Preserving Jewish Heritage in Texas Texas Jewish Est. 1980 Historical Society Volume 7, Number 1, January, 2007 The New TJHS Board of Directors

TJHS members and the new Board of Directors, elected at the 27th Annual Gathering of the Texas Jewish Historical Society. Front row, left to right: Marvin Rich (immediate Past President), Beverly Trachtenberg (Vice President), Vickie Vogel (President), Mitzi Milstein (Vice President), Blanche Sheiness, Ben Pfeffer (Treasurer), and Barry Green (Parliamentarian). Second row, left to right: Selma Mantel, Shirley Rich, Lynn Greenberg, Mabel Massin, Sally Drayer (Historian), Rusty Milstein, Hollace Weiner, Joyce Gerrick, Nancy Hoffman, and Max Stool. Top row, left to right: David Bach, David Vogel, Sherry Zander, Barbara Rosenberg, Jan Hart (Corresponding Secretary), Charles Hart, Jack Gerrick, Ralph Marks, and Ed Katten.

IN THIS ISSUE: Page Page A Message from TJHS President 2 Obituaries 8 Fresh Beginnings, by Vickie Vogel Libbie Stool, Milton T. Smith, The Story of Morris Seligman 4 Dave Hoff, Blanche Sheiness by David Seligman Photos from the 27th Annual Gathering 14 TJHS Speakers Bureau 5 Registration form for the 28th Annual Gathering 19

Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Page 1 Fresh Beginnings A Message from TJHS President Vickie Vogel

2007 is a editor, and we welcome her back. Weiner and Kenneth D. Roseman. I new year for the One small change we have know each of you will want to own a Texas Jewish made is in the numbering of the is- copy. Our book marketing committee, Historical Society sues, which in the past has been in- ably chaired by past TJHS president and time brings consistent, which made it difficult to Barbara Rosenberg, can help. change. Our determine if you were missing an A new directory of our member- news magazine issue. We begin the year with Vol- ship is due out this year. It is your re- has a new look, ume 7 (since this is 2007) No. 1, sponsibility to check your listing for because we have January 2007. We hope this will accuracy, and keep us updated on a new editor. We make it easier for you to organize changes in your name, address, phone send our thanks your collection and be sure it is number, and email address. We want to Susan Elsner complete. our directory to be as accurate as pos- Furman who has The major event for this year is sible, for as long as possible. Send cor- produced our quarterly publication for the publication of our new book, Lone rections or updates to the past few years. Our new editor is Stars of David: The Jews of Texas, [email protected]. Alexa Kirk, who is actually a former compiled and edited by Hollace Another change will be our meet- ing locations, which change every year. Have you ever attended one of our quarterly meetings? If not, you are TJHS Outgoing missing out on a fun weekend of learn- ing, exploring, dining, and visiting with President Marvin Rich interesting people. Our meetings are prepares to receive the scattered throughout the state, so one Past President’s pin will be convenient for you. Try a from President Elect weekend getaway with TJHS! Vickie Vogel.

President

Got Cost-Codes? In Search of Kabbalic Accounting by Greg Meyer Do you have anecdotes about can do better! JEWISH LUCK. Do you know your family’s business? Have you Rabbi Fierman’s work includes other cost codes use in Jewish busi- heard in passing about various cost- Zales using “ DIRTCHEAPX,”with nesses? Or do you know someone codes once used on goods for sale? DIX representing either $120 or $1.20. who may? If you have cost codes The cost-codes were phrases typi- The sales clerk would then know how to share, please send them to Greg cally totaling 10 characters, which much of a mark down could be ex- Meyer, P.O. Box 781254, San Anto- represented numbers 1-9 and 0. tended to the customer so the mer- Rabbi Floyd Fierman documented a chandise could be moved/sold and the nio, TX 78278, or email to few of these in his book, Roots and store could still make a profit. [email protected]. Thanks for Boots, but I think we in the TJHS Levine’s Department Store used your help!

