Two Jewish Historical Societies Meet in Houston
By Tumbleweed Smith
A joint meeting of the Texas and Southern Jewish Historical Societies took place on the campus of Rice University in Houston, Texas during the weekend of October 20-22. The level of education, intelligence, accomplishments and dedication of the presenters on the packed agenda offered a stimulating, enriching and motivational event to the 120 attendees. Dr. Josh Furman, associate director of Jewish Studies at Rice University, and his staff worked for months getting ready for the “Space and Place in Southern Jewish History” themed gathering.
Some of the topics included, “Jewish Race, Place and Memory in the Deep South,” “Exploring the Jewish History of the Texas Borderlands,” and “Southern Jewish Reactions to Klan Anti-Semitism in the 1920s.”
There were roundtable discussions on a variety of pertinent issues regarding preservation of Jewish research and projects. These included oral histories, film, art and poetry, as well as stressing the need to save Jewish experiences and stories for generations that follow. Both societies are diligent about maintaining archives.
Many people on the program had received grants from TJHS. Keynote speakers were Bryan Stone and Tyina Steptoe. Dr. Stone spoke on “Very Small Histories in a Very Large State” and highlighted the Jewish history of a small Texas town. Dr. Steptoe’s topic was “On My Block: The Ethno-Racial Landscape of Jim Crow Houston.”
During the conference, TJHS President, Joan Linares and Past President, Lonnie Schooler made public the creation of the Rabbi Jimmy Kessler fund for Educational Outreach. Donations so far exceed $30,000. Rabbi Kessler founded the Texas Jewish Historical Society in 1980.
Saturday night included Havdalah and performance by singer and songwriter Joe Buchanan. The winter meeting of TJHS will be held in McAllen, Texas on January 26-28, 2024. Hosts Lynda and Michael Furgatch promise an enjoyable time with a borderlands flavor.
Latest Posts
Baskets Of Hope
8th grade Israeli scouts. Credit: Gili Meidan By Shelly Shwartz Winston Churchill once said – “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. That prevailing feeling was felt last week, when 20 Passover baskets, prepared by the 8th-grade Israeli...
Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service Responds to Community Needs After October 7
Yuval Edrey and his mother. Courtesy: Yuval Edrey By Liron Ramon, Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service Case Manager In times of crisis, the strength of a community shines through in its ability to come together and support those in need. For Israeli families seeking...
Unlocking Your Mindfulness Practice
Step into a world where time slows down, and the noise of daily life fades into the background. Mindfulness and meditation are more than fleeting trends; they unveil timeless practices deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and contemplative traditions from Judaism, Buddhism...
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Fitness
Swimming
Tennis & Pickleball
More Sports
EDUCATION
Jewish Culture & Education
Early Childhood Program Preschool
After School & Childcare
Camps
ARTS & CULTURE
Literary Arts
Visual Arts
Theatre & Film
Dance
COUNSELING & SUPPORT
Jewish Family Service
Counseling & Groups
Case Management
References & Resources
Copyright Shalom Austin 2023. Privacy Policy.