TJHS, joined the humanitarian mission to the Jewish communities of Havana. We have now taken some 100 visitors to the island. The Patronato is the largest synagogue, and its president, Adela Dworin, met with us again and shared her knowledge of Jewish history and life in Havana. We helped the Patro- nato and the Sephardi Center with needed goods, as well as cash dona- tions from each of our participants. As always, no TJHS funds were used for anything, and each traveler paid his/ her own way. On Shabbat, we worshipped at the Patronato and were guests of the congregation for dinner, along with a youth group from Argentina. A generous donor from the United States had just pledged funds to replace the roof. Other repair work was going on inside. We visited the Holocaust

Letter from LaPatronata president Adela Dworin to TJHS.

Exhibit at the Sephardi Center, and and against El Moro were beautiful the historic Jewish cemetery where we for us to watch from the safety of our recited Kaddish. A caretaker was on 17th floor hotel room, but they caused hand to help some in our group locate flooding on the eastern side of the specific graves at the request of family island as well as low lying areas in members. parts of Havana, causing our bus to be We once again had our beloved re-routed one morning. guide, Manuel Castillo, who took ex- Were there changes from our last cellent care of us despite a death in the trip? A few. There is a new fleet of family right after we arrived. The cold yellow cabs, nudging out some of The first Holocaust Memorial in North front which hit the U.S. the day we the classic-car taxis. There are more America is at the Jewish cemetery in Ha- vana. Pictured: Manuel Castillo. Photo left Miami sent high winds to Cuba. restaurants and bars in Habana Viejo. The waves crashing over the Malecon by Vickie Vogel. continued on page 7

Page 6 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Visit to Cuba, continued from page 6

At the historic There are more paladares (pri- Jewish cem- vate restaurants) scattered around etery in Ha- the city. We saw many “blue vana. Left to anchor” signs indicating licensed right: Barbara private residences with rooms Feldman, for rent. There was a cruise ship Barbara Mandelstein, Hy in the harbor. President Obama’s Penn, Arlene visit brought about some chang- Karchmer, es as well. Many streets had Vickie Vogel, been recently repaired, there Eric Nelson, is new signage at the Heming- Carol Nelson, way house, and areas where the David Vogel, President traveled were spiffed Lynn Gordon, up a bit. Joni Levy, Kevin In his will, Fidel Castro Taylor, Michael asked for no statues or memori- Moore, Deborah Sloyer, Debra als or naming opportunities. We Swaim, Bob did see billboards and graffiti Swaim, Sandra mourning his passing and t-shirts Gabe, Joan that read “Yo Soy Fidel.” Matelli, Bill The American Embassy is Kirsner, and now a true embassy (the building Leda Karchmer. was already there, designated an Photo by interest section), but the ambas- Manuel Castillo. sador was never confirmed by Congress. This trip was slated to be our final journey to Cuba, after hopes were raised that Cuban-American relations would continue to improve so that travel would become routine. Now faced with uncertainty and instability in relations, the future is unclear. Although American restrictions have been eased, the embargo is still in place, and travelers must jump through a few hoops to go there. Like the rest of the world, we will just Holocaust Exhibit at the Sephardi Center. Left to right: Hy Penn, Arlene Karchmer, Lynn Gordon, Sephardi Center spokesman, Debra Swaim. Photo by Vickie Vogel. wait and see what happens next. Donate Your Family Records Donate your family records to our and be sure to indicate that you want it records that are needed for oper- collection at the Dolph Briscoe Center included in the Texas Jewish Histori- ation. correspondence; ledgers for American History at the Univer- cal Society collection. or record books; classified files, sity of Texas. Items you can donate financial records such as receipts, • Artistic Materials—posters; are numerous. Below is a list that invoices, and inventories; legal re- drawings; photographs. you could consider. Call the Center cords such as contracts, deeds, and before you before you take any items • Business Papers—no active continued on page 22

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 7 Encyclopedia of Texas Jewish Communities The Texas Jewish Historical Society awarded a grant to the Institute of Southern Jewish Life to research 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 adapt these histories in each issue of our News Magazine. Thanks to the History Department of the ISJL for permission to do so. To see other towns, go to the TJHS website at www.txjhs.org, or the Institute’s website, www.isjl.org, click on the “History Department” and look for “Encyclopedia” in the drop-down menu. Jewish Congregations of Austin An Encyclopedia article on Austin’s first lasting Jewish the complete history of Austin congregation. The two most was in the July, 2014 issue of the prominent Jews in town, Henry News Magazine. This article is Hirschfeld and Phineas DeCor- about the Jewish congregations dova, were its first president in Austin. and vice-president, respective- For over a century, Austin ly. B. Melasky lent his Torah was home to a small Jewish to the congregation and the community that was often over- group quickly raised $2,500 to shadowed by Houston, Dallas, build a synagogue. One of their San Antonio, and even Waco. first debates was whether to Austin was a relatively sleepy solicit non-Jews, but the group capital city, known more for narrowly voted to restrict their its laid back atmosphere than fundraising to the Jewish com- as a bustling center for com- munity. They bought land for merce. Since the 1980s, this has Construction of the Beth Israel synagogue at the corner a building in 1877, but had a changed as Austin has emerged of Mesquite (11th) and San Jacinto began in 1881 and difficult time raising the money. as a center for high-tech in- was completed in 1884. That same year, Dr. Gluck dustry. As Austin has grown, was hired to lead the High Hol- so has its Jewish population. Since B’rith chapter. Austin Jews decid- iday services that were held at the Odd 1968, Austin’s Jewish population has ed that a congregation was a higher Fellows Hall. He remained in Austin increased, making it one of the fastest priority and created B’nai Shalom for three more months, and during that growing Jewish communities in the Congregation with Henry Hirschfeld time, started a Sunday School, which country. By the 21st century, Austin as its president. Though the congre- was run by Sigmund Philipson. Dr. has become a diverse and vibrant gation collected over $1300 in pledges Gluck returned in the spring of 1878 center for Jewish life in the southern toward a synagogue, the group had and led the congregation’s first Con- Sunbelt. disbanded by the end of 1875. At that firmation service. He invited Austin’s Although Austin’s small number time, a lodge of B’nai B‘rith success- mayor and alderman to attend in an ef- of Jews tried to organize early, it took fully began with Henry Hirshfeld fort to show these leaders that Jewish several attempts to create a successful serving as its first president. worship was not strange or foreign. congregation. Land for a cemetery In September, 1876, Austin Jews By 1881, the group had become was purchased in 1866, and in 1872, again tried to establish a congregation. inactive and it looked as though Beth the Hebrew Benevolent Association This time the effort was encouraged Israel might not continue. The follow- was organized with B. Melasky as its by the local newspaper, which said ing year, Rev. Chumaceiro returned to president. The group tried to raise that several other Texas cities had Austin and inspired them to revitalize money for a synagogue, but was Jewish congregations, and “we can the congregation and move forward unsuccessful, prompting them to dis- see no reason why Austin should not with a building campaign. The mem- band. In 1874, Rev. J.M. Chumaceiro keep company with them.” That day bers decided to reopen the religious of Charleston, South Carolina, visited thirty Jews gathered at the Odd Fel- school, hire a rabbi for the High Austin to try and organize a B’nai lows Hall and established Beth Israel, continued on page 9

Page 8 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Jewish Congregations of Austin, continued from page 8 Holidays, and begin to raise money for keep more traditional members happy. grants of Agudas Achim. There was a building. They held Purim Balls to Initially, the more traditional- not much social interaction between raise funds, and when members trav- minded immigrants were part of the these two segments of the Austin Jew- eled north for business, they solicited Reform congregation, Beth Israel. In ish community. contributions from wholesale suppliers 1901, Orthodox services for the High In 1948, Agudas Achim officially and Jewish organizations there. Non- Holidays were held at the Knights of joined the Conservative Movement Jews were also asked for donations Pythias Hall, led by Rabbi Ben Na- and Benson Skoff, a rabbi ordained by and $640 was collected from them. thanson of San Antonio. Daily min- the Jewish Theological Seminary, was In 1884, Beth Israel dedicated its first yans were held at people’s businesses hired. By the end of the 1940, there synagogue building at 11th and San and homes. Despite this, the Orthodox were 137 families in the congregation. Jacinto Streets. The Hebrew Ladies group still worshipped at Beth Israel It was at this time that Agudas Achim for Shabbat. By 1914, they left the combined Sunday School with decided to form their own Beth Israel and began their own. They congregation, Agudas Achim. embraced gender equality fairly early High Holiday services for that and in 1976, Naomi Worob became year were held at the home the first woman to serve on the Board, of Ike Frank, and for the next with Marilyn Stahl becoming the first several years, various rented female president in 1976. By the halls were used. One year, 1980s, women were allowed to read thanks to Beth Israel Presi- Torah and receive aliyot. dent, Joe Koen, services were By the 1950’s both congregations The congregation of Agudas Achim, 1943. held on the floor of the Texas began discussing moving out of down- Senate. Orthodox Jews from town Austin to the northern suburbs Aid Society donated $120 to buy an surrounding towns would come to Aus- of the city, where most of their con- ark. For the first year, the Temple tin for Agudas Achim’s services. By gregants lived. Beth Israel built a new did not have permanent seating and 1921, the congregation had twenty-five Temple on Seiders Avenue, now Shoal in 1885 they purchased pews for the members. Creek Boulevard, and it was dedicated sanctuary. The Ladies Auxiliary Soci- In 1924, Agudas Achim was in 1957. A sanctuary was not built ety was established in 1892, and later formally chartered and a small house until 1967. In 1962. Rabbi Louis Fire- became the Temple Sisterhood. at 7th and San Jacinto Streets was stein was hired and he stayed until In 1883 and 1884, a rabbinic stu- converted into a synagogue. Israel 1987, becoming the longest-serving dent from Hebrew Union College was Cohen was the first President, serving rabbi in the congregation’s history. brought in and Isaac Mayer Wise’s from 1924 until his death in 1936. Agudas Achim bought land on Bull Reform Minhag America prayer book Bernard Tanenbaum was hired in 1929 Creek Road in 1958 for $19,500. was used. Although Reform, members to be the chazzan and Hebrew teacher. Their old building was sold in 1962 to wore yarmulkes. In 1885, a rabbi was While the children of the congrega- the U.S. government for $144,000 for advertised for in the American Israel- tion learned Hebrew from Tanenbaum a new federal building. ite newspaper asking for “an Ameri- on weekday afternoons, they went to By the 1980s, the Austin Jew- can Hebrew minister who can deliver Sunday School at Beth Israel. ish community began to change, as English sermons,” run the Sunday The small house used by the con- a new breed of Jewish businessmen school and direct the choir. Rabbi gregation was inadequate by 1930 and would transform Jewish life in Austin. A.R. Levy was hired, but stayed one land was purchased at 10th and San Michael Dell had always been inter- year. Five years later, he returned and Jacinto Streets. A new building was ested in computers and dropped out of stayed for nine years. In 1907, Beth dedicated the following year. Rabbi college in his freshman year to devote Israel joined the Union of American Harold Katz was hired and Agudas himself to his start-up company, Dell Hebrew Congregations with fifty-one Achim continued to remain Orthodox. Computer, which would help usher members and thirty-five students in the The synagogue contained a mikva, in a high-tech renaissance in Austin. Sunday School. Rabbi David Rosen- but it was rarely used. Most members Austin became a center of the high- baum came to Beth Israel in 1911, and kept kosher and walked to synagogue. tech industry in the 1980s and 1990s. convinced the congregation to adopt There were social and class divi- What had been a medium-sized arty the new Reform Union Prayer Book, sions between the Reform members of college town became a booming but he continued to wear a yarmulke to Beth Israel and the Orthodox immi- continued on page 11

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 9 Israelis Visit Temple Beth-El in Corsicana by Michael Kormos Corsicana Daily Sun, reprinted with permission

Visitors from near been working in and far tour Temple the southern United Beth-El, the unique States, previously onion-domed former as an emissary for Jewish temple on 15th Jewish National Street in Corsicana. It Fund, and now as is well known for its Resource and De- architectural design velopment director and historic value as for Small Southern it is a registered Texas Jewish Communities Historical Landmark for the Israel Move- and on the National ment for Reform and Register of Historic Progressive Judaism. Places. He has visited many A couple of Jewish communities Israeli men visited the and in his opinion, Temple on Monday, the best ones are in February 13, 2017, for Ron Bernstein, left, and Rabbi Gilad Kariv of the Israel Movement the South. more spiritual reasons. for Reform and Progressive Judaism visited Temple Beth-El “The Jews are Rabbi Gilad Kariv and Photo courtesy Corsicana Daily Sun. a tiny minority in Ron Bernstein of the the smaller Jewish Israel Movement for Reform and Pro- in preserving this site as a synagogue communities, and they have to work gressive Judaism, were given a guided is special. Mrs. Samuels told me that hard to be Jewish. They do not take tour by Babette Samuels, one of only they now have a monthly service after their Judaism for granted. The center a handful of Jewish residents left in so many years of not having Jewish of Jewish life in these cities is the syn- Corsicana. life in town. It’s exciting.” agogue and their Jewish identification “I’m here from Israel visiting Tex- “Jewish life is not vanishing from is incredibly strong. What’s fortunate as for the first time,” Kariv said. “I’m the southern United States; on the is in towns such as Corsicana, the travelling between some of the reform contrary, it is flourishing,” he said. It’s non-Jewish community is very accept- synagogues in the state, and my good part of our story and I think the idea to ing and always willing to help out.” friend and colleague, Ron, told me preserve our legacy is very important. Bernstein said the fact that the City of about this synagogue in Corsicana. To see the Israeli flag on the stage next Corsicana had adopted and preserved He said there is a fascinating lady who to the American flag captures the story this amazing building is incredible. captures the story. It is my privilege about the unique relations between Temple Beth-El closed as a to be here and to see it; it’s an exciting your great country and the state of congregation in 1980 and was turned site and a wonderful place.” Israel. It’s wonderful.” over to the city around 1990. The Kariv said he is the executive Bernstein, who handles develop- building can be rented for various director of the Israel Movement for ment and overseas relations between functions. Once a month, a visiting Reform and Progressive Judaism in small southern Jewish communities, rabbi conducts services which attracts Israel, and he is deeply involved with said he must have stopped outside the Jews from Fairfield, Red Oak, and building synagogues. “Cultivating Temple ten times before he set up an other communities. In addition to communities and bringing our under- appointment to look inside. the monthly Sabbath services, there standing of Judaism to different places “I heard about Babette Samuels are services for Church-in-the-Park in Israel is what we do. For us to see and I called her in September. We during winter months. Rental activity the struggle to preserve this place and talked for half an hour and she agreed consists of social gatherings, such as the legacy is wonderful. I must say to let me in the next time I came weddings, reunions, meetings, funeral through.” Bernstein said. He has for the general community to believe continued on page 11

Page 10 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Jewish Congregations of Austin, continued from page 9 metropolis and its Jewish community Stephen Folberg has led Congregation Tiferet Israel, an Orthodox shul, meets became one of the fastest growing in Beth Israel. in the Brenham Historic Synagogue on the country. Between 1980 and 1990, The decision not to relocate led the Dell campus, and is led by Rabbi Austin’s Jewish population grew from some Congregation Beth Israel members Daniel Milner. There are also two 2100 to 5000. By 2002, an estimated to break away and form another Reform Chabad centers in Austin. One is locat- 13,500 Jews lived in Austin, and esti- congregation, Congregation Beth Sha- ed at 4413 Spicewood Springs #106, mates in 2017 put the total number at lom. They met in the JCC Building on and is led by Rabbi Yosef and Rabbi 13,000 - 15,000, and growing. the Dell campus, and by 2010, Congre- Mendy Levertov. The other serves the In 1992, Michael and Susan Dell gation Beth Shalom had 390 member students at the University of Texas, purchased a 40-acre parcel of land in families with Rabbi Alan Friedman as and is led by Rabi Zev and Ariela northwest Austin as part of a plan to their rabbi. They dedicated a building Johnson. Texas Hillel is located on the create a unified campus for the city’s on the Dell campus in 2014. University of Texas campus at 2105 Jewish community. Both Beth Israel In addition to Congregation Agu- San Antonio Street, and has weekly and Agudas Achim were invited to das Achim, Congregation Beth Israel, Reform and Conservative services. In move to the campus, which would and Congregation Beth Shalom, there June, 2017, Maiya Chard-Yaron will also house a new and enlarged Jewish are seven other congregations in Aus- become the Executive Director. Margo Community Center and Austin Jewish tin—Congregation Beth El, a Conser- Sack, who has been Director of Jewish Federation. The Dell Campus opened vative congregation, located at 8902 Student Life for twenty-four years, in 2000. Congregation Agudas Achim Mesa Drive and led by Cantor Yitzhak will retire in May, 2017. decided to build a new synagogue Ben-Moshe; Congregation Kol Halev, Today, the Dell Campus is the cen- on the Dell Campus and dedicated an Independent/Progressive congre- ter of Austin’s Jewish community. It it in 2001. Rabbi Neil Blumoff is gation, led by Rabbi Lev Baesh and is the home of the Shalom Austin, the the current Rabbi at Congregation meets at the Dell Jewish Community Jewish Community Center, the Austin Agudas Achim. Congregation Beth Campus; Congregation Shalom Rav, a Jewish Academy Day School, the Aus- Israel members voted to move to the Reconstructionist congregation, meets tin Jewish Federation, and five con- Dell campus, but the deal fell through in the JCC ECP Multipurpose Room, gregations. Befitting of a high-tech when congregation leaders could not and is led by Rabbi Monty Eliasov; center, Austin is at the cutting edge of come to an agreement with the Dell Congregation Shir Ami, a Reform American Jewish life, and is poised Campus Committee. Instead, Congre- congregation, meets at 3315 El Salido to become one of the largest and most gation Beth Israel decided to add to its Parkway in Cedar Park, and is led by significant Jewish communities in the current building. Since 1991, Rabbi Rabbi Rebecca Reice; Congregation South. Israelis visit Corsicana, continued from page 10 memorials, small plays, summer programs and musicals. Rental times and fees vary upon events. “To bring you up to date on the resto- ration of the Temple, annually the city budgets $30,000 towards this treasure,” said Sharla Allen, Parks and Recreation Director. “Do- nations and grant requests are always ap- preciated. Currently the right façade of the synagogue has been restored. The left dome awaits renovation. The subsequent phases will include the exterior from the north side of the facility onto the west, ending with the south wall, concentrating on deteriorated wood siding and molding. The building with its distinctive architecture, octagonal towers and two onion domes is a beautiful jewel for the Rabbi Kariv said it was wonderful to see the Israeli flag on the stage next to citizens to enjoy and appreciate.” the American flag. Photo courtesyCorsicana Daily Sun.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 11 From Our Archives