Page 2 Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 MAZEL TOV to the Is Your Information Correct? following Texas It isn’t often that we call ourselves Jewish Historical or look up our information. Then again, Society members: it takes a village to build the Texas Jewish Historical Society’s Biennial Directory. As a member, you are part RUTH CLEARFIELD of College Station, Texas, was honored with a Abraham. of the village. The new directory is Isaac. Jacob. being prepared! Add new information Points of Light Award which was Sarah. Rebecca. presented to her personally by Rachel. Leah. and correct errors using the form inside And You! the back cover of this news magazine. President George H.W. Bush. The Check the UPDATE box on the form award was presented to Ms. Clearfield at the Bush Presidential Albert Moses and mail it by February 1st. Thanks Levy (1800- 1848)...joined Library and Museum in College the New Orleans for your help! Greys...His army Station on February 5, 2006. The career ran from • Name(s) - spelling? Maiden Name (if October 1835 to Points of Light Foundation gives February of 1836 applicable)? and included participation in the award to outstanding individuals the siege of Bexar • Address - including apt. number? Zip (San Antonio) or organizations from across the in 1835... code? • Email address - accurate? Same country each day to give President provider? Bush a “living report” on the • Phone number - Area code? foundation’s progress. • Fax number - If you have a fax, is it included? DOROTHY HARELIK received Thank you for your help with this process and if you have the Hamilton (Texas) Chamber of changes, please email them to Leon Brachman at [email protected]. Commerce Lifetime Achievement If you don’t have email, then send your changes to TJHS, P.O. Box Award. 10193, Austin, TX 78766-0193. Thank you very much! JEAN AND MARVIN ROSENBAUM of Baytown, The Texas Jewish Historical Society Texas were selected as one of five Volume 7, No. 1, January 2007 finalists for 2006 Citizen of the Year. Quarterly News Magazine Please send information for this The Texas Jewish Historical Society News Magazine is published column to Davie Lou Solka at four times annually. Stories about Texas Jewish history, oral histories, [email protected]. Thanks. and requests for assistance with research are welcome, as are photo- graphs and historical documents. Please provide color photocopies or scan at 300 dpi or greater, in .gif, .tif, or .jpg format and send electroni- cally to Associate Editor Davie Lou Solka at [email protected] or mail to 501 Place, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, 361-852-5815. Make sure to include your name and contact information. TheeT TexasJs Jewish Publisher-Editor Alexa Kirk Assistant Editor Davie Lou Solka Historical Society Photographer Marvin Rich accepts matching funds Note: The Texas Jewish Historical Society is from corporations. unable to guarantee the safe receipt and/or return of documents or photographs. It is strongly rec- Please advise if your ommended that only color photocopies of both gift can be used in this color and black & white documents be provided. manner. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Page 3 The Story of Morris Seligman by David Seligman Morris Seligman was born in that if a person wanted to be an Czarist Russia in a small town he American, then he should be ac- called Altinovka. His town was in the quainted with the language and the state of Minsk in the Bobruikovo dis- customs. Even from my earliest rec- trict. He was one of twelve children of ollections, my father never had a Rus- his father and the last of three wives. sian accent but spoke perfect English. His family farmed and had some cattle My folks owned a Model T Ford and perhaps other animals. in Houston but when they moved to Morris had a minimum of educa- Huntsville, they had to get an Essex tion: a few years in a Heder and about (which had gears to shift) to accom- five years of schooling. His father and modate the hills. Eventually, they the family spoke Russian as well as settled in El Campo where they Yiddish common among Jews in the opened a store of their own. They area. He continued his education on were active in the community and had an informal basis for the rest of his life. many Jewish friends. They played He evidently wanted to come to cards and visited friends in surround- America to escape the draft of the ing towns. Instead of staying at home Czar to which he would be subject on Sundays, many times they drove to when he reached nineteen. He was surrounding towns to visit friends and issued a passport in October, 1912, Quartermaster Detachment at Camp family. which was good for one year. A step- Logan of Ellington Field. He was hon- My father learned to play golf at sister who lived in Houston, Texas orably discharged in March, 1919. a local course. He joined the Masons agreed to sponsor him. Morris, who Morris then went to work for and eventually became 32nd degree was then sixteen, traveled from his Levy Bros. Dry Goods Co. in the Shriner. My parents were successful town to Bremen, Germany to catch a packing and shipping department. He because of their likability and they boat to Texas. stayed in Mrs. Pepper’s boarding continued to run their business until We believe that he made the jour- house with other young Jewish men. the Depression took its toll in the thir- ney from Russia to Germany with a At some time, he met Louise Landa, ties. cousin, Maurice Rifkin, who had a who was the daughter of a widow Ever since his childhood, Morris sponsor in Philadelphia. The ship, ac- who had moved to Houston from loved animals. Growing up, we had a cording to his ticket, was the Cassel, Hallettsville in order to support herself cow, chickens, and other animals in of the Norddeufscher Lloyd Line, and two daughters. the backyard for many years. Unfor- which left Bremen on March 6, 1913. Morris and Louise were married tunately, the depression was not kind The fare was 140 marks. by Rabbi Henry Barnstone of Con- to us and we moved several times fol- Morris arrived in Galveston, gregation Beth Israel of Houston on lowing my father’s jobs with different Texas and entered customs through June 18, 1922. Shortly thereafter they stores in Rosenberg and Livingston. that port to join his sister in Houston. moved to Huntsville to go into busi- Our final destination was in Edna, It is not clear if he worked in the ness with Louise’s mother, Mrs. Dave Jackson County, Texas. There, Mor- Southern Pacific Railroad shops be- (Dora) Landa, and her brother, Louis ris went into the business of clothing fore or after he joined the Army. He Cohn, in the dry-goods business. and furniture with some friends and declared his intention for U.S. citizen- During the time he was in Hous- partners. He was always a friendly ship in 1916. His Certificate of Natu- ton, Morris made a great effort to be- person with a positive outlook. He ralization was issued while in the come “Americanized.” He believed continued on page 10

Page 4 Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Speakers Bureau

When an organization asks TJHS for muneration (other than expenses, a speaker, we will suggest those on our list lodging, meals, etc.) is provided to the who match the criteria. That organization speaker. If you would like to be in- is responsible for making contact with the cluded in this database, please pro- speaker and handling any details. No re- vide the following information:

Name: ______Address: ______City:______State:______Zip:______Home Phone: (______)______Work Phone: (______)______Cell Phone: (______)______Fax: (______)______Email (print clearly): ______Topic(s):______Length: ______Length: ______Length: ______Brief description of each topic (use back of sheet if needed): ______Distance you are willing to travel: ______Restrictions or special requirements: ______Mail this information to: Beverly Beck Trachtenberg, 5517 Shadow Crest, Houston, TX 77096, or email it to [email protected].

Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Page 5 Temple Beth El’s Former Building in Corpus Christi Now Has a Historical Marker by Davie Lou Solka

The former building of Temple ful, a free kitchen and pantry for “Jewish settlers came to Corpus Beth El of Corpus Christi has been people living with HIV and AIDS, and Christi shortly after the city’s found- deemed eligible for a historical the South Texas Interfaith Council. ing in 1852. Several became promi- marker from the Texas Historical In June, 2005, the church sold the nent business owners and community Commission. The dedication of the building to Loving Spoonful, but contin- leaders. In the 1870s, the Jewish marker was held Sunday, October ues to hold services in the sanctuary. community formed a Hebrew Be- 16, 2005. The congregation built the The original chandeliers, stained nevolent Society. In 1912, they first Jewish place of worship in Cor- glass windows, and rows of seats formed a congregation, which in- pus Christi at 1315 Craig Street in marked with a Star of David are still in cluded both Orthodox and Reform 1936, and occupied the building until place, which helped obtain the histori- families. Services were held irregu- 1983 when it moved to 4402 cal marker. The building is also re- larly in various places until 1928, Saratoga Boulevard. corded as a Texas Historic Landmark. when the Congregation officially or- The building was sold to the This is the second historical marker ganized, elected officers, and pur- Montessori School of Corpus Christi, for the Jewish community with He- chased this site. and then sold again in 1991 to the brew Rest Cemetery holding the first In 1936, the Congregation, called Metropolitan Community Church. one. Temple Beth El, hired architect Dex- Space was rented to Loving Spoon- The marker reads as follows: continued on page 9 Can You Help? Can you help Mr. Martinez, This letter was also received by TJHS. who is researching the Sephardic If you have information that could help Mr. Cahn, please let him know! Jewish Carvajal family? I am interested in tracing my fam- No Michael Livingston currently ap- Roger L. Martinez is conducting ily tree and am tracing the descen- pears to be living in Austin (at least his dissertation research on a dants of my great-grandfather’s from a search of the telephone direc- Sephardic Jewish and converso family brother, David Cahn, who emigrated to tory), so he may have moved away. in Spain, Portugal, England and the the U.S. in 1882. I am nearly there. I In which case any indication of where Americas. Specifically, he is investi- have found out that his great-grandson he moved would be welcomed. Any gating the 500-year lineage of the (there is only one descendant at this advice or help from anyone in your Spanish Carvajal Family from 1200 to level) was named Michael Livingston, group would be most welcomed. 1700. He is a doctoral candidate in and was living in Austin, Texas, in With all best regards from the the Department of History at the Uni- 1975 when his grandfather was buried Carpathian foothills near Krakow. versity of Texas at Austin, and is ask- in Dallas. He would have been born ing for help in obtaining critical histori- in the second half of the 1940s since Yours sincerely, cal manuscripts from the Inquisition his mother, Mary Kaufman Livingston, Martin Cahn records from the Canary Islands. He was married in 1945. Martin and Agnieszka Cahn believes the manuscripts are in the Michael had four children in 1975, ul. Sikorskiego 8 hands of a private collector or institu- so there are likely to be Livingston de- 32-400 MYSLENICE tion, and would like for anyone who scendants aged around 30-35 in the Poland has information to contact him at Austin area. I wondered if you had +48 12 272 2850 [email protected], call any records of them or if they had [email protected] him at 512-471-3166, or fax him at been members of your association. 512-475-7222.

Page 6 Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 28th Annual Gathering: Midland/Odessa April 20-22, 2007 by Susan Furman Permian Basin

Planning is well underway for the nity and surrounding area are excited Co-chairing the 28th Annual Texas Jewish Historical Society’s to be hosting Jewish Texans from Gathering is Temple Beth El Syna- 28th Annual Gathering, slated for the around the state. There is something gogue President Dr. Frank Kasman. weekend of April 20, 2007. Chair- about West Texas and the people “We formed committees several man and TJHS Board Member Roy who live here. Their pride is showing, months ago and they immediately Elsner says, “Jews and non-Jews and I’m certain their energy will be rolled up their sleeves and went to alike in the Odessa-Midland commu- evident throughout what promises to work planning events and activities,” be a fun, interesting weekend.” Elsner said. The Gathering promises to be entertaining, fun, and memo- Contributions rable for all,” he added. People at- tending are easily served by South- The following donations have been received by the west Airlines, which frequently offers Texas Jewish Historical Society since July 1, 2006 discounted fares ranging from $34 to In Honor of From $49 each way. The area is located Larry Schooler’s Birthday Marcia Schooler 360 miles west of Dallas, 240 miles east of El Paso. “The area’s Five- In Memory of From Star MCM Eleganté will serve as Blanche Sheiness Mr. and Mrs. David Vogel host hotel. Our TJHS family will en- Mille Zalim joy a wonderful weekend,” Elsner Ima Joy Gandler said. Diane Sheiness Relaxing, sight-seeing, and enjoy- Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Leshin ing will be the theme for the April Dr. and Mrs. Larry Wilk 20th weekend. The Eleganté Hotel is Fred Zeidman the premier property in the Eleganté Drs. Rosenblum line of hotels and suites. “The V.F. Salinger Odessa-Midland area is chock-full of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Mondell West Texas hospitality, a priceless Merilee Weiner quality,” says Elsner. This is one of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Krasner the area’s best hotels, with lots of Alice Music Study Club down-home hospitality, so everyone is bound to have a excellent time. In Memory of From According to Elsner, the agenda Libbie Stool Ima Joy Gandler is filling rapidly. Scheduled activities Mr. and Mrs. Winston Heidenheimer include Friday evening Shabbat Ser- Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Hart vices conducted by Dr. Sydney Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Leshin Zimelman of Ft. Worth, Temple Beth El’s rabbi since 1999. Two outstand- In Memory of From ing programs have been tentatively scheduled. One concerns a famous Milton T. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Hart American Reform Rabbi, Roland Ima Joy Gandler Dr. and Mrs. Larry Wilk continued on page 10

Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Page 7 Obituaries Libbie Stool Milton T. Smith House, Ronald McDonald House, the People’s Community Clinic, and the © El Paso Times – El Paso, Texas Austin Weizmann Institute of Science. Libbie Stool, age 79, of San Anto- Milton T. Smith, Past President of Milton and Helen were members of nio, died Wednesday, September 6, the Texas Jewish Historical Society, Congregation Beth Israel in Austin, 2006. died October 29, 2006, in Austin, where Milton served as President Judaism Texas. Milton was a true gentleman, from 1953-55. They were responsible and Civic ac- a mentor and for bringing the Leon Uris Collection tivities were a man known to the Ransom Center at the Univer- very important and loved for sity of Texas, and contributed scholar- to her. Libbie his philan- ships in other academic studies and and Max spent thropic and programs. In 1967, Congregation most of their humanitarian Beth Israel named the auditorium for married life in way of living. Helen and Milton Smith in recognition Del Rio. She was president of the Val He was a of their generosity through the years. Verde County Library Board when the true example Milton is survived by his daughters new library was constructed. Libbie of a and their husbands, Lonnie and Albert was a founding member of the Pan Mensch. Taub and Tina and Paul Gardner; American Round Table. She was an Milton Theodore Smith was born grandchildren, Brian and Mary active parent in the 4H Club, the PTA, September 11, 1911 in Detroit, Michi- Karotkin, Leslie Karotkin, Michael and and a member of the Val Verde Friends gan to Harry and Lillian (Pincus) Beth Karotkin, Todd and Stacey of the Arts, who purchased a new 9- Smith, and when he was foot Steinway concert Grand Piano. three months old, the fam- She was also co-founder of Family ily moved to Philadelphia, Planning in Val Verde County. Libbie Pennsylvania. They then was Val Verde County co-chairman moved to San Antonio, for the successful campaign to elect Texas in 1924, where he Ann Richards for Governor. She was attended school and ap- a member of the National Council for prenticed with cabinet and Jewish Women. Libbie had many furniture makers. He friends who enjoyed her good humor, moved to Austin after his intellect, and cooperative ways. graduation from high She was preceded in death by her school and started brother, Dr. Louis Polsky. Survivors Economy Upholstery with are: loving husband of 59 years, Max his father and two Stool; sons, Ethan Stool and wife, younger brothers. This Patti; and Ben L. Stool and wife, developed into Economy Furniture In- Gardner; his bonus grandchildren, Toni Michele Ritter; daughter, Elizabeth dustries and was the largest and most Taub, Carolyn Hyde, Tina and Arnie Friedman and husband, Dr. David successful industry in the Southwest. Montemayor; and his great-grandchil- Friedman; grandsons, Justin Stool, In 1938, he married Helen Gross dren, Wesley and Jennifer Karotkin, Samuel Friedman and Asher Fried- of Brookyn, New York, and they were Avery Gardner, Gabi and Carmen man; granddaughters, Rebekah Stool, married 64 years until her sudden Montemayor; his sister-in-law, Shirley Sydney Friedman and Rachel Fried- death in 2002. Together they estab- Weinberger of Washington, D.C.; Ri- man. Grandma Libbie will always be lished the Moshana Foundation, and chard S. Karotkin of Fort Worth, lovingly remembered. have contributed time and funding to Texas; and numerous nieces, neph- Libbie was laid to rest in Ft. Sam many organizations, including B’nai ews and cousins who always held a Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Brith and B’nai Brith Women, Good- special place in his heart. Harry Wurzbach San Antonio, TX US will Industries, Hillel Foundations at Milton T. Smith was buried at 78209, 210-820-3893 on Monday, Sep- the University of Texas and Texas Beth Israel III, Cook-Walden/Capital tember 11, 2006 at 10:30 AM. A&M, Hospice, Austin’s Christopher Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas.

