Letter written to Harry Goldie, principle developer of the Calhoun Beach Club building. Goldie was a Minnesota native and U of MN graduate. At the time this letter was written, Minneapolis was being referred to in the national press as the "Capitol of American Anti-Semitism." Jews in Minneapolis were denied membership in various associations, hospital admissions and were legally prohibited from purchasing homes in "covenanted" areas. Goldie's complex was eventually built, and Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale were among the guests at the club's opening.
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
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
Ada Rubenstein (1917 - ) was born in St. Paul, Minnesota; became involved with Jewish organizations at an early age and later took on several leadership positions. In this interview, the women discuss Rubenstein's career in community service and the community's needs at the time, with detailed discussion about various organizations such as Hadassah, the Council of Jewish Women, Sholom Residence, and the United Jewish Fund. 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 first of a series of three letters concerning the denial of an insurance policy to a Jewish family in Perham, Minnesota. The letter was mailed to the insurance agent, who then submitted it to the Braufman family. (See local identifiers MHS-D-594 and MHS-D-595.)
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
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
Marion Herman (1912 - ), native Russian and immigrant to St. Paul, Minnesota, begins this interview with a description of St. Paul Jewish neighborhoods and synagogues during the Depression years. The focus turns to Herman's involvement in various community organizations and fundraising initiatives, with discussion relating to the Capitol Fund Drive, Parent Teacher Association, Talmud Torah schools, area Hebrew schools and synagogues. This interview was conducted by Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest volunteer Harriet Kohen for the United Jewish Fund and Council Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Herman Cohen's response to Mrs. P. Braufman's request to read her letter and advise as to its tone and content. (See local identifiers MHS-D-593 and MHS-D-594)
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Edward Bronstein (1903 - ) was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, into a family of recent Jewish settlers from Prussia who were operating a local mattress factory. In this interview, Bronstein recalls the story of his family settling in St. Paul, describes the city with particular attention to different religious groups and their relations, as well as differences between various Jewish groups. The focus of the interview shifts to Bronstein's career fundraising for various civic and Jewish organizations starting in the 1920s and 30s. Special attention is afforded to Mount Zion synagogue, National Conference of Christians and Jews, United Jewish Fund (early history), United Charities, Jewish Charities and the Federation, as well as Zionism vs. non-Zionism in St. Paul. This interview was conducted by Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest volunteer Lois Devitt for the United Jewish Fund and Council Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Poale Zion was a Zionist-Socialist-Laborite group founded in Russia. The St. Paul chapter in the picture is promoting "Tag Day" a fundraising activity supporting Jewish emigration to Palestine. A close look at the photo shows coin collection cans, called "pushkes" and paper tags with Mogen Davids (Star of Davids) in several of the young women's hands.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In 1949, the national United Jewish Appeal sent a train to different parts of the country, appealing for donations for the young state of Israel. The two final cars of the train contained exhibits on Israeli agriculture and business and room for meeting and socializing. The train was staffed by Israelis who spoke good English. Children, members of organizations and clubs and the Jewish community at large were invited to visit the exhibits, listen to speakers, and donate money to support Israel and especially displaced persons arriving from North Africa and Europe for re-settlement.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In 1949, the United Jewish Appeal sent a train to different parts of the country, appealing for donations to the young state of Israel. The two final cars of the train contained exhibits on Israeli agriculture and business and room for meeting and socializing. The train was staffed by Israelis who spoke good English. Children; members of organizations and clubs; and the Jewish community at large were invited to visit the exhibits, listen to speakers, and donate money to support Israel and especially displaced persons arriving from North Africa and Europe for re-settlement.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
This photograph of attendees of the 66th Annual B'nai Brith banquet was taken at the Lowry Hotel in downtown St. Paul. B'nai Brith chapters were established in St. Paul in 1871 and Minneapolis in 1877. The organization was founded in the United States in 1843 by German Jews interested in meeting socially and creating business contacts away from the synagogue.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A view showing the front exterior of the building which housed the Saint Paul Hebrew Institute, and the Jewish Shelter Home. The Hebrew Institute was on the second floor, and served children of Orthodox families affiliated with several St. Paul Orthodox synagogues. The Jewish Shelter Home on the first floor functioned as a way house for indigent and transient Jews, thus fulfilling an important mitzvah to care for the traveler and the homeless.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Women seated at a long table set with tablecloths, floral centerpieces and candles. B'nai Brith Women was the women's division of B'nai Brith, the oldest Jewish service organization in existence. The St. Paul B. B. W. O. chapter held its annual luncheon at the Lowry Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait photograph showing members of the Workmen's Circle outdoors. Yiddish-speaking Socialists in Minneapolis and St. Paul established a vibrant network of cultural, educational, political and fraternal networks and organizations. Workman's Circles provided medical and insurance benefits to its members. In addition, circles organized Yiddish libraries, theatrical events, Yiddish language classes and lectures. Circles were secular rather than religion-oriented.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Ruth Melamond, Dr. Owen Wangensteen, and Luella Maslon at a Mt. Sinai Women's Auxiliary function. Dr. Owen Wangensteen of University Hospitals was a supporter of Mt Sinai. He originally proposed that the hospital be built on University of Minnesota property on the West Bank, but the idea never gained traction with the University Board.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Children of varying ages stand and sit in front of the Jewish Sheltering Home building. The adults in the photograph are Rose and Harry Feiler: they were administrators of the Home in the mid-1930s. The Sheltering Home was a community resource dedicated to providing a stable, Jewish environment for Jewish children unable to live with their families. Residency was for the most part short term, with children staying until a sick parent recovered, or a child could be taken in by a member of an extended family. Children attended public school, and went to Talmud Torah after school. The St. Paul community also provided support for the home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Children of varying ages sit on the steps outside of the Jewish Sheltering Home. An unidentified man and woman sit to either side of the children. The Sheltering Home was a community resource dedicated to providing a stable, Jewish environment for Jewish children unable to live with their families. Residency was for the most part short term, with children staying until a sick parent recovered, or a child could be taken in by a member of an extended family. the children attended public school, and went to Talmud Torah after school. The St. Paul community also provided support for the home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