This column is based on information in the TJHS Collection, housed at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas campus in Austin. It has been supplemented with online research. If you have corrections or additions, please submit them in writing to the TJHS editor at [email protected]. We want our archives to be as complete as possible. Adah Isaacs Menken by Vickie Vogel

Adah Isaacs Menken Lavaca and rescued (1835-1868) was an by Texas Rangers. Her actress and poet who alleged connections to was a sensation in the Indians enhanced her Victorian Age, largely mystique: an Apache due to her willingness brave had renounced to display her shapely his people for her, Chief figure. Little is known of Eagle Eye taught her to her true background, but ride, etc. some believe she was Her first document- born to Jewish parents ed presence in Texas in New Orleans.1 Other was in 1855 in Liberty, sources state she was where the newspaper born in Memphis, Ten- advertised that “Ada nessee.2 Bertha Théodore” “Adah” was not her would be giving Shake- birth name. “Adah is a speare readings.4 name that nobody gave She made her me. I selected it myself. theatrical debut in 1857 My father called me in Shreveport in The Dolores after his mother, Lady of Lyons. Crit- but in the course of time ics described her as and because I had spirit “moderately talented,” and soul enough to work “excessively histri- for my mother, the proud onic,” but “her figure relatives of my father was superb.” Adah was refused to own me.”3 pretty “with crisp black After her father’s curls and flashing dark death when Adah was eyes” and “on stage still a toddler, her she gave the illusion of mother remarried. Her great beauty.”5 stepfather died when Adah married Al- she was 18, and Adah exander Isaac Menken bore the responsibility of in Livingston, Texas on supporting herself. April 3, 1856. Menken Adah created colorful was an orchestra conduc- Ada Isaacs Menken stories of her background, tor of a prominent Cin- such as learning to ride in a circus, for a sculptor. She also hinted that she cinnati Jewish family who probably dancing in New Orleans’ French once lived with Sam Houston, and met Adah in Galveston where they Opera House, and working as a model was captured by Indians near Port continued on page 13

Page 12 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Menken, continued from page 12 were both members of the Neitsch’s Byron, the play’s climax revealed in Paris and died a few weeks later of Theatre Company.6 They moved to Adah, in the lead male role, in flesh tuberculosis and peritonitis.13 She is Cincinnati in 1857, where some claim colored tights with a wispy loin cloth buried in the Jewish part of Montpar- she first embraced Judaism.7 Adah which brought the house down. The nasse Cemetery. learned to read Hebrew fluently and press dubbed her “the naked lady” Another article on Adah Isaacs studied classical Jewish texts. She be- and “the most perfectly developed Menken by W.T.Block was in the came an advocate for Jewish commu- woman in the world.” Charles War- May, 2008 issue of the TJHS News nities and causes around the world. ren Stoddard wrote, “Every curve of Magazine. She refused to appear on stage during her limbs was as appealing as a line There is also a master’s thesis the High Holy Days.8 in a Persian love song.”11 Adah had (Adah Isaacs Menken--Her Life and In 1859, Adah appeared at become a star. Poetry in America, by Kate Wilson Davis, 1944), many photos and other articles written about Menken in Box 3J153 in our archives. The first article is a treatment for a two-hour feature film, “The Naked Lady of Nacogdo- ches,” with penciled 1988 notes by Cathy Schechter.14 Some of Adah’s poetry survives, such as this brief one: “Will he never come? Will the Jew In exile eternally pine? By the idolaters scorned, pitied by a few, Will he never his vows to Jeho- vah renew Beneath his own olive and Menkin in Mezappa, 1866. Photo from the Harvard Theatre Collection. vine?”15

Purdy’s National Theater in New Her third husband was the jour- Endnotes 1 York. Having left Menken, she nalist Robert Henry Newell whom Another version is that she was believed he had divorced her. She she married in 1862. A writer of born Adah Bertha Theodore to a married John Carmel Heenan, a satirical sketches, Newell encouraged French Creole mother and a free Negro father, August Theodore, and famous fighter billed as the Beni- Adah’s poetry writing. She met Walt she converted to Judaism when she cia Boy. When Alexander Menken Whitman, Mark Twain and Bret Harte married Alexander Isaac Menken. learned of this, he announced in a and mingled with that literary circle. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adah_ passionate letter to a newspaper that The marriage lasted three years. Isaacs_Menken. She denied this. In there had never been a divorce, but he Adah travelled to England for a response to a journalist who called was prompted to get one. Heenan left successful run, receiving $500 per her a convert, Menken replied, “I was Adah because of the scandal. Adah performance of Mazeppa, the highest born in [Judaism], and have adhered delivered a baby boy who died while fee any actress had ever received. to it through all my erratic career. Heenan was in England for a match. Upon her return to New York, she Through that pure and simple reli- Having earned money by winning the married James Paul Barkley, but gion I have found greatest comfort fight, he denied the marriage entirely. after three days, fled to Europe and and blessing.” http://www.jewish- After this event and the death of never saw Barkley again. In Paris, virtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/ her mother, Adah presented herself their son was born and George Sand AMenken.html 12 thereafter as a “woman with a broken was named godmother. Adah was 2 Pamela Lynn Palmer, “Adah Isaa- 9 heart.” She returned to the stage in successful in Paris for a time, but cs Menken,” Handbook of Texas 1861 in the melodrama Mazeppa,10 as the sensationalism began to die Online. http://www.tshaonline.org/ which defined her for the rest of her down, her career rapidly declined. In handbook/online/articles/MM/fme21. career. Based on the 1819 poem by 1868, she collapsed during rehearsal continued on page 15

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 13 Meet Your Board

Davie Lou Swimming Organization, and in his is married to Marc. They have two sons Solka, President, spare time, is a party barge captain. and four grandchildren. She worked Austin—Davie as Employee Lou moved to Relations Susan Zack Lewis, Second Vice Austin nine and a Officer for President, is married to Bob Lewis, half years ago one thousand aka Tumbleweed Smith, and they with her husband, employees at live in Big Spring. They have two Jack, from Corpus the Corpus children, Christi. They Christi State three have three sons School. In grand- and daughters-in-law, and six grand- 2000, she and children, children. In Corpus Christi, Davie Marc moved two of Lou was elected President of sever- to Pearland, Texas, to be closer to their whom are al Jewish organizations, PTAs, and sons and their families. married. Temple Beth El. She was involved Susan is in her children’s activities, and after Amy Milstein, Corresponding Secre- involved they left home, she began and taught a tary, grew up in Longview, Texas. She in a Gar- Jewish holiday program called L’Dor graduated from “THE” University of den Club (past president), Hyperion, VaDor in the JCC pre-school. She Texas in Austin, and shortly after grad- American Cancer Society, Big Spring retired from teaching just before she uation, became certified to teach. She Chamber of Commerce, and she and moved to Austin in 2007, after teach- has been teaching for eighteen years. Bob have owned Multi Media Adver- ing for fourteen years. She is involved She has tising for over thirty years. She has a in activities in Austin, but especially no human degree in Interior Design. enjoys spending time with her children children but and grandchildren and playing Mah has a four- Jong. She is a born and bred Texan, legged fur and graduated from the University of Jane Manaster Third Vice Pres- baby named Texas/Austin with a BS in Elementary ident, was raised in the north of Wiggles, Education. England. She moved to Texas in who some- 1969 and times attends Nelson Chafetz, First Vice President, is married TJHS meet- Austin, is to Guy. ings. She loves to travel and has been a lifelong They to Cuba twice with TJHS. In addition Texas lived in she likes to scrapbook, read, and go to resident, Austin the movies. She has been involved with who was until 2012 TJHS for many years, and is the daugh- born in when they ter of a past president. San An- moved to tonio. He Dallas. Ben attended They have Rosenberg, the Uni- three children and six grandchildren. Treasurer, versity Jane has degrees in Psychology and was born and of Texas/Austin, and is married to an- Geography and is the author of three grew up in other native-born Texan, Mitzi. They natural history books and children’s El Paso. He have two children, Rachel Chafetz and books. She has also written articles attended the Valerie Chafetz Gonzales, and one on travel and Texas history. Jane is a University of grandson Brayden Chafetz. Nelson, charter member of TJHS. Texas/Austin who lives in Austin, is a thirty-one and gradu- year member of United States Masters Joyce Wormser, Recording Secre- tary, was born in Corpus Christi, and continued on page 15

Page 14 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Your Board, continued from page 14 Briscoe Re-Opening ated with a BBA in Accounting in 1967. After graduation, he moved After Renovation to the Houston area and joined a TJHS members and celebrities were present for the re-opening April 10 of CPA firm until his retirement in the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History after its renovation. The TJHS 2015. He is married to Barbara, Collection is archived there. and enjoys travelling. Sally Drayer, Historian-Archi- vist, has been a member of TJHS for several years, and is a Past President. She is the mother of three, and lives in Dallas. She is a retired teacher, and substitutes in the schools fre- quently. She volun- teers with the Dallas Sym- phony Orchestra, is a volunteer Don Carleton, Executive Director, cut the Former CBS News Anchor Dan Rather and and docent at the Dallas Museum ribbon at the Center TJHS Board Member David Vogel were of Art, and is a CASA Advocate. both there for the ceremony. Menken, continued from page 13 Vickie Vogel, Parliamentarian, html 12 This son also apparently died in is a Past President of TJHS. She 3 Box 3J153, Texas Jewish Historical infancy. http://www.jewishvirtual and her husband, David, live in Society Papers, Dolph Briscoe Center library.org/jsource/biography/AM La Grange, but spend consider- for American History, University of enken.html able time in Austin and Colorado. Texas, Austin. Photocopy of article from 13 Ibid. Other sources say she died of Vickie graduated Magna Cum Notable American Women, Vol. 2. cancer. http://journals.cambridge. Laude from the University of 4 Palmer, op cit. org/action/displayAbstract;jsession Houston with degrees in Political 5 Ibid. id=C421DE86BF76194527FB7551 Science 6 Ibid. 774FF4C8.tomcat1?fromPage=on and 7 Palmer, op cit. line&aid=5167752 or complications French, 8 http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/ from an injury sustained in London and jsource/biography/AMenken.html http://www.tshaonline.org/hand was 9 Ibid. book/online/articles/MM/fme21. number 10 According to the poem, the young html. one in Mazeppa has a love affair with 14 A contemporary of Menken, Thom- her law Countess Theresa, who was married as Ochiltree, claimed he grew up class at to a much older man. The Count, on with her in Nacogdoches. There is Texas discovering the affair, punishes Maz- no credible evidence to support this, Southern University. Now retired eppa by tying him naked to a wild according to Renée M. Sentilles. from the practice of primarily horse and setting the horse loose. The Performing Menken: Adah Isaacs criminal law, she enjoys commu- bulk of the poem describes the trau- Menken and the Birth of American nity activism and travel, and has matic journey of the hero strapped Celebrity. Cambridge University planned several trips for TJHS to the horse. http://en.wikipedia.org/ Press. 2003 members. wiki/Mazeppa_(Byron) 15 Box 3J153, op cit. 11 Ibid.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 15 Share Your Stories by Jane Manaster

History is, quite simply, the past. Gulf, scattered through East Texas, in the soon-to-be Many (or perhaps most) Texas Jewish Historical prominent Texas cities. Society members are “older adults.” Our memo- The past can be far more recent. How about ries reach back quite a way, and we clearly recall those Jewish families, who came in the aftermath at least two past generations of our family. And we of the Great War and the Russian Revolution, came are proud of the kin who came before that, settled in here with tenuous hope after the Great Depression? Texas, and are treasured in memorabilia including Or the first Jews permitted to set up professional their letters and photos. practices in Texas, the lawyers, the doctors, and But what of the TJHS younger members? Their academics who for decades were not accepted here? memories don’t reach back so far but they, too, are How about the World War II refugees and Holocaust fascinated by their forebears, the families who start- survivors who made a special contribution to our ed their lives elsewhere then adopted the famous social and cultural climate, the South Africans re- slogan GTT —Gone to Texas! belling against a discriminating political stance and We read in each issue of our News Magazine set down roots here in the 1970s and 1980s? They about the men and women who arrived here in have tales to tell. All these, and thousands more who the late 19th and early 20th century and set up came later in the 20th century, fit into the panorama shop—either literally or in some other endeavor of Texas Jewish history. and became our heritage as they contributed to the The TJHS News Magazine invites you to share State one way or another. Their homes were in the the stories of your family. Let’s see them on these small, isolated towns in West Texas, down on the pages soon! Photograph a Guess This Member Texas Jewish Well—this young man still has not brought forth a win- Cemetery ner—He is a TJHS board member and I did not know he by Gordon Cizon played the accordion. We will have to ask for a concert! The Texas Jewish Historical Another clue for you to ponder—although he is quiet, when he Society has a project to photo- speaks, it is with wise graph every Jewish headstone words and convic- (both front and reverse) in tion. Maybe the third the state. With over one-hun- time and clue will be dred-seventy-five cemeteries to a charm. He loves photograph, your help is needed. to travel and visits Some have been photographed, many places around but I can tell you which ones the world. The winner need to be. will receive a year’s If you need a camera, we free membership to have them to loan. For more TJHS. Email your information and instructions on guess to Jack Solka how to photograph a cemetery, at [email protected] please contact Gordon Cizon at any time beginning [email protected], 214 361- Thursday, June 1. En- 7179, or 214-868-6543 (cell). If tries received before you have one of our cameras and that date will not be are not using it, please return considered. Previous winners and family members are not

them to me. Your work will go us on the web at www.txjhs.org. Visit eligible to participate. Good luck! down in history. www.txjhs.org

Page 16 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Schulenberg, continued from page 1 For many years, Tem- mainstay of the smaller congregation, ple Israel would bring in most now traveling in from other a student rabbi from the towns and cities. There has been no Hebrew Union College in rabbi for many years.But, for over the Cincinnati, Ohio, to con- past 25 years, Rosh Hashanah ser- duct the Rosh Hashanah vices have been led by Richard Stein and Yom Kippur services from Houston (grandson of founding that are observed in early member Eli Rubin of Hallettsville), autumn. Also, in the late 1950s and into the Dr. E. F. Mikesky; Leslie Lippman; Alton Hafer; 1960s, Mayor Hirsh Schwartz; James Prihoda; Lewis Herzik; Sabbath Lewis Nix; Myke Klein; C.A. Pennington; unidentified. services Lippman, Schwartz and Klein were founding members. were held from a congregation that was closing throughout the year its doors. The Steiners presented the on one Friday night Torah to the Columbus congrega- a month and a cov- tion. The Torah was used for many ered-dish supper on years in Columbus until religious one Sunday night a services moved to Hallettsville and month. A tree was planted in honor of the 65th anniversary. the Torah went, too. The Torah was Friday night ser- also housed at the Fink Hotel for vices in later years became more in- who is married to Paula Schwartz safekeeping between holidays and termittent, like in most Texas towns, Stein, whose father Hirsch Schwartz would be transported in a wheelbar- in competition with Friday night high was also a founding member and row to the Odd Fellows Hall, which school football games.The High Holy former mayor of Schulenburg. Yom was rented for religious Day services Kippur services were led for over services for $10 per year. are still a twenty years by David and Vickie As the congregation Vogel. grew in Hallettsville, the At a time founding members dis- when many con- cussed a move to a more gregations have to permanent structure. It permanently close was decided to locate in the doors of their Schulenburg, which was temples because of most centrally located to dwindling Jewish the congregants who resided populations in rural in Columbus, Cuero, Flato- towns, Temple Isra- nia, Hallettsville, La Grange, el is hoping to keep and Weimar. Pledges were going for many secured for $35,000 for more years and be construction of the build- a vital part of the ing. Temple dues were set religious communi- at $20 per year. The congre- ty of Schulenburg gation of Temple Israel was and the surrounding at its peak numbers in the area. 1950s-60s. The congregation in 2017. Inset: The congregation in 1950.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 17 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 gift to its Endowment Fund in the amount of the Texas Jewish Historical Society’s Endowment Fund, you help support im- $______portant programs. Send the honoree’s full In honor/memory of:______name, type of honor (memorial, congrat- ______ulations, or occasion—birthday, anniver- Acknowledge to: sary, award, new child or grandchild, etc.) Name:______and your name, along with a check in the amount of your choice, to Address:______Texas Jewish Historical Society Phone:______P. O. Box 10193 Donor Information: Austin, TX 78766-0193 Name:______Address:______Your support of the Texas Jewish ______Historical Society’s programs is greatly Phone:______appreciated and will be recognized in an Your gift will further the efforts to record, preserve, and disseminate issue of the quarterly News Magazine. historic information about Texas Jewish culture. Thank you.

Please Note: If you are sending a check to the Texas Jewish Historical Society, please indicate the We need Your purpose of the check—dues, gift, contribution, etc. Stories!

Contributions We are earnestly looking for stories with ties to Texas Jewish The following donations have been received by the Texas Jewish Historical Society: history! Any kind of story about In Memory of From your family history or your Tem- Tina Smith Gardner Marianne Smith & John Jekabson ple’s history can fill the pages of sent to Paul Gardner our News Magazine. Everyone Helene Joy Klein Toomin Alan Gordon sent to Amy Manuel Dorothy Schwarzlose has a story to tell, long or short. sent to Kim & family Regina Rogers To submit your story, or if you sent to Toomin family Roberta Michaels & Donald Toomin need help writing your story, con- In Honor of From Buddy Freed Sherwin Rubin tact Jack Solka at [email protected] or 512-527-3799. Donation From for a successful Annual Gathering Pat & David Rubenstein

Page 18 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Texas Jewish Historical Society Grant Application The mission of the Texas Jewish Historical Society is to expand and enhance the knowledge and understanding of the Jewish presence in Texas and the history of Jews from their first arrival in the State to the present. We solicit applications for research projects that are in this spirit. Deadlines for submission are March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. Application Form

The Texas Jewish Historical Society will consider applications from individuals and non-profit organizations in any written or visual media. Attach additional sheets as necessary. Contact Name: ______Organization: ______Address:______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Phone: (______)______Fax: (______)______Cell: (______)______Email: ______Title and Description of project. ______Briefly outline personal and professional background information that support this application. ______What is the anticipated budget for the project? Are you seeking additional support from elsewhere? ______Please detail the timeline of your project. ______

Completed project must acknowledge TJHS support. A copy or account of the completed project should be submit- ted to the Society’s archive at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin.

Send applications to: TJHS Grant Committee: P.O. Box 10193, Austin TX 78766-0193, or email to [email protected].

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 19 In Memoriam Bernie S. Appel, TJHS Pauline Helene member died on April 2, (Polly) (Dolly) 2017, in Fort Worth. He is Ettelman, Seligman, survived by his wife, Ellen TJHS mem- TJHS member, Carey Appel; children, ber, of Corpus of Edna, Texas Jerry (Sheril) Appel; Arlene Christi and and Austin, (Michael) Kleinberg and six grandchildren. Dallas, died in died on March Dallas on July 10, 2016, in Dallas. 25, 2017, in Austin. She is sur- I. L. “Buddy” Freed, former TJHS board She is survived by her children, vived by her husband of 70 years, member and News Holli (Scott) Baum; David Ettel- David; children Paula (Mark) Magazine editor, of man; two grandchildren; sister- Urkowitz and Dan (Karen) Selig- Fort Worth and Aus- in-law and brother-in-law, Davie man; five grandchildren and their tin, died in Austin on Lou, TJHS President, & Jack spouses; and seven great-grand- April 3, 2017. He is Solka, TJHS board member; her children. survived by his wife, brother and sister-in-law, Sammy Sandra; daughters, & Carol Kins; and many cousins. Albert Stein, Monica (Andy) Faber, TJHS member, Shari (Eric) Stein, Leslie (Jack) Frishberg; Tom Dula, TJHS member died in died on February and six grandchildren. Austin on April 9, 2017, in Hous- 2, 2017. He ton. He is sur- Raymond Ettelman, moved to Cedar vived by his wife, TJHS member of Park from El Emily Weingarten Corpus Christi and Paso in Decem- Stein; children, Marsha (Lonnie, Dallas, died in Dallas ber, 2016. He past TJHS President) Schooler; on March 1, 2016. is survived by Rick (Paula); Ronnie; and Joanne He was survived by his wife, San- (John) Letlow; stepchildren, Steve his wife, Polly, who dra (Beleck); daughters, Jessica (Grant Hester) Weingarten; Irene died three months (Brian) Laviage; Wesley (Matt) Weingarten; Shelley (Vic) Wis- later; his children, Holli (Scott) Baum; Lichtenstein; and Erin (Jason) ner; Sharon (Mike) Segal; eight David Ettelman; two grandchildren; sister Busch; four grandchildren; sister, grandchildren; seven step-grand- and brother-in-law, Davie Lou, TJHS Gabriella (Jimmy) Siegel and children; and four great-grandchil- President, & Jack Solka, TJHS board several nieces. dren. member; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sammy & Carol Kins; and many cousins. May their memories be a blessing.

Does TJHS Have Your Current Email Address? Is your email address current? Has and printing delays, we are going to be it changed since the 2015 directory was electronically sending as much mail as printed? Have you changed email pro- possible, so don’t be left out or behind— viders? If so, please send Marc Worm- send your current information today! ser an email at [email protected] so Please put “email change” in the sub- that he can update your information in ject line and with your name in the text of the database. To reduce postage cost your message, send it today! Thank you.

If you need TJHS membership applications for an event, program, personal use, etc., please contact Rusty Milstein at [email protected]

Page 20 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 TJHS Grants $1,000 toward Mazel Tov Documentary about Texans to the following TJHS with Crypto-Jewish Roots Members Dick Brooks, Houston, won a by Hollace Weiner silver medal in the giant slalom at An independent filmmaker direct- of subjects in the valley region, visit- the GS National Championships ing a documentary about Texans with ing/documenting historically import- at Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Crypto-Jewish roots received a $1,000 ant places and locations, incorporating grant from the Texas Jewish Historical available historic photos, [and] delving Cynthia Mondell, Dallas, had Society at its annual gathering in San into the deep and unique cultures of her short movie, The Women’s Antonio. Jillian Glantz, a Dallasite the area.” March, screen at the Texas Wom- who moved to the Rio Grande Valley The TJHS grant will help cover en’s Caucus for Arts’ Vignette last fall to begin researching travel costs, salaries, during Dallas Arts Week in April the picture, is working with equipment rental, at the former Women’s Museum a producer from Mexico and film-festival fees, Building in Fair Park in Dallas. gathering a film crew. They DVDs, and promotional Mark Rosenfield, Fort Worth, plan to work throughout the materials. Glantz, who received the Longhorn Council summer interviewing and has studied at University Silver Beaver Award from the videotaping in such locales of Texas campuses in Boy Scouts of America. as Weslaco, Harlingen, Mer- Austin, Arlington, and cedes, Donna, San Benito, the Rio Grande, has Hershel Sheiness, San Anto- Brownsville, Port Isabel, Jillian Glantz produced and directed nio, was elected Commander of South Padre Island, Mission, seven short films and Jewish War Veterans Post #753 in McAllen, Pharr and Edinburg. had internships with Austin-based San Antonio, Texas. In Glantz’s grant application, filmmakers Richard Linklater, David which included an impressive sample Gordon Green, and Karen Skloss. Her Helen Wilk was installed as of her video work, she wrote that she screenplay for a film titled Conversa President of the Nueces County plans to produce a “short documenta- was a semi-finalist in Final Draft’s Big Historical Society on May 3, ry that will explore the legitimacy of Break Screenwriting competition. 2017. On June 7, 2017, Helen conversos and Crypto-Jews in the Rio Among Glantz’s advisors are will receive the Miriam Award Grande Valley . . . with a subplot that teachers in the Film & Theatre De- from the Jewish Women’s Organ- discusses the long-lasting relationships partment at the University of Texas izations in Corpus Christi. between the Jewish and Mexican com- Rio Grande Valley and specialists munities in the region. in Mexican-American literature and Dolores Wilkenfeld, Houston, “There hasn’t been much research Spanish-Jewish settlement in northern was honored at a Tribute dinner done on either of these topics in South Mexico. by the World Union for Pro- Texas,” she wrote, “so I’m excited If TJHS members want to recom- gressive Judaism with Pillars to unveil new and not widely known mend people for Glantz to interview, of Reform Judaism recognition. information. To do this, I will be con- the filmmaker may be contacted at The dinner was held in Houston ducting interviews with a wide range [email protected]. in April. Babette Samuels was selected as Grand Marshall of the 2017 TJHS on Facebook Derrick Days Parade in Corsi- Did you know that TJHS has a Facebook page? Like us at cana, Texas. https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Please send information for this Texas-Jewish-Historical-Society/ 187629054741368. column to Jack Solka at [email protected].

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 21 Donate, continued from page 7 Norman & Joan (Borovay) Gordon Welcome 4008 Crescent Valley Dr. court records; flyers; calendars; Denison, TX 75020 schedules; posters; memos; New 903-463-5964 business cards; photographs; Members! [email protected] and photo albums, identified or unidentified. Barry & Arlene Karchmer 7707 Del Ray • Literary Productions/Writ- Marty & Ruthe (Ignatoff) Berman Houston, TX 77071 ings—essays, poetry, works of 5202 Englewood Point Ct. 713-771-9584 fiction, and speeches. Katy, TX 77494 Cell: 713-906-7040 281-395-9209 Cell: 713-906-9278 • Organizational Records— Fax: 281-395-0199 [email protected] charters, membership lists, Cell: 281-799-4506 minutes, yearbooks, programs, Cell: 281-799-4606 Teddy Levine press releases, correspondence, [email protected] P. O. Box 2106 newsletters, newspapers, and Eagle Pass, TX 78853 brochures. Barbara (Spivak) Feldman 830-773-2698 1111 Hermann Dr., #16A [email protected] • Personal Papers—family trees; Houston, TX 77004 histories; letters; diaries; jour- 713-807-8424 Arthur Meltzer nals; passports; naturalization Fax: 713-807-8424 10143 Bracken Dr. papers; birth certificates; death [email protected] Ellicott, MD 21042 certificates; records and certifi- cates of marriage, circumcision, Buddy & Candy Gardner (Katz) Michael Moore & Kevin Taylor consecration, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, 334 Paseo Encinal St. 1102 W. 31st St. or Confirmation; war records; San Antonio, TX 78212 Houston, TX 77018 recorded or written oral history, 210-828-6644 832-433-9534 interviews, or memoirs; legal [email protected] Fax: 713-588-8477 records such as wills, estate [email protected] materials, deeds, court records, Sandy (Frey) Gabe and contracts; photographs and 70 Rob Ct. If you have any changes in your photo albums, identified or Hollister, CA 85023 information, please contact unidentified. 831-635-9821 Marc Wormser, 1601 S. Riviera Ct., • Scrapbook materials—report [email protected] Pearland, TX 77581, 832-288-3494 cards, graduation certificates, [email protected] invitations, programs. • Printed Materials—newspa- pers, books, pamphlets, posters, Save Postage and maps. Please notify TJHS when • Religious Materials—Syna- your address has changed or if gogue records such as minutes, you may be temporarily away programs, bulletins, record books, and membership lists; from home when the News Mag- prayerbooks; hymnals; photo- azine is to be delivered. These graphs or photo albums, pref- issues are returned to us at a post- erably identified; and cemetery age due rate of $1.52 (at print- records. ing date) per magazine. These • Sound Materials—Music on amounts add up—it’s your money disc or cassette tape and sheet we are trying to save! music.

Page 22 Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 TJHS Board of Directors 2015-2016

Officers Board of Trustees Board of Trustees President 2016-2018 2017-2019 Davie Lou Solka (Austin) Ruthe Berman (Katy) Elaine Albin (Rockport) 1st Vice President Douglas Braudaway (Del Rio) Nelson Chafetz (Austin) Judy Cassorla (Austin) Willie Braudaway (Del Rio) Anita Feigenbaum (College Station) 2nd Vice President Gayle Cannon (Austin) Susan Lewis (Big Spring) Sonny Gerber (Houston) Diedra Cizon (Dallas) Dr. Neil Gurwitz (Bastrop) Brad Greenblum (Austin) 3rd Vice President Marilyn Jorrie (Boulder, CO) Jan Hart (Temple) Jane Manaster (Dallas) Joan Katz (Houston) Morton Herman (Fort Worth) Recording Secretary Louis Katz (Houston) Dan Krause (Richardson) Joyce Wormser (Pearland) Harold “Pacey” Laves (Austin) Kay Krause (Richardson) Marilyn Lippman (Dallas) Corresponding Secretary Joe McClellan (Longview) Guy Manaster (Dallas) Amy Milstein (Frisco) Mitzi Milstein (Longview) Abbi Michelson (Lockhart) Treasurer Ruth Nathan (Houston) Allen Mondell (Dallas) Ben Rosenberg (Sugar Land) Jack Solka (Austin) Cynthia Mondell (Dallas) Samylu Rubin (Dallas) Historian/Archivist David Vogel (La Grange) Lynna Kay Shuffield (Houston) Sally Drayer (Dallas) Hollace Weiner (Fort Worth) Phyllis Turkel (Houston) Parliamentarian Sherry Zander (Dallas) Gary Whitfield (Fort Worth) Vickie Vogel (La Grange) Rotating Member Cynthia Wolf (Beaumont)

Past Presidents (Living Past Presidents are TJHS Traveling Exhibit members of the Board of Trustees, The Texas Jewish expense of prepaid per our By-Laws.) Historical Society has freight back to the compiled two museum shipper via UPS David Beer (Dallas) quality photo exhib- ground. Sally Drayer (Dallas) its with explanations The exhibits Jack Gerrick (Fort Worth) depicting early Jewish have been displayed life and contributions. in various locations Charles B. Hart (Temple) Both exhibits highlight in Texas and other Rabbi Jimmy Kessler (Galveston) the lives of Jews in Texas since the parts of the United States, includ- Howard “Rusty” Milstein (Longview) early part of the century. ing Rhode Island and California. Marvin Rich (Houston) Each exhibit is comprised of They are an excellent program Barbara Rosenberg (Sugar Land) approximately thirty-six photographs for schools, congregations, and that can either be self-standing with other organizations. To sched- Lionel Schooler (Houston) an easel back or hung on a wall. ule the exhibits, please contact Vickie Vogel (La Grange) There is no charge for the exhibits Sally Drayer at 214-244-6234 or Helen Wilk (Corpus Christi) and they will be shipped prepaid [email protected] or contact Marc Wormser (Pearland) freight via UPS in waterproof boxes Marc Wormser at 832-288-3494 or to your location. There will be the [email protected]. Debbie Winegarten (Austin)

Texas Jewish Historical Society - May 2017 Page 23