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Myer and Rosaline Feinstein Center for American Jewish History Oral Histories

Notifications

Held at: Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center [Contact Us]

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

This collection contains oral histories with approximately 50 Jewish people who lived or were raised in the Philadelphia or surrounding areas. Interviews were conducted between 1996 and 1999.

The collection is arranged into 1 series, Oral histories, 1970-2001, bulk 1996-1999. Physically, the collection is divided into 3 sections: interview cassette tapes, transcripts, and background information files. In the inventory below, materials appear together under the name of the person interviewed, with an indication of in which box the tapes, transcripts, and files are stored.

Donated by the Feinstein Center for American Jewish History, circa 2000-2001.

A number of transcripts of oral histories from this collection have been digitized and are available online on the SCRC Oral Histories Repository.

Original audiovisual materials, as well as preservation and duplicating masters, may not be played. Researchers must consult use copies, or if none exist must pay for a use copy. Certain digital files may also be inaccessible. Please contact the Special Collections Research Center for more information.

Finding aid revised according to contemporary archival standards in June 2016 by Katy Rawdon, Coordinator of Technical Services.

Publisher
Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center
Finding Aid Author
Machine-readable finding aid created by: Rajkumar Natarajan, Sky Global Services India (P) Ltd.
Finding Aid Date
April 2024
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research. Some oral histories cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without permission of the interviewee, as noted in the inventory. Some oral histories are restricted from use and are stored separately.

Use Restrictions

The Myer and Rosaline Feinstein Center for American Jewish History Oral Histories are the physical property of the Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries. Intellectual property rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for determining the identity of rights holders and obtaining their permission for publication and for other purposes where stated.

Collection Inventory

Adams, Arlin M., 1921- (Judge, Federal Court of Appeals), interviewed by Louise Cohen: Transcript, February 6, 1996.
Box 1 Folder 3
Scope and Contents

Discussion of family history and grandfather's arrival in Philadelphia; recounting childhood and early education; working for Moses Annenberg at Philadelphia Inquirer and at other Philadelphia newspapers; attending college and law school; serving as Navy officer during World War II; working at William Schnader's law firm; serving as trustee and then president of Keneseth Is¬rael; involvement in building a new synagogue for KI; discusses travels to Israel; formation of Albert Einstein Medical Center and the establishment of Moss Rehabilitation Hospital; working on Scranton gubernatorial campaign and serving as Secretary of Health and Welfare; involve¬ment in Republican Party; running Nixon's '68 PA campaign; appointment to Court of Appeals; receives consideration for nomination to US Supreme Court; service on board of the Pennsylva¬nia School for Social Work and involvement with University of Pennsylvania in various forms; recalling friendships with others in Philadelphia legal community; recalls disagreements with others on court on issues such as habeas corpus; serving as independent counsel during HUD scandal; getting elected to American Philosophical Society; working with Hebrew Union College.

Adams, Arlin M., 1921- (Judge, Federal Court of Appeals), interviewed by Louise Cohen: Background information file, 1997, undated.
Box 5 Folder 2
Adams, Arlin M., 1921- (Judge, Federal Court of Appeals), interviewed by Louise Cohen: 1 interview cassette tape, February 6, 1996.
Box 6
Adams, Arlin M., 1921- (Judge, Federal Court of Appeals), interviewed by Louise Cohen: 1 interview cassette tape, July 9, 1996.
Box 6
Alpert, Rebecca T., 1950- (Professor of religious studies, rabbi), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Transcript, February 26, 1999.
Box 1 Folder 4
Scope and Contents

Grandparents' immigration from Russia; parents' meeting and father's business troubles; lack of spirituality in home life; other childhood memories; choosing to be active in religious community; first encounter with reconstructionism; moving to Philadelphia and entering rabbinical school; historical precedents for women in rabbinate; early teaching and university jobs; joining rabbini¬cal school staff full time; coming out as a lesbian and leaving rabbinical school; leaving Jewish community; publishing on Judaism and lesbianism; teaching and serving as a rabbi at Temple; local community and political work; balancing family and professional life; marriage, divorce, and having children; living on the margins of Jewish community; future of women and Judaism in America.

Alpert, Rebecca T., 1950- (Professor of religious studies, rabbi), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 3 interview cassette tapes, February 26, 1999.
Box 6
Amsterdam, Gustave, 1908-2001 (Lawyer and businessman), interviewed by Andrew Harrison: Transcript, October 8, 1996.
Box 1 Folder 5
Scope and Contents

Family history and immigration to America; limited religious education; education at Central High School and the University of Pennsylvania; experiences of anti-Semitism in the army; working with Albert Greenfield; working for Reconstruction Finance Corporation; failure of Greenfield's bank and the rebuilding of Greenfield's business via real estate; encountering concentration camps during army service; role of Judaism in marriage and family; dealing with labor strikes at Greenfield companies; City Stores' postwar expansion; owning stores in South during segrega¬tion; missed opportunities for Bankers Securities companies such as Loft Candy; chairman of the Redevelopment Authority; purchasing AMG & Co. after Greenfield's retirement; political in¬volvement and consideration of mayoral candidacy; obstacles faced by Jewish and Black businesspersons; problems at Snellenberg's, City Stores and Lit's; relationship with Arlen Specter and controversy over Greenfield and Co. real estate dealings; investment in and eventual closing of Hilton at 10th and Packard; rationale for building in city vs. suburbs in 60s and 70s; problems with other Greenfield Co. businesses and battles for control of Bankers Securities and AM Greenfield; law practice after sale of Bankers; service as chairman of board of Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Center; service on board at Penn and Jefferson and other area companies.

Amsterdam, Gustave, 1908-2001 (Lawyer and businessman), interviewed by Andrew Harrison: 2 interview cassette tapes, October 8, 1996.
Box 6
Auerbach, Carol, 1943- (Activist and family therapist), interviewed by Mina Gobler: Transcript, October 12, 1998.
Box 1 Folder 6
Scope and Contents

Family history, including mother's departure from Germany shortly after Kristallnacht; childhood memories of New York; trip to Israel while in college; first work experiences at a non-Jewish school; marriage to Benjamin Barg in 1967; Benjamin's death in 1974; starting a therapy practice; relationship with and marriage to Isaac Auerbach; adjustment to Philadelphia; involvement with Federation; philanthropic activities with area charities and Jewish organizations; involving children and younger generations in charitable work; children and stepchildren; Judaism in home life; challenges of being a woman in Jewish community.

Auerbach, Carol, 1943- (Activist and family therapist), interviewed by Mina Gobler: Background information file, September 24, 1998.
Box 5 Folder 3
Auerbach, Carol, 1943- (Activist and family therapist), interviewed by Mina Gobler: 3 interview cassette tapes, October 12, 1998.
Box 6
Barness, Herbert, 1923-1998 (Real estate developer), interviewed by Polly Beckham: Transcript, February 26, 1998.
Box 1 Folder 7
Scope and Contents

Parents' immigration; farm and family life; social life in rural suburbs; effect of Depression on family real estate business; Air Force service in World War II; graduation from college and joining family business; parents' efforts to develop Bucks County; US Steel and Levittown's impact on Bucks County; founding of Bucks County Community College and work with Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture; international and Section Eight housing develop¬ment; charitable and community involvement; ownership of sports teams and horse racing facilities; marriage and family life.

Barness, Herbert, 1923-1998 (Real estate developer), interviewed by Polly Beckham: Background information file, September 17, 1998.
Box 5 Folder 4
Barness, Herbert, 1923-1998 (Real estate developer), interviewed by Polly Beckham: 1 interview cassette tape, February 16, 1998.
Box 6
Barness, Herbert, 1923-1998 (Real estate developer), interviewed by Polly Beckham: 1 interview cassette tape, February 26, 1998.
Box 6
Beck, Phyllis W., 1927- (Judge, Pennsylvania Supreme Court), interviewed by Doris Guttentag and Sally Benson Alsher: Transcript, May 7, 1997.
Box 1 Folder 8
Scope and Contents

Parents' immigration and family life in Bronx; lack of family religious observance; childhood and school life; entrance to Temple Law School and start of law career; appointment and subsequent election to PA Supreme Court; marriage to Aaron Beck, children, and home life/career stresses; clubs and community involvement; home life during World War II; social expectations of women in 50s and 60s; involvement in Jewish community; husband's and children's religious observance; political career; challenges for women in 21st Century.

Beck, Phyllis W., 1927- (Judge, Pennsylvania Supreme Court), interviewed by Doris Guttentag and Sally Benson Alsher: 1 interview cassette tape, May 7, 1997.
Box 6
Beck, Phyllis W., 1927- (Judge, Pennsylvania Supreme Court), interviewed by Doris Guttentag and Sally Benson Alsher: 1 interview cassette tape, August 11, 1998.
Box 6
Beck, Phyllis W., 1927- (Judge, Pennsylvania Supreme Court), interviewed by Doris Guttentag and Sally Benson Alsher: 1 interview cassette tape, August 10, 1998.
Box 6
Berman, Philip, 1915-1998 (Entrepreneur and Art Museum chairman), interviewed by Doris Guttentag: Transcript, March 11, 1996.
Box 1 Folder 9
Scope and Contents

Childhood and family history; parents' religious observance; business activities in 1930s; importance of family circle; business partnerships with siblings; departure from family trucking business and purchase of Mess's department store; work in nursing home industry; sale of both businesses in early 1980s and subsequent civic involvement; marriage and enlistment in Marine Corps in 1942; children's careers; initial forays into art world after World War II; growth of collection and value of pieces; invitation to join board of Philadelphia Museum; absence of anti-Semitism in dealings with art community; service at other organizations, including Jewish Publication Society, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, American Jewish Committee and others; Jewish life in Philadelphia; work with organizations of other faiths; personality problems with Jewish community in Allentown; explorations of art world and donations of pieces to museums and exhibits; health and future plans.

Berman, Philip, 1915-1998 (Entrepreneur and Art Museum chairman), interviewed by Doris Guttentag: Background information file, 1997, 1998.
Box 5 Folder 5
Berman, Philip, 1915-1998 (Entrepreneur and Art Museum chairman), interviewed by Doris Guttentag: 3 interview cassette tape, April 8, 1996, undated.
Box 7
Bloom, Margo, 1953- (Director, National Museum of American Jewish History), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Transcript, March 6, 1968.
Box 1 Folder 10
Scope and Contents

Grandparents, parents and family life; relationship with parents; role of religion in upbringing; living in Swarthmore; trip to Israel during college years; graduate education and work in museum field; academic study of Holocaust; gender discrimination in and out of Jewish community; family life with husband and daughter; mentors and colleagues in museum field; vision for museum and its role in Philadelphia; professional involvement in Jewish community and other civic organizations; Judaism as community, not religion; future prospects for women.

Bloom, Margo, 1953- (Director, National Museum of American Jewish History), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 7 interview cassette tapes (4 duplicates), undated.
Box 7
Bloom, Paula (Pepi), 1927- (Teacher), interviewed by Donna Yates: Transcript, January 20, 1998.
Box 1 Folder 11
Scope and Contents

Childhood and family life in Bronx; Zionism and secular Judaism; Habonim, youth groups, and summer camps; childhood during World War II; Jewish presence in New York city colleges; assumed gender roles in 1940s; move to Israel; social networks and language barriers in Israel; housing and transit camps in Israel; idealism and frustrations in early days of the state; return to the United States and relocation to Philadelphia; efforts to maintain Jewishness in a non-Jewish community; start of teaching career; differences between children's Jewish and non-Jewish social lives; adult children's family and Jewish lives; career at Akiba Academy; current state of Jewish education and socialization.

Bloom, Paula (Pepi), 1927- (Teacher), interviewed by Donna Yates: Background information file, April 9, 1998.
Box 5 Folder 6
Bloom, Paula (Pepi), 1927- (Teacher), interviewed by Donna Yates: 2 interview cassette tapes, January 19, 1998.
Box 7
Brenner, Clifford, 1924- (Public relations executive, public official), interviewed by Andrew Harrison: Transcript, March 26, 1997.
Box 1 Folder 12
Scope and Contents

Childhood in Philadelphia and interactions outside Jewish neighborhoods; employment at Bulletin; working with Richardson Dilworth; Dilworth's campaigns for governor; involvement in Jewish and Zionist communities during 1950s and 1960s; Israeli government and bureaucracy; service on school board; public relations work at Temple; joining Philadelphia Electric; innovations in community outreach at PECO; consulting work after retirement; switch to Republican Party and the Longstreth mayoral campaign; black-Jewish relations in Philadelphia; work with Nixon's re-election campaign; Jews' position in Philadelphia.

Brenner, Clifford, 1924- (Public relations executive, public official), interviewed by Andrew Harrison: 1 interview cassette tape, March 26, 1997.
Box 7
Brenner, Clifford, 1924- (Public relations executive, public official), interviewed by Andrew Harrison: 2 interview cassette tapes, June 6, 1997.
Box 7
Cohen, Betsy Z., 1941- (Chairman and CEO, Jefferson Bank), interviewed by Donna Feinberg: Transcript, February 6, 1998.
Box 1 Folder 13
Scope and Contents

Cohen, Betsy Z., 1941- (Chairman and CEO, Jefferson Bank), interviewed by Donna Feinberg: Family history; childhood in Philadelphia; Jewish values and commitment to Israel; decision to enter law school; work as professor at Rutgers Law School; sexism in legal profession; marriage and formation of law firm with husband; launch of businesses, including Jefferson; experience as passengers on a hijacked plane; obstacles to obtaining bank charter; religious observance in home; service on community organization boards; separation of personal and professional lives.

Cohen, Betsy Z., 1941- (Chairman and CEO, Jefferson Bank), interviewed by Donna Feinberg: Background information file, 1994, 1995.
Box 5 Folder 7
Cohen, Betsy Z., 1941- (Chairman and CEO, Jefferson Bank), interviewed by Donna Feinberg: 1 interview cassette tape, February 6, 1998.
Box 7
Cohen, David, 1914- (City councilman), interviewed by Burton Siegel: Transcript, January 11, 1996.
Box 1 Folder 14
Scope and Contents

Childhood in Philadelphia; father's separation from family; family life and Jewish upbringing; attending Penn and Penn Law School; organizing a protest in high school; discrimination at Penn Law; class discrimination within Jewish community; working for the federal government in late 1930s; lack of awareness of Holocaust; initial involvement in labor movement; work with 30s peace movement; military service in WWII; anti-Semitism in army; union work in New York after war; experiences with red-baiting in unions in 1950s; return to Philadelphia; entry to electoral politics; work with local Jewish organizations; work on civil rights and voting cases; opposition from other Democratic Party leaders.

Cohen, David, 1914- (City councilman), interviewed by Burton Siegel: Background information file, 1997-1999.
Box 5 Folder 8
Cohen, David, 1914- (City councilman), interviewed by Burton Siegel: 1 interview cassette tape, January 11, 1996.
Box 8
Cohen, David, 1914- (City councilman), interviewed by Burton Siegel: 1 interview cassette tape, February 21, 1996.
Box 8
Cohen, David, 1914- (City councilman), interviewed by Burton Siegel: 1 interview cassette tape, July 8, 1996.
Box 8
Cohen, Lita, 1940- (State representative), interviewed by Donna Feinberg: Transcript, March 19, April 13, 1998.
Box 1 Folder 15
Scope and Contents

Family life and religious observance in the home; relationship with Billy Banks and Billy's career in Philadelphia media; education and religious training; sexism in legal profession; dating and marrying; working for school board; leaving work to raise children; appointment to Lower Merion planning commission; subsequent campaigns; work at WWDB and WHAT; balance of career and home life; starting a radio syndication company; children's training in Judaism and religious observance as adults; election and career as state representative; future political aspirations; women and Jews in Pennsylvania state government; community involvement.

Cohen, Lita, 1940- (State representative), interviewed by Donna Feinberg: Background information file, undated.
Box 5 Folder 9
Cohen, Lita, 1940- (State representative), interviewed by Donna Feinberg: 3 interview cassette tapes, March 19, April 13, 1998.
Box 8
Doe, Jane, 1921-2000 (Public official), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: Transcript, June 8, 1998.
Box 2 Folder 1
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; academic experiences; singing in university choir at churches; childhood music and vocal training; professional singing work; marriage and family; involvement in synagogue and local community; religious observance in home; involvement in local politics; election to city council; service on various corporate boards; racial and gender-motivated decisions in politics; children, grandchildren, and legacy; problems faced by Jewish professionals within Jewish community.

Eilberg, Joshua, 1921- (Public official), interviewed by Mike Martin: Transcript, January 29, 1996.
Box 2 Folder 2
Scope and Contents

Childhood and family life in Philadelphia; experiences during Great Depression; childhood religious training and observance; college life; military service in WWII; return to law school; early political involvement; origins of the Pennsylvania state college system; election to US House in 1966; US policy toward Nazi war criminals; helping Soviet Jews; trip to Soviet Union in 1960s; tenure as Executive Director of Brith Shalom brotherhood; entry into private practice; Hahnemann Hospital controversy and electoral defeat; investigation of Watergate and Nixon.

Eilberg, Joshua, 1921- (Public official), interviewed by Mike Martin: Background information file, 1970-1996.
Box 5 Folder 10
Eilberg, Joshua, 1921- (Public official), interviewed by Mike Martin: 1 interview cassette tape, January 29, 1996.
Box 8
Eilberg, Joshua, 1921- (Public official), interviewed by Mike Martin: 1 interview cassette tape, January 29, 31, 1996.
Box 8
Eisner, Jane, 1955- (Inquirer editorial page editor), interviewed by Sally Weinstock: Transcript, March 4, 1998.
Box 2 Folder 3
Scope and Contents

Childhood and family life; father's education and encounters with discrimination; mother's wartime experiences and immigration to America; Jewish education and participation in Jewish youth groups; role of religious observance in Jewish identity; experience as editor of college newspaper; early newspaper work; marriage and move to Philadelphia; career at Inquirer, efforts to improve newspaper readership, especially among women; improving work environment for women and employees with children; involvement in Jewish community; conveying a consistent Jewish lifestyle to children; improvements in status of women and Jews in America; role of service to others in Judaism and other religions; role of money in Judaism.

Eisner, Jane, 1955- (Inquirer editorial page editor), interviewed by Sally Weinstock: 4 interview cassette tapes, March 4, 1998.
Box 8
Farber, Jack, 1933- (Entrepreneur), interviewed by Victor Levy: Transcript, February 8, 1996.
Box 2 Folder 4
Scope and Contents

Childhood and family life in Philadelphia; encounters with anti-Semitism while growing up; starting a delivery business while in college; decision to leave accounting; joining Butcher and Sherrard brokerage firm; effects of City Stores bankruptcy and liquidation; reorganization of Philadelphia Industries and CSS; marriage and family life; work with American Jewish Committee; service on Board of Trustees at Jefferson University.

Farber, Jack, 1933- (Entrepreneur), interviewed by Victor Levy: 1 interview cassette tape, February 8, 1996.
Box 8
Ferst, Nancy, 1950-1998 (Jewish community leader), interviewed by Lynnda Targan: Transcript, undated.
Box 2 Folder 5
Scope and Contents

Childhood and family life; religious education and youth group involvement; importance of Jewish camp; interactions with non-Jews, particularly during holidays; teaching Sunday school; work with Federation and Jewish campus groups; move to Philadelphia and work at Project PRIDE; role models in Jewish community; integrating Judaism into life experience; opportunities closed to women; children's Jewish education; personal sense of responsibility to live a Jewish life and make a Jewish home; difference in gender roles and responsibility within family; prioritizing and life choices; need to foster attitude of equality in subsequent generations; marriage and family life; current service and volunteer work.

Ferst, Nancy, 1950-1998 (Jewish community leader), interviewed by Lynnda Targan: Background information file, November 20, 1997.
Box 5 Folder 11
Ferst, Nancy, 1950-1998 (Jewish community leader), interviewed by Lynnda Targan: 1 interview cassette tape, December 8, 1997.
Box 8
Ferst, Nancy, 1950-1998 (Jewish community leader), interviewed by Lynnda Targan: 1 interview cassette tape, December 10, 1997.
Box 8
Frankel, Ellen, 1951- (Writer, editor, Jewish Publication Society) , interviewed by Sally Weinstock: Transcript, August 5, 1998.
Box 2 Folder 6
Scope and Contents

Grandparents' immigration and family history; father's love of books; childhood religious upbringing and education; college and graduate work; dissatisfaction with the academic career track; social alienation during bar/bat mitzvah year; political involvement and activity during 1960s; marriage to fellow graduate student and rejoining the Jewish community; adopting a daughter and starting a writing career; adoption of second child; challenges of raising a child with emotional and developmental problems; decision to move to Philadelphia and search for a different kind of Jewish community; pressures of being an intellectual in a small town; work at Jewish Publication Society; JPS' mission to publish books for all denominations within Judaism; mentors and role models; financial and bureaucratic challenges at JPS; storytelling career and writing "The Five Books of Miriam"; importance of folk stories and traditions in perpetuating Jewish culture; speaking to Jewish groups about women's roles and women's contributions.

Frankel, Ellen, 1951- (Writer, editor, Jewish Publication Society) , interviewed by Sally Weinstock: 4 interview cassette tapes, August 5, 1998.
Box 9
Geffen, Rela M., 1943- (Sociology professor, university administrator), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: Transcript, April 29, 1998.
Box 2 Folder 7
Scope and Contents

Family history; parents' courtship and marriage; grandfather's and father's rabbinical work; childhood religious training; clashes between generations and cultures on women's education and role in Judaism; trip to Israel at age 17; lack of career counseling for women in 60s; obstacles to a woman completing graduate work; completing a Master's degree in sociology at Columbia; resistance to applying sociology to Jews; move to Florida to pursue PhD; move to Philadelphia and beginning of educational career; work at Gratz; changes in attitude toward social science's relationship to Judaism; rise of a Jewish feminist movement; efforts to change attitudes and customs regarding women along with laws and rules; Jewish women in academe; future challenges for women and for Judaism; different attitudes toward women's role around the world.

Geffen, Rela M., 1943- (Sociology professor, university administrator), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: 4 interview cassette tapes, undated.
Box 9
Gershenfeld, Matti K., 1925- (Psychologist), interviewed by Rhonda Hoffman: Transcript, March 11, 1998.
Box 2 Folder 8
Scope and Contents

Family history; childhood in Philadelphia; start of religious education at 12; language and cultural barriers at school; attendance at Penn; work at Philadelphia Planning Commission; sexism at Wharton in late 1940s; part time work with community colleges and community groups; children's career choices; decision to pursue psychology degree; integration of Jewish identity with professional life; challenges of being only woman or only parent in an academic program; focus on women's issues in education; development of Institute of Awareness in late 1960s; service with professional organizations; effect of professional research on personal development; balance of career and family life; opinions of different areas of America; current professional activities; thoughts on future of women in Jewish community; challenges facing Jewish organizations.

Gershenfeld, Matti K., 1925- (Psychologist), interviewed by Rhonda Hoffman: 2 interview cassette tapes, March 11, 1998.
Box 9
Goldberg, Frances, 1927-2016: Jewish community leader, interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: Transcript, July 6, 1998.
Box 2 Folder 9
Scope and Contents

Parents' immigration and family life; economic life in 30s; Jewish observance and training during childhood; life at Penn State in late 40s; marriage, children, and life after college; involvement with volunteer community organizations; obligations of Jews to other Jews; work with Russian Resettlement Program in Harrisburg; participation in national projects such as Conference of the US Holocaust Memorial Council; women's current role in Jewish community.

Goldberg, Frances, 1927-2016: Jewish community leader, interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: 2 interview cassette tapes, July 6, 1998.
Box 9
Jaffe, Susan, 1943- (Vice chair, Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment), interviewed by Mina Gobler: Transcript, August 24, 1998.
Box 2 Folder 10
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; father's departure from Germany in 1930s; father's role in founding Tikvoh Chodoshoh synagogue; childhood religious instruction; leadership roles in high school and college; early careers in education and speech pathology; first marriage and raising children; work with American Jewish Committee and Committee on Status of Women; efforts to integrate Philadelphia organizations and events; work with women's groups of other faiths; appointment to Zoning Board; role of Board in quality of life and other matters facing City; working with other women to raise political profile; work with Women's Way and United Way and at-tempts to repair rifts between the two; relationships with children as adults; future of women's role in Judaism and in society.

Jaffe, Susan, 1943- (Vice chair, Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment), interviewed by Mina Gobler: 3 interview cassette tapes, August 24, 1998.
Box 9
Josephs, Babette, 1940- (State representative), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: Transcript, July 16, 1998.
Box 2 Folder 11
Scope and Contents

Birth in New York, family life and education; family influence in early career choices; marriage and relocation to Philadelphia; children's religious observance; entry into law and politics; parents' political leanings and activity during WW II; involvement in abortion rights movement and energy conservation movement; first run for office in 1982 and victory two years later; relationships with other legislators; anti-Philadelphia sentiment in legislature vs. sexism or anti-Semitism; future political aspirations; legislative accomplishments; involvement in Jewish and women's groups; role in revival of Gershwin Y and Jewish Community Center (JCC); life after husband's death; advice and assistance for younger women; importance of religious values and civil rights.

Josephs, Babette, 1940- (State representative), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: Background information file, July 20, 1998.
Box 5 Folder 12
Josephs, Babette, 1940- (State representative), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: 2 interview cassette tapes, July 16, 1998.
Box 9
Kahn, Charles, 1924- (Jewish community leader), interviewed by Bernard Stern: Transcript, 1996.
Box 2 Folder 12
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; high school and college experiences; motivation for community service; experiences working with gangs in early 1960s; recent work on Catholic/Jewish relations; service on board at Holy Redeemer Hospital; experience with anti-Semitism in the military; future of Judaism; need for families and institutions to pass on Jewish traditions and identity.

Kahn, Charles, 1924- (Jewish community leader), interviewed by Bernard Stern: 1 interview cassette tape, April 3, 1996.
Box 10
Karsh, Carole, 1938- (Assistant executive VP, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Transcript, January 25, 1999.
Box 2 Folder 13
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; family holiday celebrations; religious instruction as a child; childhood friendships and youth group activities; interest in academics and in teaching career; process of getting involved in the local Jewish community; work and school experiences at Penn; mentors and role models; struggle for women's rights in religious affairs; fundraising work for Penn; efforts to make Penn aware of Jewish concerns; changes to Federation fundraising model; volunteer work with synagogues; challenges of "professionalizing" Federation operations; professional rivalries and problems; connection to Har Zion; tenure as president of Har Zion; thoughts on the fundraising process; marriage, children, and family life; religious life at home; hobbies and other interests; sense of spiritual belonging; travels to Israel; struggles to balance career and family responsibilities.

Karsh, Carole, 1938- (Assistant executive VP, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Background information file, January 21, 1999.
Box 5 Folder 13
Karsh, Carole, 1938- (Assistant executive VP, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 4 interview cassette tapes, January 25, 1999.
Box 10
Kodish, Debora G., 1952- (Founder/director, Philadelphia Folklore Project), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Transcript, April 20, 1998.
Box 2 Folder 15
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; anti-Semitism in Cleveland suburbs; lack of formal religious instruction; school clubs and activities; summer at American Field Service; involvement in political activities; tension with parents over political and cultural views; college experiences at Lehigh University; folklore study at graduate school in Newfoundland and Texas; discovery of Jewish communities; first jobs in Philadelphia; start of Philadelphia Folklore Project; marriage, family, and religious instruction for children; life in her diverse West Philadelphia neighborhood; plans for life after the Project; sense of Jewish identity and Jewish tradition.

Kodish, Debora G., 1952- (Founder/director, Philadelphia Folklore Project), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 3 interview cassette tapes, April 20, 1998.
Box 10
Landes, Sora, 1933- (Principal, Perelman Day School/Firnab Center), interviewed by Rhonda Hoffman: Transcript, January 28, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 1
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; education and religious instruction; summer experiences at Camp Massad; marriage and life in New York; husband's ordination and military service; start of teaching career; life as a Navy chaplain's wife; move to Erie, Pennsylvania; interfaith relationships in Erie; move to Philadelphia and Beth Shalom; increasing involvement in Jewish education at Beth Shalom; role of a rabbi's wife; establishment of Forman Day School; merger and move of school to its current location; plans for future of school; brother's academic career and death from leukemia; future needs for Jewish education and educators.

Landes, Sora, 1933- (Principal, Perelman Day School/Firnab Center), interviewed by Rhonda Hoffman: Background information file, February 18, 1999.
Box 5 Folder 14
Landes, Sora, 1933- (Principal, Perelman Day School/Firnab Center), interviewed by Rhonda Hoffman: 1 interview cassette tape, January 28, 1998.
Box 10
Landes, Sora, 1933- (Principal, Perelman Day School/Firnab Center), interviewed by Rhonda Hoffman: 1 interview cassette tape, June 11, 1998.
Box 10
Levin, Susan Bass, 1952- (Mayor of Cherry Hill), interviewed by Mina Gobler: Transcript, September 23, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 2
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood family life; childhood in a non-Jewish community; role models in family; choice of a legal career; children's careers and religious identity; move to Cherry Hill and start of political career; efforts to balance career and family; challenges of running a city government; role of mayor in community; need to reach out to groups within community; involvement in state and local politics; New Jersey politics as a 'man's game'; importance of family traditions and connections; future plans.

Levin, Susan Bass, 1952- (Mayor of Cherry Hill), interviewed by Mina Gobler: 2 interview cassette tapes, September 23, 1998.
Box 10
Lissy, Barbara G., 1947- (Director, Sports for Israel), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Transcript, March 17, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 3
Scope and Contents

Family history; religious observance as child and now; current family relationships; childhood in Philadelphia; father's death during junior year at Penn; internship with U.S. Senator Scott and employment in Washington; work with Federation and then as business manager of Solomon Schechter Day School; service in Jewish community; glass ceilings and discrimination at Federation; move to Maccabi, USA in 1982; women in sports and sports organizations; importance of Jewish values, Jewish identity and Jewish home life; children's reactions to husband's death; children's Jewish education; activity in Jewish women's movement; marriage and keeping kosher; husband's fight against brain cancer; life as a single mother of young children; travels with children to Israel and other countries; life goals; changes in Jewish community in 21st century.

Lissy, Barbara G., 1947- (Director, Sports for Israel), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 3 interview cassette tapes, March 17, 1998.
Box 10
Littell, Marcia Sachs, 1937- (Professor, executive director of Philadelphia Center on the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Transcript, June 10, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 4
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; setting priorities and desire to focus on education; decision to return to college after birth of children; opposition to service as leader of PTAs; first teaching experiences; lack of available information about Holocaust in early 70s; mentor's opposition to Holocaust as a subject for graduate work; first trip to Israel; personal and professional relationship with husband Franklin; assuming leadership of Annual Scholars' Conference on the Holocaust and the Churches in 1980; challenges of treating Holocaust as a matter of interfaith concern; involvement in Jewish community; launching new Masters of Arts program at Richard Stockton College; plans for future; concern about divisions between Jews.

Littell, Marcia Sachs, 1937- (Professor, executive director of Philadelphia Center on the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 2 interview cassette tapes, June 10, 1998.
Box 10
Mattleman, Marcienne S.: Transcript, April 13, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 5
Mattleman, Marcienne S.: 2 interview cassette tapes, April 13, 1998.
Box 11
Menaker, Mim: 3 interview cassette tapes, undated.
Box 11
Meyerson, Martin, 1922- (President, University of Pennsylvania), interviewed by Louise Cohen: Transcript, November 11, 1997.
Box 3 Folder 6
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; education and career choices; childhood religious training; first efforts in city planning; teaching at University of Chicago; feeling of connection to Jewish institutions; visits to and work in Israel; return to Philadelphia and work at Penn; service at Berkeley in 1964; leaving California to head SUNY Buffalo; appointment as Penn's president; lack of Jewish representation in government and in university and corporate administrations; marriage and family.

Meyerson, Martin, 1922- (President, University of Pennsylvania), interviewed by Louise Cohen: Transcript, July 24, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 6
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; education and career choices; childhood religious training; first efforts in city planning; teaching at University of Chicago; feeling of connection to Jewish institutions; visits to and work in Israel; return to Philadelphia and work at Penn; service at Berkeley in 1964; leaving California to head SUNY Buffalo; appointment as Penn's president; lack of Jewish representation in government and in university and corporate administrations; marriage and family.

Meyerson, Martin, 1922- (President, University of Pennsylvania), interviewed by Louise Cohen: 1 interview cassette tape, November 11, 1997.
Box 11
Meyerson, Martin, 1922- (President, University of Pennsylvania), interviewed by Louise Cohen: 2 interview cassette tapes, July 24, 1998.
Box 11
Perlmutter, Felice Davidson, 1931- (Professor of social work), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Transcript, February 11, 1999.
Box 3 Folder 7
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; father's involvement in Yiddish culture and education; role of secular dimension in Jewish culture; searching for right educational environment; graduate study in social work; integrating professional work with personal values and Jewish identity; ideological and professional conflicts in academic institutions; focus on research and writing; McCarthyism as a defining personal experience; progression through the academic ranks; topics of interest for research grants and projects; relationship with husband and children; social life and hobbies; future challenges for women and Jewish community.

Perlmutter, Felice Davidson, 1931- (Professor of social work), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 1 interview cassette tape, February 10, 1999.
Box 11
Perlmutter, Felice Davidson, 1931- (Professor of social work), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 1 interview cassette tape, February 11, 1999.
Box 11
Porter, Jill, columnist, 1946- (Philadelphia Daily News), interviewed by Sally Weinstock: Transcript, circa 1998.
Box 3 Folder 7a
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; moving around constantly during childhood; lack of religious instruction as a child; experiences at Temple News; first professional writing jobs after graduation; working for F. Oilman Spencer at Trentonian and Philadelphia Daily News; getting her Daily News column; anti-Semitic responses to her columns; challenges of being married to a non-Jew; development of interest in Jewish history and culture; struggling to raise her son as a Jew; using column to give a voice to the powerless; challenges of being a columnist; necessity of taking stands and offending people.

Porter, Jill, columnist, 1946- (Philadelphia Daily News), interviewed by Sally Weinstock: 4 interview cassette tapes, September 25, 1998.
Box 11
Rafsky, William L., 1920-2001 (Public official), interviewed by Andrew Harrison: Transcript, February 1, 1996.
Box 3 Folder 8
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; religious observance at home; work on War Production Board; anti-Semitism in Washington during war; work with Philadelphia Democratic Party in 1940s and 1950s; service in Clark and Dilworth Administrations; efforts to improve public housing; development efforts in Center City; work with Greater Philadelphia Movement and Center for Philadelphia Area Development; challenges and successes of Bicentennial Celebration; work on Model Cities program in 1960s; work in Finance Department, Parking Authority, and Goode Administration in 1980s; City Charter reform movement; service on Temple Board of Trustees; work with American Jewish Committee; current problems facing cities; current state of public housing.

Rafsky, William L., 1920-2001 (Public official), interviewed by Andrew Harrison: 2 interview cassette tapes, February 1, 1996.
Box 11
Rafsky, William L., 1920-2001 (Public official), interviewed by Andrew Harrison: 1 interview cassette tape, February 15, 1996.
Box 11
Ryda, Rose, 1928- (Professor of education), interviewed by Susan Levaseur: Transcript, January 29, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 9
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; family's religious education and holiday traditions; children's religious observance; influence of the Zionist movement; opportunities open, and not open, to female Jews; marriage, children and family life; graduate study in biology; involvement in synagogue community; career choices and interest in education; thoughts of returning to Israel; current state of Jewish education in Philadelphia; status of women in modern Judaism; pressures for women to balance professional lives with family responsibilities.

Ryda, Rose, 1928- (Professor of education), interviewed by Susan Levaseur: 1 interview cassette tape, January 29, 1998.
Box 12
Ross, George, 1933- (Businessman), interviewed by Victory Levy: Transcript, November 5, 1996.
Box 3 Folder 10
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; changing name from Rosenkoff to Ross; career at Goldman Sachs; involvement in civic organizations and philanthropy; marriage and children.

Ross, George, 1933- (Businessman), interviewed by Victory Levy: 1 interview cassette tape, November 5, 1996.
Box 12
Rubin, Ronald, 1931- (Real estate developer), interviewed by Polly Beckham: Transcript, February 20, 1996.
Box 3 Folder 11
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; growing up in Philadelphia; father's career in real estate; building real estate business with father; community service and work with Jewish organizations; Comcast deal for Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers; Bellevue Hotel restoration; involvement in Philadelphia politics; organization of the Center City District; work with Philadelphia nonprofit institutions.

Rubin, Ronald, 1931- (Real estate developer), interviewed by Polly Beckham: 1 interview cassette tape, February 20, 1996.
Box 12
Rubin, Ronald, 1931- (Real estate developer), interviewed by Polly Beckham: 1 interview cassette tape, February 29, 1996.
Box 12
Rubin, Ronald, 1931- (Real estate developer), interviewed by Polly Beckham: 1 interview cassette tape, March 20, 1996.
Box 12
Schneirov, Miriam A., 1938- (Jewish community leader), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Transcript, April 1, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 12
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; mother's involvement in school and civic organizations; looking like a non-Jew; holiday traditions; school experiences; marriage during college; political activism during college; service on Jewish organizations; work on Federation budget committees; work on fundraising and planning committees; changing careers in 80s and launching consulting business; presidency of Federation; efforts to change and improve Federation; bringing American Jews to Israel; work with United Way; problems with women's committees; difficulties faced by women in leadership positions; support from husband and children, and family life; roles of women in professional and family life; role models in Jewish organizations.

Schneirov, Miriam A., 1938- (Jewish community leader), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 2 interview cassette tapes, April 1, 1998.
Box 12
Schneirov, Miriam A., 1938- (Jewish community leader), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 3 interview cassette tapes, April 13, 1998.
Box 12
Schwartz, Allyson, 1948- (State senator), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: Transcript, April 20, 1998.
Box 4 Folder 1
Scope and Contents

Growing up in Queens; contrasting religious observance in her parents' family and her husband's family; college education and parents' expectations for career and family; marriage and move to Philadelphia for graduate study in social work; early work on community development and housing; moving on to work in health care and starting Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center for Women; working to increase women's involvement in their health decisions; helping found Women's Way coalition; work in Goode Administration in managing director's office and Department of Human Services; election to State Senate; balancing career with marriage and children; providing a Jewish education and environment for her children; involvement in Jewish community; reconciling legislative schedules with religious observance; serving as role model for women and for Jewish community; challenges of getting legislature to recognize religious diversity.

Schwartz, Allyson, 1948- (State senator), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: 3 interview cassette tapes, April 20, 1998.
Box 12
Shapiro, Norma L., 1928- (Judge), interviewed by Mina Gobler: Transcript, October 5, 1998.
Box 4 Folder 2
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; religious instruction as a youth; accelerated progress through school; decision to enter law; taking time off to raise children; return to workforce; becoming a partner in law firm while working full time; appointment as judge; work with community organizations; husband, children, and family; relationship between religious and secular life; work with Jewish Publication Society; recognition and honors from community; helping other women take prominent roles in society.

Shapiro, Norma L., 1928- (Judge), interviewed by Mina Gobler: Background information file, 1978, undated.
Box 5 Folder 15
Shapiro, Norma L., 1928- (Judge), interviewed by Mina Gobler: 2 interview cassette tapes, October 5, 1998.
Box 12
Shapiro, Norma L., 1928- (Judge), interviewed by Mina Gobler: 1 interview cassette tape, December 9, 1998.
Box 12
Wachman, Marvin, 1917- (President, Lincoln University and Temple University), interviewed by David Canton: Transcript, March 27, 1996.
Box 4 Folder 3
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; religious observance and training during childhood; playing tennis and working at tennis clubs; college and postgraduate education; dissertation work on Socialist Party; experiences in military during World War II; career at Colgate University; presidency of Lincoln University; challenges of leading an historically black college during a period of integration; move to Temple in 1970 and appointment as president in 1973; overhaul of admissions procedures at Temple; increase in Jewish college presidents; anti-Semitism in social circles; marriage and family; involvement with community organizations; children's religious training.

Wachman, Marvin, 1917- (President, Lincoln University and Temple University), interviewed by David Canton: Background information file, June 28, 2001.
Box 5 Folder 16
Wachman, Marvin, 1917- (President, Lincoln University and Temple University), interviewed by David Canton: 1 interview cassette tape, March 27, 1996.
Box 13
Wachman, Marvin, 1917- (President, Lincoln University and Temple University), interviewed by David Canton: 2 interview cassette tapes, April 8, 1996.
Box 13
Wachman, Marvin, 1917- (President, Lincoln University and Temple University), interviewed by David Canton: 1 interview cassette tape, June 6, 1996.
Box 13
Weisberger, Barbara, 1926- (Founder of Pennsylvania Ballet and Carlisle Project), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: Transcript, July 21, 1998.
Box 4 Folder 4
Scope and Contents

Birth and childhood in Brooklyn; family life and education; childhood ballet lessons and training; foundations of American ballet; Jewish presence in ballet and dance; early marriage and divorce; first job as a ballet instructor; second marriage and children; launch of the School of Pennsylvania Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet Company; fundraising efforts for startup; religious observance in home; need to compartmentalize family and professional life; leadership role in company and sacrifice of some creative duties; departure from Pennsylvania Ballet in 1982; infighting, politics, and other problems of artistic and civic institutions; birth of Carlisle Project to address those problems; lack of funds to keep Carlisle alive; hope for future.

Weisberger, Barbara, 1926- (Founder of Pennsylvania Ballet and Carlisle Project), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: Background information file, 1982-1998.
Box 5 Folder 17
Weisberger, Barbara, 1926- (Founder of Pennsylvania Ballet and Carlisle Project), interviewed by Barbara Trainen Blank: 2 interview cassette tapes, July 21, 1998.
Box 13
Wortman, Judy, 1947- (Executive vice president, Jewish Federation of Delaware), interviewed by Mina Gobler: Transcript, August 13, August 21, 1998.
Box 4 Folder 5
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; roots in Jewish community; differences among family members in religious observance; education and social experiences, including summer camp; start of career in Jewish community centers; undergraduate and graduate school experiences at Temple; work with Federations in Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware; taking the director's position at Delaware; obstacles to women in field of social work; priorities and projects with Delaware Federation; marriages, children, stepchildren and family life; daughter's career as a rabbi; son's career choices; balance of work and family life; incorporating femininity into leadership style.

Wortman, Judy, 1947- (Executive vice president, Jewish Federation of Delaware), interviewed by Mina Gobler: 4 interview cassette tapes (2 duplicates), August 13, 1998.
Box 13
Wortman, Judy, 1947- (Executive vice president, Jewish Federation of Delaware), interviewed by Mina Gobler: 2 interview cassette tapes (1 duplicate), August 21, 1998.
Box 13
Zolot, Jane, 1931- (Community leader), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Transcript, June 2, 1998.
Box 4 Folder 6
Scope and Contents

Family history and childhood; parents' and grandparents' involvement and leadership at Beth Shalom; mother's role in Federation's women division; work for Hadassah, particularly in field of major gifts and presidency of Philadelphia chapter; studies with Elsie Chomsky; role and importance of Hadassah; marriage and children; sponsoring research on Jewish women; role models and mentors in Jewish community; religious observance at home; travels to Israel; other service within Jewish community.

Zolot, Jane, 1931- (Community leader), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: Background information file, November 18, 1999.
Box 5 Folder 18
Zolot, Jane, 1931- (Community leader), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 4 interview cassette tapes (2 duplicates), December 16, 1997.
Box 13
Zolot, Jane, 1931- (Community leader), interviewed by Sally Benson Alsher: 1 interview cassette tape, June 2, 1998.
Box 13

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