Members of the Hey and Vav Club sit at two long tables which are set with coffee cups and saucers. A social club for members of the Jewish community in Duluth. Because Jews were excluded from gentile clubs, the community formed its own, which helped forge social and business connections among members. Membership in clubs also enforced an American, rather than an exclusively ethnic identity. Several years after its founding, the Hay Vav club Americanized it's name to the Covenant Club.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of women dressed in costume. Etheldoris Stein Grais sits in the background: in the back row, left to right, is Maddie Gerron, Gertrude Gottstein Stein, and Hia Sacks. Front row, left to right, is Beatrice Nildes, Etta Hallock and Rose Shapiro. Dress-up parties were popular informal social events thrown by female friends, or occasionally by women's organizations. Parties offered an opportunity to dress out of character, socialize, and enjoy each other's company. Costumes could be lavish, symbolic or simple. Participants often dressed as men, brides or babies.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Three unidentified men read from the Torah during the High Holidays. High Holidays are observed during the ten day period between Day One: Roshashna, the Jewish New Year, and Day Ten, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. These two holy days are the most important days of the year for Jews, and they are also the only holidays that have no historical foundation. They are religious observances, focusing on family and congregational gatherings, emphasizing reflection, fasting and prayer.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Stevie Franker and Gerald Bubis pose for a photograph to raise awareness of the Hillel students food drive for displaced persons. Hillel students were involved with relief work for Jewish refugees at the end of the war. During Purim celebrations on campus, food drive co-chairs Stevie Franker and Gerald Bubis posed for a publicity photo to generate interest in Hillel's drive. The photo would be published in the AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD, the local Jewish newspaper.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A view showing the front exterior of a single family residence in the West Side neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota. The home belonged to Komer the Schochet. "Schochet" is a Yiddish and Hebrew term designating a Kosher butcher or slaughterer.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Front exterior of a home 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. A figure can be seen sleeping on the floor of the second story porch.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Harry Goldie had an interesting career, which included amateur boxing, coaching, and real estate development. He spearheaded the creation of the Calhoun Beach Club, and is shown here welcoming Minneapolis Mayor Hubert Humphrey to the club's opening. While the club was chartered in 1928 and building began in 1929, financing for it foundered during the Depression, and it didn't officially open until 1946. Goldie's dream for the club entailed an egalitarian social and athletic space that would welcome members regardless of race, religion or sex.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A young Hyman Berman stands in his Boy Scout uniform holdng semaphores. Scouting was available to both boys and girls. Although scouting's intent was in part to Americanize participants through civic service and outdoor recreation, the sponsors of most all of the Jewish scout troops were synagogues.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph showing the interior of a store. A long counter is on the left and other products a stacked on high shelves. In the photograph (left to right): Edna Leasman, Ike Kaplan, Esther Kaplan, Mrs. Charles Greenberg and Herb Kullberg. In 1927 there were 13 Jewish families living in Hector, part of the physically extended Jewish community on the Iron Range.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Four people stand in the aisles inside the Boston Store. Hibbing had a large Jewish population relative to the general population. Jews were active in civic life as well as Jewish community life. Jewish Iron Range families prospered during and after World War II, and many young people left the Iron Range for college.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Four unidentified men stand inside the Milavitz Jewelry and Tobacco Shop. The counter on the right shows tobacco products while the counter on the left displays jewelry.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Interior view of the third Mount Zion Temple (Holly Avenue and Avon Street location) taken from the center aisle facing the sanctuary during a ceremony that is possibly a wedding, with congregants and guests seated on both sides of the aisle. The rabbi officiating during the time was Rabbi Walter Plaut.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Interior view of fourth Mount Zion Temple synagogue, with several empty chairs and people standing and socializing. This photograph was taken during the construction of the building in the 1950s.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Interior view of fourth Mount Zion Temple synagogue, with several empty chairs and people standing and socializing. This photograph was taken during the construction of the building in the 1950s.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The front exteriors of two homes 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