Page 8 Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Midland Civic and Blanche Sheiness Beth El’s Former Building, Community Leader Corpus Christi continued from page 6 Dave Hoff ter Hamon to design this syna- Blanche Sheiness, long time Histo- gogue. Hamon chose the Spanish dies at age 83 rian of the Texas Jewish Historical Soci- Colonial Revival style for the ety, passed away October 17, 2006, in The West Texas Jewish Com- synagogue, which today is a rare Houston, Texas. munity suffered a severe loss on example of a Jewish congrega- Blanche was born September 30, 2006, with the pass- tional structure built in the style. November 24, 1913 to ing of David (Dave) Hoff, age 83, In 1950, architect Morris Levy Ida and Harry of Midland. Dave died as a result added classrooms, an auditorium Ladabam in San An- of complications from heart disease. and other facilities. Hamon’s de- tonio, Texas and He was laid to rest on Sunday, Oc- sign exhibits Spanish and Mediter- moved to Laredo with tober 1, 2006, in the new Temple ranean influences, including two her family when she Beth El Gardens in Odessa. domed towers with iron balconies, was a young girl. Dave and his wife of nearly red tile roofs, courtyard, arched Blanche received sixty years, Ruth (Plotkin) Hoff, porticos and an arched motif on her teaching degree from the University have been members of the Texas the main façade, with stone tablets of Texas in Austin. She married Marvin Jewish Historical Society almost at the center. A Star of David is Sheiness and they moved to Alice, since its inception. A pillar of the centered on the wide arched stone Texas, where they raised their three Midland and Odessa communities, entry. children, Herschel, Mark, and Sally. Dave moved to West Texas in the In 1942, Temple Beth El’s Or- Blanche worked with Marvin in his vari- 1960s, where he and Ruth raised thodox members organized a new ous businesses in Alice, including The four children – Bruce, Faye, and congregation called Shomre Men’s Store and Alice Hardware. twins Betsy and Judy. Emunah, or “Keepers of the In Alice, Blanche was involved with Dave was born in St. Louis, Faith.” The Reform congregation the Music Club, Eastern Star, Texas Missouri. He enjoyed careers in continued to worship in this build- Exes, and was President of the Brush construction, manufacturing, and re- ing under the leadership of Rabbi County A&M Mother’s Club. She was tail electronics. A founder and past Sidney A. Wolf until 1982, when it also a member of the Corpus Christi president of Temple Beth El, he moved to a new site on Saratoga Chapter of Hadassah. Blanche and served on its Board of Directors Boulevard. The two groups main- Marvin were affiliated with B’nai Israel since the 1960s. Dave was very tained close ties through the Synagogue in Corpus Christi. In 1999, active in B’nai B’rith and held al- years. Blanche moved to Houston where she most every position in the organiza- Various groups, including a worked with foreign students at the Uni- tion. He was largely responsible for local Montessori School, used the versity of Houston to teach them En- the success of both the local B’nai building, which remains a Corpus glish. She also taught computer skills at B’rith and its B’nai B’rith Youth Or- Christi landmark. In 1991, the The Hampton, where she resided. ganization (B.B.Y.O.) chapter. Metropolitan Community Church Blanche is survived by her children, A man who took great pride in of Corpus Christi purchased it and Herschel and Joyce Sheiness of San An- his family, his career and his reli- once again used it as a House of tonio, Mark and Paula Sheiness of Hous- gious life, Dave worked tirelessly to Worship. ton, and Sally Drayer of Dallas; her give back, and to make the world a Recorded Texas Historic grandchildren, Frank Sheines, Carries better place. His care and concern Landmark – 2003” Sheiness of Austin, Aaron and Violeta for humankind will forever remain in Temple Beth El and B’nai Is- Drayer of Lima, Peru, Rachel Drayer of the hearts and memories of those rael Synagogue, a Conservative Lander, Wyoming, Michelle Drayer of who were privileged to know him. congregation, agreed to merge as Shanghai, China, and sister-in-law Fay In addition to Ruth, Dave is sur- one congregation in September Kahn of St. Louis, Missouri. vived by his children and their 2005, under the new name of Graveside services were held on Fri- spouses, nine grandchildren, numer- Congregation Beth Israel, located day, October 20, 2006 at Seaside Memo- ous nieces, nephews, and cousins, at the Saratoga site of Temple rial Park in Corpus Christi, Texas. and a host of loving friends. Beth El.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Page 9 Morris Seligman, continued from page 4 was gregarious and interested in other money selling peanuts and sandwiches could trade on the black market in people’s ideas and business. Besides at games and on the special trains. Russia for money. his great personality, Morris believed She belonged to Bridge Clubs and In the sixties, Morris’s cousin in treating all people equally. He was Garden Clubs and Study Clubs. My Maurice Rifkin, a travel agent, ar- the first in town to put price tag on ev- father was on the City Council and ranged for Louise and Morris to ac- ery piece of merchandise, so every- was an adjunct Sunday School company Maury and his wife Lillian one knew the price and did not have teacher at two churches. They were on a visit to Russia. They went to to haggle. generous to the community; donating Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Our store was the first to hire an to local causes, such as clubs, Tashkent where members of Maury’s Hispanic. She was our cashier and churches, and schools. My parents family lived. When they returned, I bookkeeper. Morris opened accounts were proud of their Jewish heritage never saw my father so depressed. for credit to a number of blacks and and everyone in town knew they were He was appalled at the conditions and Hispanics; and many farmers had ac- Jewish. When my father became a conduct in that country. He said in the counts with us. I remember one par- member of Rotary International, he time that he was there, he never saw ticularly bad year that he called all the told them only once that he did not eat anybody smile. farmers with accounts with us and told pork, and he was served a substitute Morris and Louise had long and them to come in and add whatever at all subsequent pork meals. happy lives, and celebrated fifty-nine they needed to get their kids ready for Morris was always concerned years together. Morris is buried in the school. Morris learned enough Span- that we observed Jewish customs and family plot of the Hallettsville Jewish ish to talk to Mexican customers and holidays. We belonged to the Shearith Cemetery. At his death, he was many years before the US 59 became Israel Synagogue in Wharton when mourned by his wife Louise; his two a freeway and bypassed the town, we lived in El Campo. When we children David and wife Helene many travelers from Mexico stopped moved to Edna, we went back there (Dolly), and Celine and husband to purchase gifts for home at the for services. It was, at that time, an Charles Kaplan; and grandchildren store. Orthodox congregation. The kids Paula, Marian (Sandy), and Daniel We had our usual group of farm were all playing outside and this did Seligman, and Lee, David, Jay, and animals in the yard in Edna. One day, not suit my father. We changed to Nannette Kaplan. Morris came home and said he was B’nai Israel Temple in Victoria. This buying seven heifers. He told my was an active Reform congregation 28th Annual Gathering, mother that he could not talk to men with a Rabbi. My sister and I at- continued from page 7 on the street unless he owned cows tended Sunday School regularly and Gittelsohn of Boston, who made like they did. always went to services. My father the historical speech at the conclu- That was our start in the cow and prevailed upon the Rabbi for me to sion of the Battle for Iwo Jima calf business. He eventually bought a become a Bar Mitzvah, which was during World War II. In addition, small ranch and leased other pastures very uncommon in Reform Temples in as a result of the Society honoring for his several hundred head. Owning 1939. Odessa by having its gathering land was always important to my fa- After World War II, my father there, several Permian Basin fami- ther. He bought a farm, too. He took learned through his cousin in Philadel- lies have joined our organization. a delight in riding around and working phia that a niece was the only survivor Please mark your calendar the cattle with his helper. He took an of his immediate family. All had per- now and look forward to a couple active part in planning the crops to be ished in the Holocaust or in the fight- of days where there is much to do planted by our farm tenant. ing, which was concentrated in their and your presence is most Both my parents were active in area. For many years, he arranged to appreciated.couple of days where the community. My mother was trea- send merchandise to her that she there is much to do and your pres- surer of the Band Parents and raised ence is most appreciated.

