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
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
Children of the graduating class of the Saint Paul Talmud Torah nursery school, wearing caps and hand-made costume. The St. Paul Talmud Torah was created in 1956 through the merger of several different Jewish education institutions as a beneficiary of the United Jewish Fund and Council. Oversight for Jewish education was centered in the Jewish Education Association, which planned and developed all forms of local Jewish learning, including weekday school and Sunday schools.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Hillel Israeli folk dance group gathered in front of Northrop Auditorium on the University of Minnesota Campus to celebrate the 34th anniversary of the creation of the state of Israel.
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
Hadassah members met in small and large groups to socialize and to raise money for Israel. The pushke, or canister, in the picture, could be found in many, if not most Jewish homes in the 1950s and 1960s. The blue and white canisters with the outline of Israel were used to collect money for land purchases and reforestation efforts, and were a direct reminder of the bond between Israel and the American Jews.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Founded in 1911, the Ladies Auxiliary raised money for a variety Talmud Torah related functions by sponsoring dances and food and rummage sales. An early outcome of providing women with a role in Jewish education was a fortification of both Jewish and American identity .
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
Cantor was a popular entertainer who traveled periodically during World War II to promote sales of U. S. War Bonds. He is shown here with the Lebedoff triplets; David, Jonathan and Judy. Arrangements for Cantor's visit were made by Minneapolis Hadassah.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Children are getting into costume and make-up in this publicity photo for the Stay at Home Camp Circus at the Saint Paul Jewish Education Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph of Julian Freeman standing behind a podium and giving a speech for United Jewish Appeal. The United Jewish Appeal was founded in 1934 to help provide financial and political relief to Jews in Europe. It unified fundraising efforts for European relief for an increasingly diverse American Jewish community. In 1947, U. J. A. shifted its focus from collecting funds for refugees to providing support for the proposed independent state of Israel.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Kokie Goldenberg standing at a podium and addressing attendants of a rally for the U. J. F. C.The United Jewish Fund and Council was founded in 1935 as the fundraising arm of the St. Paul Jewish community.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Abe Orbuch was born in a small town in Poland near the Russian border. He fled Poland at 21 to avoid conscription into the Russian military, settling in St. Paul. He bought a Model-T Ford and traveled to small towns outside of St. Paul where he sold fruit. He formed friendships with many in the Polish community in Foley and commuted to a poultry business he owned there for over forty years. He bought chickens, eggs and veal from Foley farmers and sold them sugar, flour and twine.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Abraham "Dutch" Kastenbaum was a trained social worker and established the first senior center in Minneapolis. He headed the United Way's Division of Aging, and hosted a poplar cable television show, Senior Citizens Forum, for twenty five years.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Confirmation students in graduation dress, posed with their teacher at Adath Jeshurun. Confirmation is a coming of age practice for post Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. 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.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Confirmation students in graduation dress, posed with their teacher at Adath Jeshurun. Adath Jeshurun was located on the South Side in a building designed by the architect Jack Leibenberg. In the late 1990s the congregation relocated to Minnetonka. Rabbi Gordon is in the back row wearing the tallit.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph showing the front exterior of Adath Jeshurun Synagogue. Adath Jeshurun was founded 1884. It joined together two groups of Jews--immigrants from Russia and Romania--that had settled on Minneapolis's South Side. The building in the picture was, like Temple Israel, designed by Jack Liebenberg in the Neoclassical Revival style. The number three--corresponding to the number of doors--has several symbolic references, including to the three patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Members of the Adath Jeshurun Young People's League posing for a cast photo of their production, "Headin' South." Youth organizations in synagogues offered opportunities for socializing and other types of group activities. Adath Jeshurun's youth group organized theatricals and model Seders.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Established in 1924, AZA (Aelph Zedik Aelph) is the fraternity component of BBYO (B'nai Brith Youth Organization) for high school aged Jewish boys. The acronym stands for Ahavah (fraternal love), Tzedakah (benevolence), and Ahdoot (harmony). Photograph taken at the Lowry Hotel in St. Paul.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Aerial view of customers shopping amidst bookcases filled with books at the Mount Sinai Hospital Women's Auxiliary Book Fair, a fundraising event. Mount Sinai Hospital was built in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the 1950s to address the discrimination Jewish doctors experienced admitting Jewish patients to local hospitals. The Auxiliary members promoted the work of Mount Sinai Hospital and assisted needy members of the community through volunteer service, fundraising and public relations.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Aerial view of customers shopping amidst bookcases and a table filled with books at the Mount Sinai Hospital Women's Auxiliary Book Fair, a fundraising event. Mount Sinai Hospital was built in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the 1950s to address the discrimination Jewish doctors experienced admitting Jewish patients to local hospitals. The Auxiliary members promoted the work of Mount Sinai Hospital and assisted needy members of the community through volunteer service, fundraising and public relations.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Street view of storefronts along 6th Avenue North. 6th Avenue contained a mixture of single and multiple story structures housing businesses and residences on the upper floors.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Alpha Omega Club was a Minneapolis young people's social club. Worth noting is Sam Finkelstein, seated at center. Finkelestein was a driving force behind the success of the South Side Neighborhood House. The community center was modeled after St. Paul's Neighborhood House, providing a place where the community's children and young people could play sports and engage in social and practical activities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Many of the players on this amateur Minneapolis football team were from the North Side neighborhood. Players identified are #60 Jerry Reichel, # 25 Phil Levin, #55 Zelmer Schrell, #59 Shel Epstein, #68 Dick Jacobs, and #52 Lev Goslin. Sid Levine is kneeling on the left, wearing glasses.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Children sitting at desks in a classroom. A line of children stands at the back of the class with chalk poised in hands, ready to write on the chalkboard. Mr. Elijah Avin was engaged as principal in 1911: he can be seen at the back of the room. The Minneapolis Talmud Torah was located on 818 Bassett Place in North Minneapolis at the time this photograph was taken.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
An exterior view of an apartment building typical of the West Side Flats neighborhood in St. Paul. The "Flats" was a working class area that was home to numerous immigrants, including a large Jewish population.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Men in uniform, women, and religious men sit at long tables for the Passover Seder at the Army Technical School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. R to L at head table: Eli H. Rudin, JWB-USC Director; Louis Koplow, JWB A&N Chairman, SD.; 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; Chaplian Lowell Thompson.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Aurora Club for Young Women was sponsored by the Emanuel Cohen Center on Minneapolis's North Side. The club provided recreational and social opportunities for young Jewish women in the neighborhood.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Golden Age Club meet at the Emanuel Cohen Center. The judges here included, left to right, Rabbi Schulman, William Liebo, Sam Finkelestein, Lena Berdman. The baby beauty is Roberta Wilensky, aged 2.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Polars Club basketball team, sponsored by the Emanuel Cohen Center in North Minneapolis. The E. C. C. had no gym: games were played at settlement houses in other parts of the city with gymnasiums. E. C. C. games were played at the Wells Settlement House, which primarily served the North Side Finnish community.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A view showing the interior of Beckelman's Grocery Store, with workers standing behind the counters. Frank Beckelman is at the far left. Beckelman's was in South Minneapolis at 10th Street. and 7th Avenue S.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Ben Berger was a successful Minneapolis businessman and philanthropist, and an original co-owner of the Minneapolis Lakers. He was also a prodigious funds raiser. He is shown speaking at a Jewish National Fund dinner at Minneapolis' Pick-Nicollet Hotel. The Jewish National Fund raised money throughout the world to support tree planting and infrastructure projects in Israel.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Members of the Beth David congregation sit and stand at long tables. Beth David was a small Orthodox congregation located at Clinton and Isabel in St. Paul.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of men are sitting in pews and reading. The Ark is in the background. Tisha B'Av is a Jewish day of mourning and fasting. It literally denotes the ninth day (Tisha) of the month of Av. It commemorates tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over time, including the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of Beth El congregants dressed in costume. Beth El was founded by young people, many in their 20s. It was a congregation that, in addition to being "modern" in outlook and practice, enjoyed having fun.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A view showing the front exterior of the Beth El Synagogue. The congregation was created in 1921 by younger members of the North Side community who were interested in establishing a Conservative presence on the North Side. They conducted Torah study in English and held Friday evening Shabbat services. The building was located on 1349 Penn Avenue N. and designed by Jack Leibenberg. It was demolished in the 1980s.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
H. Bream, Barbra Keffer, Maren Yurgen, and Charles Keffer, Vice President of the College of St. Thomas look at a book at Jewish Community Relations Council/Anti-Defamation League Bicentennial Judaica Exhibit at the College of St. Thomas. There is a table prepared for the Passover Seder ritual dinner.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Sholom Home residents sit and stand around a table for bingo hosted by Jewish War Veterans Minnesota Department. Sholom Home has enjoyed an over 100 year legacy in providing a broad continuum of residential, social service and health care services primarily for older adults.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A Boy Scout, in uniform, stands next to a simply designed and built Ark for the Torah at Boy Scout Camp. The scout in the picture is likely a member of the Beth El troop. The Ark contains the Torah, the scrolls used in worship services. The Torah is always elevated off the ground. This particular Ark has a poignant simplicity and directness.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Sans their bowling shoes, these members of B'nai B'rith women's bowling league proudly display their hardware. Left to right: Sally Orenstein, Mary Effress, Ethel Frank, Rae Davis, Jessie Swatez, Kathy Sigel.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Young women in formal dress sitting at long tables during the District 6 convention. B. B. Y. W. was part of the women's division of B'nai Brith, the oldest continuously operating Jewish service organization in the world.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
B'nai Brith Young Women's Organization is the B'nai Brith Young Women's organization. It was the women's division of B'nai Brith, the oldest continuously operating Jewish service organization in the world. The St. Paul B. B. Y. W. O. chapter had offices at the St. Paul Jewish Community Center.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of young men and women sitting and standing on a large sleigh. B'nai Brith Youth Organization was comprised of A. Z. A., a young men's fraternity, and B. B. G., the young women's counterpart to A. Z. A. Both were founded in response to discrimination in admitting Jewish youth to high-school level sororities and fraternities Both groups emphasized social service, leadership education and social activity. Originally affiliated with B'nai Brith, B. B. Y. O. re-structured as an independent organization in 2002.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait photograph of the Board of Directors for the Workman's Circle Loan Association, posed at a table. Workman's Circle groups loaned money to members cost free. A person paid a small fee to be a member and could then apply for a loan. He or she would then pay the loan back at a scheduled rate.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Board of Directors of the Workman's Circle Loan Association sitting at a table, working and chatting. Both St. Paul and Minneapolis had Workmen's Circle chapters.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Goldishes were one of a small number of Jewish families that lived and worked along the North Shore in the commercial fishing industry. They both fished and processed their catch for market.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of boys and an adult at Sumner Field park. Sumner Field was a large commons area that served as a playing field for North Side neighborhood children. Recreational opportunities for children and young people were funded and organized by the Emanuel Cohen Center.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of boys gather behind their seated instructor at Sumner Field park. Sumner Field was a large commons area on the North Side that served as a playing field for North Side neighborhood children. Recreational opportunities for children and young people were funded and organized by the Emanuel Cohen Center.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of boys playing billiards outside while other boys look on. Camp Sophie Wirth operated from 1911-1943. It was founded and run by the St. Paul chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women. It offered low cost recreational and rest opportunities for immigrant women and their children.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
An interior view of the Browning King clothing store with salesmen standing at a long counter. The store was located on the corner of 6th Street and Robert St. in St. Paul.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The men in the picture represent the leadership of one of the most influential congregations in the City of Minneapolis at the time. Rabbi Silber is in the first row, middle.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Mt. Sinai Auxiliary raised significant funds that were used towards patient care. Events included book sales, cookbook publishing and other social events, including the famous annual ball. Shown purchasing the cookbook is Luella Maslon, the book's author.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Two Candy Stripers escort a Mount Sinai Hospital patient wearing a bathrobe down the hall. Mount Sinai Hospital was built in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the 1950s to address the discrimination Jewish doctors experienced admitting Jewish patients to local hospitals. The Auxiliary members promoted the work of Mount Sinai Hospital and assisted needy members of the community through volunteer service, fundraising and public relations.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Students at the Capitol City Hebrew School portray the Maccabees for a Hanukkah tableau. Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabees victory over the Greek Syrians and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A view of the front exterior of the Capitol City Hebrew School which was one of the two earliest schools in St. Paul where Jewish children could learn Hebrew. It was located at 137 College Avenue in Saint Paul.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A toddler stands on the sidewalk wearing a snowsuit and mittens. The Sumner Field Homes were constructed by the W. P. A. in 1938. They were the first federally subsidized housing in Minnesota. Sumner Field replaced housing stock constructed in the 1880 and 1890s that were home to a first generation of Minneapolis immigrants.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A celebration held at either Emanuel Cohen Center or the basement of Tifereth B'nai Jacob for Tifereth congregants. Tifereth B'nai Jacob was an Orthodox Shul that was also referred to by Northsider's as the "Elwood Shul." The congregation merged with Mikro Kodesh during the outmigration to the western suburbs, ultimately merging again with members of the Minneapolis south-side Shul, B'nai Abraham, to create B'nai Emet in St. Louis Park. The woman at the front of the procession is Lena Burdman.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The picture includes several generations of Cohens, standing on a porch, including a set of Old-World-looking grandfathers. The mohel wears the tallis and kippa: he performed the ritual circumcision at the bris.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Interior view of a darkened chapel at Beth El Synagogue with visible accent lighting. Ground for the first Beth El Synagogue was broken in 1925 and the building was completed in 1926.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Two young boys concentrate on the chess board while a group of children look on. Children's and young people's programming was held at the J. E. C. Annex.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Children gathered outside of the Capitol City Hebrew School, with the school entrance in the background. Capitol City Hebrew Free School was one of two schools in St. Paul where Jewish children could learn Hebrew. It was originally affiliated with the Sons of Jacob congregation, but by the time this building was built in 1912, enrollment was no longer restricted to Sons of Jacob families.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The children in the photograph are dressed up to represent the Royal Court at the St. Paul Winter Carnival. The photograph was taken in the basement of the George Kaplan Hebrew Seminary building at 1464 Summit Avenue in St. Paul.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Children dressed in costume, standing outside of Temple Emmanuel. Purim is a religious holiday that celebrates the defeat of Haman, the Persian minister who plotted the annihilation of the Persian Jews. It is a holiday marked by re-enactments of the story and subversive merry-making.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Children in front of signage at Temple Israel alerting the public to the plight of Soviet Jews denied the opportunity of migrate to Israel. The local Jewish community sent hundreds of people to Washington D. C. for a rally that drew thousands of people and directed the nation's attention to the issue.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Purim is a holiday celebrating the rescue of the Jews from extermination at the hands of Hayman, the chief minister to the King of Persia. It is day of put-ons, jokes, and theatricality, and children perform plays about how Esther and Mordechi outwit Hayman.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
As part of Sunday School instruction, very young children are taught about and practice the words to the Shabbat blessings over a cup of wine and bread. This group of children were in Bernice Cowl Gordon's class. Left to right: Howard Goldberg, Gerald and Merle Rosenzweig and John Have.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait photograph of children attending a child's birthday party. The families represented by the children in this photo where children of the first generation of Jewish settlers that had arrived at the turn of the century, mainly from Lithuania by way of Superior, Wisconsin. The Jewish community in Range towns was relatively tight-knit. Each of the larger towns, including Virginia, Hibbing, Chisholm and Eveleth had a synagogue at one time or another, and much of the community life revolved around activities related to them.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Fannie Cohen and her son Sidney (standing on chair) at Cohen's grocery store at 119 S. Wabasha Street in St. Paul. The store opened in 1920 and stayed in business into the 1940s.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph of students seated on a stage at North High School, for the commencement ceremony of the Talmud Torah class. The picture was taken in the auditorium at Minneapolis North High school where many, if not most, of the Talmud Torah students went to high school. The high school was half empty on Jewish holidays, and students were not marked absent on those days, even though Jewish holidays were not public holidays on the school calendar.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Saul Upin is standing, reading from the Haggadah, the text for the Seder observance. The Albert Lea Jewish community was relatively small. The 1930 American Jewish Yearbook census put the population at 29 people, which was undoubtedly its peak.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The context of the display is unknown. However, the two women in the photo are Mrs. Arthur Horwitz (left) and Mrs. H. Z. Mendow (right). Note the photos in the background display featuring prominent Minneapolis Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Solomon Silber, Joseph Shandfield and Rabbi Samuel Deinard. Below the portraits are photos of Minneapolis synagogues and the first Jewish Sheltering home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
View of the front exterior of Congregation B'nai Abraham, which occupied what was originally a Methodist church at the corners of 13th Avenue S. and 9th Street in Minneapolis. The Orthodox congregation was founded by Romanian Jews who settled in neighborhoods on Minneapolis' South Side.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
View of the front exterior of th Mikro Kodesh Synagogue. One of several North Side Orthodox congregations, Mikro Kodesh was founded as Anshei Russia (Men of Russia), but changed it's name to Mikro Kodesh (Holy Assembly) several years later. The name change reflects a growing away from the congregation's ties to the place where they came from, and towards the America they settled in.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
View of the front exterior of the Sons of Jacob building was located at College and Wabasha in downtown St. Paul. The Orthodox congregation was organized in 1872 by Polish Jews, and was the second Jewish congregation incorporated in the state.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives