In this interview, Manual (Mandy) Ruder (1914 - ) gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan. Special attention is afforded to his family background, including information about his Romanian and Zionist parents farming in Palestine, their settlement in North Dakota, and eventually settling with his mother in Minneapolis after the tragic death of his father. The focus moves to Ruder's childhood in a Romanian Orthodox community near downtown Minneapolis, roughly during the period of 1910 - 1920, to his education at the University of Minnesota in the 1930s, Navy career, career in American National Bank, and copious family details. This interview was conducted by Dr. Linda Mack Schloff, former director of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, in effort to document the stories of Jewish immigration to and community leaders in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Pearl Bankman Sakol (4th from top right) and her family gather around two tables for the Passover Seder. The view of the photograph is from slightly above.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Text for memorial services, including prayers in English and Hebrew for fathers, mothers, and grandfathers and the Mourner's Kaddish in English and Hebrew with the Hebrew transliterated.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Men and women sit at rows of long tables for anniversary celebration of the Duluth Talmud Torah. The Duluth Jewish community at its height in the 1930s numbered about 4,000. Duluth's profile mirrored that of larger cities to the south, including a mix of German and eastern European settlers. The fact that both groups arrived within the same decade helped prevent some of the same identity-based separation that occurred in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Duluth Talmud Torah is officially named the Ida B. Cook Hebrew school, after the founder and a prominent Duluth citizen.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A contract between the Russian Brotherhood synagogue and Joe Isololen regarding payment for congregation membership. Payment amounts are specified, and the congregant is assigned seat 35A in the synagogue building.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A large group of young people sitting at a series of long tables in the Temple of Aaron in Saint Paul. United Synagogue Youth (USY) was founded in 1951 to promote living Jewishly to Jewish-American teens. Part educational and part service oriented, the organization encourages youth involvement in Jewish community service work; travel and service in Israel; and reflection on Jewish identity. USY is associated with Conservative Judaism. The photo was taken at Temple of Aaron in St. Paul
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Confirmants in white robes are seated in two rows with Rabbi Aronson seated in the front middle row. Rabbi Aronson came to Beth El in 1924, and served the congregation for 35 years. Beth El, at the time the photo was taken, was on the North Side of Minneapolis. The congregation is now in St. Louis Park.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Roz Baker (1923 - ) gives an account of her life as a Jewish native of Minneapolis. She relates her family background which includes an immigration story to the United States from Russia through Cypress in 1915. She describes her childhood growing up Jewish in Minneapolis, relating memories of Labor-Zionist meetings, holiday traditions, school experience, working as a teenager during the Depression and various class distinctions among the larger Jewish community. This interview was conducted by Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest volunteer Ann Schulman in effort to document the stories of Jewish immigration to and community leaders in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Rabbi Kassel Abelson speaks of his life, times, and views regarding Judaism. Abelson spent over forty years as senior Rabbi at Beth El synagogue in North Minneapolis and later Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, serving as a leader in the community and as a developer of national Judaic programs and policy. Abelson recalls his family background, his childhood in Brooklyn, his education culminating in the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York in the 1940s (a focus of discussion), his chaplaincy, his arrival and experience at Beth El, relocating to Saint Louis Park from Minneapolis' North Side and actions in setting Judaic policy. The focus of the interview, in addition to Abelson's personal narrative, is on his vision of American Judaism and how it was enacted through various programs and organizations, such as the United Synagogue Youth, in addition to his social justice principles exemplified by his participation in organizations such as the Urban Coalition 1960s on Minneapolis' North Side. This interview was conducted by Dr. Linda Mack Schloff, former director of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, in effort to document the stories of Jewish immigration to and community leaders in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Sunshine Club of Virginia was a young women's service and social club. The club's Americanized name suggests the second generation's disposition to claim their American identity: first generation organization names would have likely been rendered in Hebrew.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The shofar is a ram's horn used for Jewish religious purposes. It is most frequently associated with the high holidays of Rosh ha-Shana and Yom Kippur.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The wedding took place close on the heels of the outbreak of World War II. The Smiths are standing under a chuppha, the traditional covered tent under which the married couple stand and exchange their vows.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Frontal view of the third Mount Zion Temple in St. Paul, Minnesota, located at Holly Avenue and Avon Street, designed in the classical style. This was the location prior to the fourth and current Mount Zion on Summit Avenue, designed in the modernist Bauhaus style.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Frontal view of the original Temple of Aaron synagogue on the corner of Ashland Avenue and Avon Street in St. Paul, Minnesota. This building was completed in 1916 under Rabbi Arthur Ginzler and was destroyed by fire in 1951.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Frontal view of Temple Israel synagogue. On Sept. 1, 1928, Temple Israel members attended the inaugural service of this new synagogue, designed by architect Jack Liebenberg. The Temple's pillared facade on Emerson Avenue, the site of the former community house, reflects Greek influence on early Judaism. The five doors represent the five books of the Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Frontal view of a new addition to Temple Israel synagogue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The addition was constructed in 1987 and added a new entrance on the parking lot, a 250 seat theater, meeting rooms, offices, and elevators to make the temple handicapped-accessible.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Side view facing West of Mount Zion Temple synagogue at 1300 Summit Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is one of the last projects designed by the internationally renowned Bauhaus architect Erich Mendelsohn, who incidentally died during its construction. The building was dedicated in 1954. A previous building was located at Holly Avenue and Avon Street in St. Paul.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of University of Minnesota students look at books in a display case while attending Jewish Book Month, hosted by the University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel. The University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel was founded in 1940 to assist Jewish college students away from home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Five Hillel volunteers unpack food at a food drive. Listed on the back from left to right: unidentified, Jerry Bubis, Theresa Friedland (Hillel Secretary), Rita Mack and Nancy Stein. The University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel was founded in 1940 to assist Jewish college students away from home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A female Hillel volunteer hands a can of food to a male volunteer in front of a sign advertising the Purim Overseas Food Drive, co-chaired by Gerald Bubis and Stevie Frankel. The University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel was founded in 1940 to assist Jewish college students away from home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Five University of Minnesota Hillel students sit and stand around a piano, performing a musical number. The University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel was founded in 1940 to assist Jewish college students away from home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Three unidentified Hillel students, standing around a table, participate in a Havdalah ceremony marking the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week. The female student holds a braided Havdalah candle, center male holds a flashlight and the other male student holds a prayer book. On the table is a spice box and a cup of wine used for the ceremony. The University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel was founded in 1940 to assist Jewish college students away from home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
University of Minnesota Hillel students seated before a standing Rabbi Louis Milgrom, executive director and rabbi of Hillel from the 1940s to 1970s. The University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel was founded in 1940 to assist Jewish college students away from home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Four unidentified Hillel students, seated, gather for a discussion (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). Handwritten statement on back identifies the man seated at the left as a special assistant to the Lubovecher Rabbi. The University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel was founded in 1940 to assist Jewish college students away from home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Five couples of University of Minnesota Hillel students attending the Spring Fever formal smile and pose for the camera while on the dance floor. The University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel was founded in 1940 to assist Jewish college students away from home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Three unidentified students consult the Hillel library. The University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel was founded in 1940 to assist Jewish college students away from home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A large group of University of Minnesota Hillel students sit in chairs around an empty dance floor at the Spring Fever formal in 1946. The University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel was founded in 1940 to assist Jewish college students away from home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Designed by Naomi Lipsky and made by Mel Turcanik, this undecorated sukkah made entirely out of wood. It is in a grassy area with trees in the background.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Toni Lee Goldish lighting a homemade menorah on a fireplace mantel. Hanging from the mantel are three large Star of David ornaments. The Goldish family lived on Minneapolis' South Side.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Men and women seated at long tables, set with food and drink. Tifereth B'nai Jacob was referred to as the "Elwood Shul" because of it's location on Elwood Avenue. There was a striking concentration of Jewish community life around the Elwood Shul, including the Emanuel Cohen Community Center and the Jewish Sheltering Home, as well as several other synagogues and a bustling retail center a few blocks away on Plymouth Avenue.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Eight women and men are seated at a table on Passover. Each have a book in front of them. The back of the Photograph reads: "Across the table are (from left) George and Esther Casmir, "Beth" Helperin Oreckovsky (1884, Vilna-1954), Charles D. Oreckovsky (1882, Ukraine-1973) and "Big Joe" Oreckovsky (1876, Ukraine-1952)