Page 10 Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Book Review: All the Way From Yoakum: The Personal Journey of a Political Insider by Stuart Rockoff, Southern Jewish Historical Society Magazine

Texas Republican Party organizer Bendel, the New York couturier whom lican party in Marjorie Meyer Arsht, a member of many people assume was French Texas was so the prominent Houston family that rather than an American Jew. small that a state owned Foley Brothers Department A child prodigy, Arsht graduated convention could Store and gave Cohen House to Rice high school at age 14 and enrolled in have been held in University, has written an autobiogra- Houston’s Rice Institute, now Rice almost anyone’s phy that captures both small-town life University. While in college, she also living room,” she and the oil-rich atmosphere of Hous- attended Sunday School with the Con- writes. “I lis- ton. In All the Way from Yoakum: firmation class at Houston’s Congre- tened to an edu- The Personal Journey of a Political gation Beth Israel. When she realized cated, articulate . Insider, published this year by Texas that one of her final exams fell on . .Republican . . . A&M University Press, Arsht com- Shavuot, the same date as the Confir- debate a stumbling, unpleasant Demo- bines a clear writing style with a color- mation ceremony, she protested all the crat. . . I was committed. I made my ful life that began with her birth in way to the president of Rice, and ar- first political contribution, five dollars. South Texas in 1914. Her well-illus- ranged to take the final exam later the That one check put me on what few trated volume also provides an same date at the campus library. lists existed at that time.” insider’s analysis of the infancy and Arsht’s grandmother insisted that Within two years, the party faithful adolescence of today’s powerful state “well-bred young ladies must speak had convinced Arsht to run for the Republican Party. French,” so after graduating Rice, she Legislature. Because Jews were so In 1963, when the Texas GOP enrolled in the Sorbonne in Paris. That well represented in civic and business was of minor influence, Arsht helped educational sojourn acquainted her affairs, Arsht’s campaign aides as- launch George H. W. Bush’s political with relatives throughout France and sumed the city was home to half a mil- career. During a gathering in her with deep concern for the gathering lion Jews. The number was closer to Houston home, the elder Bush agreed winds of war. Still young and single, 25,000, a figure that translated into to run for county Republican chair- Arsht studied at Columbia University fewer than 10,000 voters, few who man. The rest is history. During the in New York, and then returned to would vote a Republican ticket. “By Reagan era, Arsht herself became a Houston as a 21-year-old school running as a Republican, I had broken Republican speechwriter and high- teacher with a job at Hogg Junior ranks. Jews were supposed to be level assistant in the Department of High. While working, she lived with Democrats—and liberal at that,” Arsht Housing and Urban Development. her aunt and uncle, Esther and George recalls in her memoir. “The Jewish Arsht had traveled a long way Cohen, owners of Foley Brothers. A community, which might have been from her native Yoakum, located 35 relative who played matchmaker fixed expected to rally to my candidacy, held miles south of Interstate 10 between her up with Raymond Arsht, 25, a back . . . There was not one coffee or Houston and San Antonio. Among Houston lawyer from Illinois. Two gathering among my many Jewish Yoakum’s 4,000 residents were, per- weeks later, the couple was engaged. friends. They figuratively walked on haps, three Jewish families. Arsht’s Raymond Arsht later proved to be the other side of the street . . . I un- father, who had learned Judaism from a “natural” in the developing oil busi- derstood completely. Where as politi- Galveston’s Rabbi Henry Cohen, ness. Accustomed to blazing her own cal appointments were sources of shuttled his daughter to Houston and path, Marjorie Arsht was drawn to Re- pride, at that time Jews simply didn’t San Antonio for Rosh Hashanah and publican politics. During her 1960 run for public office for several rea- Yom Kippur. Arsht’s mother, who had vice-presidency of the Beth Israel Sis- sons. Candidates . . . are targets for grown up in Lafayette, Louisiana, was terhood, the group hosted a political all kinds of attacks—some true, some part of the fashion-famous Bendel forum featuring two candidates for the false. Also, among Jews there was a family. Her brother was Henri Legislature. “At that time, the Repub- continued on page 16

Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Page 11 Texas Jewish Historical Society Records are Now Online by Ima Joy Gandler, TJHS Archivist The Center for American History at the University of BUSINESS PAPERS—(no active records that are Texas is the depository for memorabilia for the Texas needed to operate)—correspondence, ledgers or record Jewish Historical Society. Records at the Center for books, classified files, financial records such as receipts, American History at the University of Texas in Austin are invoices, and inventories, legal records such as contracts, now online. You may add your memorabilia to the Texas deeds, and court records, flyers, calendars, schedules, Jewish Historical Society Records. To access the posters, memos, business cards, and photographs or photo Records online, log on to www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/ albums, identified or unidentified. 00255/cah-00255.html. PRINTED MATERIALS—newspapers, books, Items not included are the selected archives and pamphlets, posters, broadsides, maps, and printed docu- manuscripts collection in the Texas Jewish Collection. To ments. obtain lists is this category, log on to www.cah.utexas.edu/ LITERARY PRODUCTIONS/WRITINGS—es- services/subject_guides/subject_guide_jewish.php. says, poetry, fiction, reminiscences, memoirs, oral history, The types of materials, originals or copies, that you interviews on cassette tapes or narratives, and speeches. may add to the Texas Jewish Historical Society Records ORGANIZATIONAL RECORDS—charters, mem- are as follows: bership lists, minutes, yearbooks, programs, press releases, PERSONAL PAPERS—family trees, histories, let- correspondence, newsletters, newspapers, and brochures. ters, diaries or journals, passports, naturalization papers, RELIGIOUS MATERIALS—synagogue records, birth certificates, death certificates, records and certifi- minutes, programs, brochures, bulletins, record books, cates of marriage, circumcisions, consecrations, Bar and membership lists, prayer books, hymn books, photographs Bat Mitzvahs, confirmations, war records, scrapbook ma- or photo albums, identified or unidentified, and cemetery terials such as report cards, graduation certificates, pro- records. grams, and invitations, other documentary mementos, SOUND MATERIALS—music or disc, cassette obituaries, newspaper clippings, recorded or written oral tape or as sheet music, and oral history interviews. history interviews or memories, legal records such as wills, ARTISTIC MATERIALS—posters, drawings, and estate materials, deeds, court records, and contracts, pho- photographs. tographs, and photo albums, identified or unidentified. continued on page 19

