Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on August 8, 2022

At the conclusion of the quarterly board meeting of the Texas Jewish Historical Society, held in Bonham, July 15-17, members of the organization and several Bonham residents gathered at Willow Wild Cemetery. There, they consecrated the section designated as the Jewish Cemetery of Bonham. Newly placed cornerstones mark the area.

The service involved prayers, reading Scripture and walking around the perimeter of the Jewish section seven times. The number 7 represents completion, just as the world was created in seven days.

Avi Mitzner, of Congregation Shearith Israel in Dallas, conducted the service. At the board meeting, TJHS voted in a $5,000 grant to begin restoration of the burial sites.

This gathering was the first in-person meeting of TJHS in two-and-a-half years because of COVID. Members also participated in the meeting via Zoom, marking the first hybrid meeting of the society.

Attendees in Bonham toured the Sam Rayburn Home and heard a lecture by Emma Trent, coordinator of the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum. Malinda Allison of the Fannin County Museum spoke about Jewish business owners and their families who lived in Bonham. And, Lou Ashmore talked about the history of the Jewish cemetery and plans for its long-term restoration.

During the board meeting, members learned that the James and Rosalie Alexander Trust has bequeathed a $100,000 gift to TJHS. President Sheldon Lippman is asking the executive council to make recommendations for how best to use the money, such as establishing a scholarship program.

Membership chairman Marc Wormser reported 25 new members have joined TJHS this year, bringing total membership to 502.

Archivist Sally Drayer said several documents were sent to the Briscoe Center on the UT Camps in Austin, along with two scrapbooks containing photos and comments about Texas Jewish War Veterans.

Past president Davie Lou Solka reported the Briscoe Center is open, with social distancing remaining in effect. Efforts are being made to digitize several TJHS documents. Kimberly Dietz, longtime volunteer at the center and who has performed administrative tasks for TJHS, is retiring and a replacement is needed.

Solka, who edits the TJHS News Magazine, is looking for stories about Jews who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s and 80s. She is encouraging members and magazine readers to seek out Jewish residents in their communities and get their stories.

John Campbell noted that the TJHS website is being updated to include online membership registration and dues payments.

Vickie Vogel, travel committee chair, said a trip to Poland is being planned for May 2023. Registration is available at txjhs.org.

The TJHS fall quarterly meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16, on Zoom.

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TJHS board meeting includes Jewish gravesites' consecration in Willow Wild Cemetery - Jewish Herald-Voice

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