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
50th Anniversary Celebration for Rose and Simon Joseph Weisberg at the home of Dr. Louis and Florence Weisberg. Far left, white shirt, black tie-Dr. Edward Litin. Over his left shoulder is Frank Weisberg, son of Rose and Simon. To his left is Sam Weisberg, son of Rose and Simon.To his left tall with glasses is Arthur Weisberg son of Louis Weisberg and Florence. At his left shoulder is Dr. Louis Weisberg husband of Florence Levine Weisberg. To his left is Lee Krelitz Weisberg married to Frank Weisberg. Just behind her is Donald Litin brother to Dr. Ed and son of Ann and Abe Litinsky. At Lee’s left is Florence Levine Weisberg, wife to Louis Weisberg. To her left is Jean Schlessinger Weisberg married to Nate Weisberg. To her left is Abe Litin (changed from Litinsky) married to Ann Weisberg Litin standing in front of him. To Abe Litin’s left is Nate Weisberg son of Rose and Simon Joseph. Standing to Nate’s left on the far right in dark suit and white shirt is Jack Shink married to Sylvia Litin. To Jack’s right is his mother-in-law, Ann Weisberg Litin and to her right is her daughter, Sylvia who married Jack Shink. Over Sylvia’s right shoulder is Gabriel Borken who married Idelle Weisberg who is standing to his immediate right. She is a daughter of Rose and Simon Joseph as is Ann. In front of Idelle is Sarah Lipshultz Weisberg who married Sam Weisberg a son of Rose and Simon. To Sarah’s right is Morton Weisberg a son of Louis and Florence Weisberg. To Sarah’s right is Burton Weisberg, a son of Frank and Lee Weisberg. To his left in front of Sarah’s left arm is Willard Weisberg son of Louis and Florence Weisberg. In the front row the young boy with the grey sweater is Harold Weisberg, son of Sam and Sara Weisberg. Standing at the left in the front, the elderly man withwhite beard is Simon Joseph Weisberg. The boy with the horizontal stripped shirt is Dr. Martin Weisberg son of Frank and Lee Weisberg.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of Temple of Aaron congregants sing together before a director and KSTP microphone. Directing in front is Arthur Paymar. Holding the sheet music is Cantor Ben Nosowsky. Row 1: Adeline Tenzer Garber Fremland, Sylvia Butwinick, Alice Adelman Gustelle, Marilyn Zipperman Schatzberg, Esther Vitoff Schwartz, unidentified, unidentified, Leah Heffter. Row 2: Harry Gass, unidentified, unidentified, Harry Frishberg, Sidney Berde, Ephraim Vitoff, Helen Paster Greenberg, Vivian Sinykin Geller.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In Conservative congregations, girls graduating from confirmation classes wore white: in Reform rituals, participants wore secular clothing, suggesting a more "Americanized" approach.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Alfred H. Khan, a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, is shown here with his students. Confirmation is a coming-of-age practice for post Bar- and Bat Mitzvahs. between age 15 and 18. It was originally developed by the Reform Movement to follow bar- and bat mitzvahs in the belief that thirteen year olds were not yet ready to be considered adult and should continue on in their religious education. Temple of Aaron was founded as an orthodox congregation but switched affiliation to Conservative several years after founding.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Temple Israel was originally known as Shaari Tov, "The Gates of Goodness." Organized in 1878, it was Minneapolis's first Jewish congregation. The first Shaari Tov building burned, and a second was constructed in 1902. A third building was completed in 1928 to accommodate the greatly expanded membership. Then came the Depression. The congregation had borrowed $150,000 on pledges from members to build their new $225,000 Temple and many could not pay their pledges or dues. And so the "Rigadoo" was born, a weekend carnival where the Men's Club and Sisterhood solicited sale goods and prizes. In five years "Rigadoo" netted $25,000, enough to save the building.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph of the front exterior of the Temple Israel synagogue. The Temple Israel Congregation was incorporated as Congregation Shaarei Tov in 1879. This building occupied 501-503 10th Street South in Minneapolis.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph showing the front exterior of Temple Israel. Temple Israel was founded as congregation Shaari Tov ("Gates of Goodness") in 1878. The building in the picture was designed by architect Jack Liebenberg, dedicated in 1929. The Temple's pillared facade reflects Greek influence on early Judaism. The five doors represent five books of the Torah--Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Teenagers gather outside a bus while attending a Mount Zion Temple synagogue teen outing. At the time, Mount Zion was on the corner of Holly Avenue and Avon Street in St. Paul, Minnesota, which is likely the area this photograph was shot.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
View showing the front exterior of the Synagogue Kenesseth Israel. Kenesseth Israel was formed sometime in the late 19th century from the combined congregations of Ohel Jacob and Beth Midrash Hagodol on Minneapolis's North Side. The congregation was Orthodox, active, and engaging of newly arrived immigrants, providing them with medical care and free shelter. The culturally and religiously important Minneapolis Talmud Torah grew out of Kenesseth Israel's Hebrew School. The building shown here was located in the middle of the block on 6th Avenue North and Lyndale Avenue North.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph of four boys sitting at a desk while a fifth stands behind a podium. Orthodox synagogues on the west side of St. Paul jointly founded the St. Paul Hebrew Institute in 1911.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A large gathering of students, sit on benched in a hall in Moses Montefiore Hebrew School. The Hebrew School was formally organized in 1905 and incorporated in 1908. The driving force behind the school was Mrs. Ida Cook, a Lithuanian immigrant. The school, according to the articles of incorporation, was to "…furnish persons of Hebrew parentage with religious instruction in harmony with the Hebrew religion; to teach the Hebrew and English languages...and to promote religious principles and devotion." The school later became the Duluth Talmud Torah.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Student being counseled by B'nai B'rith synagogue Vocational Guidance Service at the Hillel Foundation (University of Minnesota). Listed on the back in no particular order, (blank) Wasserman and Gerhard Neuback.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Passover Seders begin with a retelling of the story of the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. It includes foods symbolic of the years of slavery and flight from Egypt. Seders are family and community observances, held primarily in the home. The Smith family lived in St. Paul on Dayton Avenue. Jennie Smith, the family matriarch, presides at the end of the table.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Mt. Zion Women's Sisterhood members looking at a Shabbat dinner table setting. The women in the picture were publicizing the concept of the "Jewish Home Beautiful", which emphasized decorating the home, specifically the table settling, for each Jewish holiday. Left to right: Mrs. Max Whitefield, Mrs. Joseph Stein, and Mrs. Allen Firestone.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Kronicks were close-knit family from the Iron Range. Several other Jewish Range families are represented in this photograph, including the Grais', Gordons, Garbers, and Londons.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Silber, presiding at the head of the table, led Congregation Kenesseth Israel during its early years. Silber's family surrounds him, with the Silber son and daughters seated on the right. Passover Seders begin with a retelling of the story of the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. It includes foods symbolic of the years of slavery and flight from Egypt. Seders are family and community observances, held primarily in the home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Programming for the J. E. C. was conducted by the J. C. A. A.--Jewish Center Activities Association, and funded by the Community Chest. J. C. A. A. was a programming powerhouse, quickly developing junior and senior orchestra's boy and girl scout troops, a theater company, adult classes and a newspaper. Summer Center Days showcased classes and cultural activities at the Center, and brought in new participants.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Friends and family raise a glass, at Sam Weiner's Bar Mitzvah. Bar Mitzvah literally means "Son of the Commandments." It refers to the boy (or with a Bat Mitzvah, girl) who comes of age at 13. it also refers to the ceremony celebrating the young persons call to read Torah. Participation at synagogues services is, and was, often followed by a celebration attended by family and friends.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Rockler Family sits around two long dining tables during Seder. The National Jewish Workers Alliance, also known as the Farband, was an early North American Zionist group. It was the mutual aid society of the political party Poale Zion. Farband members organized cooperative insurance and medical plans, adult education classes in Yiddish, and funded cooperative housing. The Minneapolis Farband house was located at 10th Street and Knox Avenue.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Men are seated on one side of a long table for the Passover Seder meal. From the back of the photograph: "Head Table: reading from right to left: Rabbi Nathan Kohler; Rabbi Karl Richter; Chaplain Saul Kraft; Col. N. L. Cote, Commanding Officer; Lt. Col. C. R. Walters, Exec. Officer; Chaplain R. H. P. Ross, Post Chaplain; Chaplain C. W. McGeehon; Chaplain H. T. Bernthal; Chaplain Lowell Thompson."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A portrait photograph of Rabbi Solomon Silber. Rabbi Silber served as Kenesseth Israel's rabbi from 1902 to 1925. He, and members of his congregation, were instrumental in funding and building the Jewish Family Welfare Board and the Jewish Sheltering Home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Silber was the leader of Kenesseth Israel, the most influential synagogue in North Minneapolis at the turn of the century. He is speaking at the dedication of the "new" Talmud Torah, which housed classrooms, social services, and recreational facilities for the community. Rabbi Silber is flanked by A. N. Bearman and Nathan Weisberg.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Milgrom stands at the head of tables set for Seder while young men and women stand as well. The University of Minnesota Hillel Society was founded in 1940, with Rabbi Milgrom its first director. By 1941 the membership of more than 500 enjoyed a full agenda of programs including classes, discussion groups, debate, drama and social activities. The lack of a permanent home was an issue as early as 1943, and the U. J. F. C. sanctioned a fund drive in 1945. A permanent building (the current one) was purchased in 1956. Even without a home, activities included a model Seder, Friday night services and dinners, and activities, such as vocational guidance, for returning veteran students.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait photograph of Rabbi Joseph Hurvitz and his wife, Rebbetzin Rae Hurvitz. Known in his St. Paul Lowertown community as "Der Roiter Rov" (the Red Rabbi), Rabbi Hurvitz lead the Sons of Jacob and Adath Yeshurun congregations from the 1910s through the 1950s. Though he was a traditionalist, he consciously used both English and Yiddish in worship and congregational gatherings to help validate his immigrant congregants sense that both languages and the cultures they represented were of equal importance in their new home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi David Aronson, Senator Hubert Humphrey and Rabbi Kassel Abelson pose standing for the camera. Rabbis Kassel Abelson and David Aronson led the Beth El Synagogue congregation during the years it was located on Penn Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The photo with Senator Humphrey was taken at the Penn Avenue building. Aronson especially worked closely with Humphrey during Humphrey's tenure as Minneapolis mayor to improve North side inter-community relations during the late 1940s and early 50s.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi is standing beside Mrs Ettedgui who is covering her eyes for the Sabbath blessing over the candles. There are four children seated at the table. From Minnesota Jewish Life magazine.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Purim is a time for acting out and speaking up. The women of Kenesseth Israel's auxiliary did just that, appropriating men's garb, including a tallis (prayer shawl) and a cigarette to declare a minute of breaking away from accepted roles and dressing conventions of the day.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait of Rabbi Dr. Nahum Schulman, rabbi of Mikro Kodesh Synagogue. In 1949, Mikro Kodesh of Minneapolis, Minnesota was the largest orthodox synagogue in the Twin Cities. By the late 1960, due to Jewish families emigrating to the neighboring Saint Louis Park, the synagogue merged with a conservative synagogue and later became B'nai Emet Synagogue of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait of Rabbi S. I. Levin, who served the congregations Sharei Tzedek Synagogue and Sharei Chesed Synagogue of Minneapolis, Minnesota for more than 63 years. He was the highly respected dean of Minneapolis Orthodox rabbis until his death in 1984. A prolific writer in scholarly Hebrew journals, he was one of the founders of the Minneapolis Federation and the Jewish Family and Children�s Service.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Wechsler (pronounced Wexler) lead the congregation's sponsoring a Jewish farming settlement in the Dakota Territories. The settlement attempted to help Russian Jewish immigrants find livelihoods working the land in the American West. Though the farm colony ultimately failed, he was considered an innovator and modernizer. Late in his career, after leaving Minnesota, he worked to improve educational opportunities in Mississippi for blacks. He served at Temple Mount Zion from 1878-1886.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait of Rabbi Albert G. Minda, rabbi of Temple Israel Synagogue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was a president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and a spiritual leader of Minneapolis Jews from 1922-1963. Additionally, he was co-founder of the Minneapolis Urban League and Round Table Conference of Christians and Jews.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Kafka became Sexton (custodian) of Temple Mount Zion in 1874. He was responsible for the care of the Temple, keeping the heat on, collecting contributions, and carrying out the directives of the congregation president. Whether the pay for his service was insufficient can only be conjectured, but Kafka left his job for a post on the St. Paul Police Force.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A reprint of a photograph of the Popkin family sitting at a dining table set with plates and glasses. Passover Seders begin with a retelling of the story of the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. It includes foods symbolic of the years of slavery and flight from Egypt. Seders are family and community observances, held primarily in the home. The Popkin family lived in Duluth.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph of the Plitman family sitting at a dining table. Passover Seders begin with a retelling of the story of the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. It includes foods symbolic of the years of slavery and flight from Egypt. Seders are family and community observances, held primarily in the home. The Plitman family lived in Minneapolis.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A man in an Army uniform speaks in the microphone in top center during a Seder. Men are seated at a long table in front of the speaker. The back of the photograph reads: "Civilian in center Rabbi Richter, to his left is Abe Marder an Air Base Chaplin."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Women and men gather around a table for the Passover Seder. Man top left: "Wilfred"; Man top left by door with 'Canada' on arm: "Jake"; Man seated under Jake with suit and tie: "Uncle Louie".
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A view of the right side of a sukkah Designed by Naomi Lipsky and made by Mel Turcanik. There is skach on the top and two Magen Davids made of pine cones on the top
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph of attendees of the Oreck family Seder. The hosts of this Seder were Ida and Arthur Oreck. Arthur Oreck is to the far right of the picture. The Oreck family settled in the Duluth area.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Around the table are members of the Kaner, Shapiro, Milavitz, Hosen and Dorfman families. The Passover Seder celebrates the Jews passage to freedom from slavery in Egypt.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of children and teachers stand in Mt. Zion Temple. From the back of the photograph, "The original photograph belongs to Lonnie Breslow. Mt. Zion Temple religious school".
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Margolis is in the middle row. Students are in secular clothes, rather than white, typical of a more Americanized approach to the ritual celebration.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
As a group of unidentified men look on, Governor Youngdahl is signs a Book of Remembrance. A Book of Remembrance commemorates those who have died in a particular location or time period.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Women's Auxiliary raised money for service programs at the Talmud Torah. This particular popular program featured at least two generation of women's in their bridal gowns.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph showing graduates of the Minneapolis Talmud Torah Bet Midrash class, wearing caps and gowns and holding a banner. The Class of 1924 was the first class to hold classes in the new Emanuel Cohen Center building. The Center was purchased through funds donated by Emanuel Cohen, a prominent Minneapolis lawyer. By the mid-1920s, the Minneapolis Talmud Torah was recognized as one of the most modern and effective Hebrew schools in the country. In addition to memorizing Hebrew, students learned to read and speak Hebrew conversationally, and studied Hebrew dramatics and Jewish affairs. The Bet Midrash students shown here had completed the last two years of a ten year curriculum!
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph showing the young men of the Minneapolis Talmud Torah Bar Mitzvah class. Bar Mitzvahs celebrate the coming of age at 13 of Jewish boys. At this age, young men become obligated to observe scripture. They may also lead prayer services and count towards a minyan. No service is required: however, it is customary to mark the occasion with a service and celebration. In the 20th century, young women were also welcomed into the adult community with a bat mitzvah. Both bar and bat mitzvahs participate in several years of Hebrew and religious study before the public occasion.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Front exterior view of Mikro Kodesh synagogue. Mikro Kodesh was one of the largest congregations in the Midwest during the 1950s. The building was designed by Samuel Bowler and completed in 1926. It features two prominent Byzantine domes and rounded Romanesque windows, as well as the three-door motif and five second-story windows.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Two photographs, combined to make one finished picture, showing members of the Mikro Kodesh Men's Club. Mikro Kodesh was an Orthodox synagogue located on Oliver Avenue on the North Side of Minneapolis. It was built in 1926.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Members of the Temple of Aaron synagogue Women's League cook dinner to raise money for the United Synagogue Youth. Written on the back in no particular order: Tone Spizman, Rae Robinson, Celia Marofsky, Mae Gross, Edna Gordon, Nina Blizin, Sima Seigal.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Oreckovsky family migrated to the United States from Russia the 1880s. The first-generation pioneers of the family--Joseph and Israel-- undertook the journey to Minnesota across Canada by foot, peddling clothes to rail- and mine-workers as they moved westward. The picture features the second generation, Israel's children, later in life. "Big Joe" Oreckovsky, seated in the middle on the couch, ran the First Street Store, a well-known Duluth department store. He was best known for his support of the Duluth Children's Home, and for hiring newly arrived Russian immigrants, both Jews and gentiles. "Big Joe" is surrounded by his sisters, clock-wise from left; Sarah, Channa, Pearl, Ida and Riva.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Adas Israel was formed in the 1890s by members of the Moses Montefiore congregation, an earlier Orthodox congregation comprised of Lithuanian Jews. By the turn of the century, there were close to 1,500 Jews living in Duluth, most of who were Russian or Eastern European. The men in the picture were observing Simchas Torah, the holiday marking the end of the weekly cycle of Torah readings.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The men are assembled on the bimah (the stage or platform in front of the Ark containing the Torah scrolls) of Adas (literally, "congregation") Israel.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Group of children are shown making matzo before it is baked by a group of adult members of Lubavitch and Temple Israel synagogue at an annual baking event.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A sukkah decorated on the outside with Talmudic posters is in a grassy area. Description on back of photograph "Me [Naomi Lipsky] (facing camera in middle in pink) explaining Sukkos to a visiting middle school class.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Kaplan family gathered around a table celebarting Hanukkah. Mr. Kaplan is holding a menorah lit with eight candles. The caption at the bottom of the photograph reads: "Chanukkah Greetings 1955."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Jewish servicemen light a Menorah at Hanukkah party given by the B'nai B'rith synagogue Women's War Service Committee, which was likely co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota chapter of Hillel.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
