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.