Donations to the TEXAS JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Endowment Fund Extend the life and future of the Texas Jewish Histori- Gratefully acknowledges your gift to its cal Society. When you honor or memorialize a friend or Endowment Fund loved one with a contribution to the Society’s Endowment Fund, you are extending the life and future of TJHS. Your in the amount of $______donations help support important programs. To honor a friend or loved one, send the honoree’s full In honor of/memory of name, honor (congratulations and occasion, memorial, etc.), and your name (donor name), along with a check in any ______amount to the Texas Jewish Historical Society, P.O. Box 10193, Austin, TX 78766-0193. Upon receipt of your gift, An acknowledgement will be sent to the party you specify. you will receive an acknowledgement. Thank you for sup- Your gift will further the efforts to record, preserve, and disseminate historic information about Texas Jewish culture. porting the TJHS.

Page 12 Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 TJHS Members Meeting in Abilene, October, 2006

These three pictures were taken by Rusty Milstein during our tour of Fiesta Texas, a museum of the West Texas experience. In the picture to the left is L. David Vogel (TJHS board member). In the picture below is Vickie Vogel, L. David Vogel, and Mitzi Milstein, TJHS Vice President.

In the picture above is Vickie Vogel and Hollace Weiner, editor of Lone Stars of David (our new book). Hollace is wearing the boots that will ap- pear on the cover of the book.

The two pictures below were taken by Vickie Vogel while TJHS members were lunching at the Cypress Restaurant.

Left side of table: Sheila Rosenfield, Herman Morris Left to right: Max Stool, Milton Harelik, Right side of table (l to r): Mitzi Milstein, Neil Gurwitz, Dorothy Harelik, Seymour Beitscher Betty Gurwitz, Annette Lackman, Howard Lackman

Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Page 13 The Texas Jewish Historical Society’s

Charles and Jan Hart and Mabel Massin Carol Brin and Hershel Rich

Joyce Gerrick and Shirley Rich Joyce Gerrick and Shirley Rich David Bach

TJHS members visti the boxcar exhibit at the Holocaust Museum. Hollace Weiner Shirley Rich

Page 14 Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 27th Annual Gathering in Houston

TJHS Members listen to the speakers.

Royal, Carol, and Janis Brin

Don and Gertrude Teter and Doris and Ed Katten

Sally Drayer, Blanche Sheiness, and Susan Furman

Lynn Greenberg and Selma Mantel The four members facing the camera are Jack Gerrick, Jan Hart, Sherry Zander, and Charles Hart

Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Page 15 Book Review, contin- ued from page 11 Do You Recognize This? fear that if a Jew in elective office did something wrong, all would be held ac- countable.” Arsht’s unsuc- cessful race for the This postcard was Legislature convinced sent to Charles B. Hart, her that grassroots or- along with a question ask- ganization was neces- ing if anyone recognizes sary to build the party. the people in it. The back She got to work, and of the picture is inscribed was part of the “Greetings from the hon- growth and success of eymooners, Manette (or today’s GOP. All the possibly Nanette?) & Way from Yoakum Leon. Apr 9/19 – Hot illustrates, with pic- Springs, Ark.” tures, today’s power- A question asked was ful Republicans, and “Is it Mannette Bonart?” how insightful If you can help, Marjorie Arsht has please contact Charles B. been. On the book Hart in Temple, TX. jacket, she stands with former First Lady Barbara Bush and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. Inside are professional photos of Arsht with the late Senator John Tower, former President George Bush, and cur- rent president George Bush when he was celebrating his father’s nomination to the presidency. In words and pictures, Marjorie Meyer Arsht relates both the remarkable success story of a small-town Jewish family and an inside perspective of the Texas GOP.

Page 16 Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Texas Jewish Historical Society 2006-2007

Officers

Vickie Vogel (La Grange) ...... President Mitzi Milstein (Longview) ...... 1st Vice-President Beverly Beck Trachtenberg (Houston) ...... 2nd Vice-President Bob Gindler (Sugar Land) ...... 3rd Vice-President Ben Pfeffer (Houston) ...... Treasurer Open ...... Recording Secretary Jan Siegel Hart (Temple) ...... Corresponding Secretary Barry Green (Tyler) ...... Parliamentarian Sally Drayer (Dallas) ...... Historian Ima Joy Gandler (Waco) ...... Archivist

Board of Trustees 2006-2008 Ralph Frapart (Brownsville) Selma Mantel (Houston) Elaine Greenberg (Houston) Greg Meyer (San Antonio) Lynn Greenberg (Houston) Rusty Milstein (Longview) Neil Gurwitz (Bastrop) Allen Mondell (Dallas) Jane Guzman (Dallas) John Perel (Houston) Dorothy Harelik (Hamilton) Sheila Rosenfield (Austin) Nancy Hoffman (Austin) Robin Schriefer (New Braunfels) Ed Katten (Waco) Davie Lou Solka (Corpus Christi) Howard Lackman (Arlington) Max Stool (San Antonio) Alan Livingston (Houston) David Vogel (La Grange)

Board of Trustees 2005-2007 Elaine Albin (Rockport) Sherman Kusin (Austin) Leon Brachman (Fort Worth) Barbara Lack (Victoria) Carol Brin (Dallas) Marvin Leshin (Corpus Christi) Leah Burstein (San Antonio) Yetta Leshin (Corpus Christi) Roy Elsner (Odessa) Mabel Massin (Houston) Doris Epstein (Laredo) Cynthia Mondell (Dallas) Winston Heidenheimer (Cisco) Keith Rosen (Bellaire) David Hoffman (Evant) Mervin Rosenbam (Baytown) Marilyn Jorrie (Boulder, CO) Hollace Weiner (Fort Worth) Debra L. Weingarten (Austin)

Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Page 17 TJHS 28th Annual Gathering Registration Form April 20-22, 2007 at the MCM Eleganté Hotel in Odessa, Texas 5200 East University - for Reservations, call 1-866-368-5885 Fax 432-362-8958

The cost is $84 per night.

Reservation Deadline is April 1, 2007

This will be an exciting weekend in a beautiful W est T exas setting. The MCM Eleganté is a five-star hotel in the middle of W est T exas. Nearby , there’s the Gateway Spa 7 Salon and the Oasis Bar and Grill. You’ll be overwhelmed with history. Ther e is the historyyoftheW of the West T exas oil fields, the history of the Odessa/Midland Jewish community, the historyyof of its cemeter y, and the histor y of its association with United S tates pr esidents. Co-chairmen of this event, Mr. Roy Elsner and Dr . Frank Kasman will show you immense hospitality and you will love your visit to the Texas Jewish Historical Society’s 28th Annual Gathering.

Please note: The Registration price will be announced in the near future.

Name: ______Spouse: ______

Address: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip:______

Phone: (______)______Fax: (______)______

E-mail:______

Number attending: ______

Mail to: TJHS, P.O. Box 12061, Odessa, TX 79768

Page 18 Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Welcome New Members! July 1, 2006 - November 30, 2006 AIPAC Gould, Dr. Norman and Evelyn Silverberg, Adele and Harold 11 Greenway Plaza, Ste. 1520 2814 Fannin 4101 Spicewood Springs Rd. Houston, TX 77046 Midland, TX 79705 Austin, TX 78759 432-694-1880 512-345-1190 Cohen, Bette Jean 41 Augusta Kusnetz, Howard and Florence Stahl, Rabbi Samuel and Lynn Abilene, TX 79606 (Moglinksy) 4218 Bluemol [email protected] 5718 Braesheather San Antonio, TX 78240 Houston, TX 77096 210-696-2825 Cohen, Joan and Daniel 713-723-2711 3760 Rice Blvd. Unitarian Universalist Church [email protected] Houston, TX 77005 1726 Morgans Point Rd. 713-668-4859 Mahoney, Katie Morgans Point, TX 76513 5204 Roosevelt Ave. #B Eneman, Evelyn Austin, TX 78766 215 Sidney St. 512-323-3405 Has Your Longview, TX 75602 [email protected] 903-757-9817 Mendlinger, Sheryl Address Farber, Susan and Randal 71 Parker Ave. 5203 S. Braeswood Blvd. Newton, MA 02459 Changed? Houston, TX 77096 [email protected] Has your address changed? Fisher, Dr. and Mrs. Sam Michelson, Abigail What about your Area Code or 1714 W. Crescent Dr. 508 Drake’s Cove phone number? Has your name Odessa, TX 79761 changed? Do you want your Lockhart, TX 78644 432-366-8162 name to appear differently on the 512-376-2155 TJHS mailing label? Please let Goodmark, Michelle and Robert Nathan, Jayne us know. We’d really appreciate 7723 Braes Meadow Dr. 5555 N. Braeswood, Unit 58 your help. Please send new Houston, TX 77071 Houston, TX 77096 information to: 713-722-4986 713-283-1760 [email protected] Leon Brachman Roosth, Dr. Thomas and Priscella Goren, Esther 3720 Autumn Drive 2628 Glen Haven 5555 Del Monte, Apt. 506 Fort Worth, TX 76109 Houston, TX 77025 Houston, TX 77056 phone: 817-924-9207 713-667-0544 713-871-0255 e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

TJHS Records, continued from page 12 If you require additional information concerning istrar, 1 University Station D1100, Austin, Texas 78712. placement of items in the Texas Jewish Historical Society Be sure to include a letter stating that these items are to Records, please contact the Center for American History be included in the Texas Jewish Historical Society Registrar, Evan Hocker, at 512-495-4535 or email him at Records. [email protected]. Prior to donating items, If you wish to visit the Center for American History please contact Ima Joy Gandler, 3001 Wooded Acres, Waco, Texas 76710 (phone 254-772-5717). Research and Collection Division, it is located in Sid Items may be shipped to Ima Joy Gandler or to the Richardson Hall, 2.101, by the LBJ Library. Center for American History, care of: Evan Hocker, Reg- Please keep this article for future reference.

Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007 Page 19 NONPROFIT ORG. Texas Jewish U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX Historical Society PERMIT NO. 1662 P.O. Box 10193 Austin, Texas 78766-0a193

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Texas Jewish Historical Society New Membership and Information Update Form for Directory Join the Texas Jewish Historical Society today! Or use this form to update your contact information for the Member Directory (being updated for 2006-2008). 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 in the New Member Directory Check the Appropriate Box(es) New Member Gift Membership/Recipient’s Name: ______ Renewing Member Donor’s Name: ______ Updated Information Only Donor’s Adress: ______Occasion: ______Membership Category $36 Annual Member $100 Sponsor $500 Benefactor $50 Supporting Member $250 Sustaining Member $1,000 Patron New Member’s Name (note if gift membership): ______Check if gift recipient Name of Spouse: ______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 20 Texas Jewish Historical Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, January, 2007