Ira Jeffrey standing at attention in his Navy dress uniform. Ira Jeffery joined the Navy in or about 1940. After training, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, serving on the battleship California. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, the California was hit by aircraft fire and sank at berth. Ira Jeffery was killed in the attack, the first Jewish soldier to die in World War II. Wiel was posthumously awarded a commendation from the Secretary of the Navy.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Members of the Israel Bonds Committee photographed at a table with a mural in the background. In May 1951, David ben-Gurion launched the sale of Israel Bonds in the U. S. at a rally in New York. Touring the U. S., calling on American Jews to purchase bonds to aid the financially strapped country, ben-Gurion met with overwhelming success. Over $52 million was loaned to Israel by Americans in the first year of the drive. Bonds helped with infrastructure building and the settlement of Jewish refugees. Prominent Minnesotans in the leadership group included Ben Berger and Dr. Moses Barron
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Jenny Smith sits on a couch surrounded by her grandchildren. Jenny Smith was born in Russia and lived on the West Side of St. Paul. Her husband, a peddler, died at a young age and she raised nine children. She died in 1956 at the age of 94.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Jesse Codden stands holding the reins of a pony while her four younger brothers sit on its back. The Codden family of St. Paul were one of the founding families of Sons of Jacob Synagogue.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
This photo may reflect a gathering of boys from several different groups, suggested by the different numbers on the sleeves of several of the scouts. Many of the troops that Jewish boys and girls belonged to were synagogue-sponsored. That allowed for the adaptation of scouting themes and activities to incorporate Jewish values.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Three women kick their legs. Next to them sits a woman on a stool (perhaps a moderator or judge). In 1948, the Jewish Educational Center officially became the Jewish Community Center of St. Paul. As such, it split with the Hebrew School, and focused programming on leisure and educational activities for a rapidly growing young adult community, as well a support for clubs for returning Jewish servicemen.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph of the band at the St. Paul J. C. C. Youth Night Dance. The Jewish Community Center of St. Paul was located at Holly and Grotto. The dance featured Yale Libman, a local musician, and his Orchestra.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Exterior view of the Jewish Educational Center in Saint Paul. The Capitol City Hebrew Free School moved to the St. Paul Educational Center/J. C. C. in the 1930s.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Women's auxiliaries always played the key role in planning and staffing fundraising events. This publicity photograph shows many of the St. Paul women who had ongoing involvement supporting the J. E. C. programming.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A boy and an older man, selling fruit using draft horses and a covered wagon. Irving Cooper (the boy in the driver's seat) was ten years old when the photo was taken. He is working with "Zadie" (Grandfather) Morris.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Jewish Home for the Aged was established in St. Paul in 1908 as a care facility for the elderly poor. The building in the picture was the second home, opening in 1923. It provided room and care for indigent Jewish elders from throughout the state.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A young Jewish man sits amidst anti-Semitic graffiti at Mount Zion Temple. Graffiti was found on windows, doors, walls and sidewalks at the synagogue. The vandalism took place in 1978 on the 40th anniversary of ""Crystal Night,"" Germany's campaign to liquidate the Jews.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of Jewish men and boys pray before a mock up of the Western Wall at the 1976 Israel Expo sponsored by the Temple of Aaron in St. Paul, Minnesota. During the previous year, the United Nations General Assembly had passed a resolution equating Zionism with racism. Rabbi Bernard Raskas of the Temple of Aaron responded in a variety of ways including this expo, demonstrating the synagogues '+D35s pride in Israel. 10,000 prayers from the Expo Temple Wall were presented to Rabbi Mayer Yehuda Getz, who at the time was Rabbi of the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Jewish Mothers Club was organized through the Central Community Center in St. Paul. It provided an opportunity for Jewish women, many of them immigrants, to socialize together.
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
Front exterior view of the Jewish Sheltering Home, also known as the Oak Park Home. Founded as a safe harbor for Jewish children unable to live with their families, the Minneapolis Jewish community paid for the structure and all of the care offered by staff. Children at the home attended nearby public schools and the Talmud Torah. Most stays at the Home were of relatively short duration.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives