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Congregation Beth Jacob, Galveston [TX] records

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0794
Finding aid note: Forms part of the Houston Jewish History Archive. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Scope and Contents

This collection is made up of materials related to the Beth Jacob congregation in Galveston, Texas. It includes directories for both the Beth Jacob Sisterhood and congregation membership, programs for a memorial service and homecoming reunion, and historical documents like bulletins, correspondence, and a charter, as well as a DVD recounting the history of Congregation Beth Jacob. The materials are in good condition, and range in date from 1947 to 2011. Though small, researchers interested in Jewish tradition and its roots in immigration would find this collection especially interesting, considering Beth Jacob’s combined Russian and Austro-Hungarian heritage.

Dates

  • Creation: 1947 - 2011

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research.

Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Congregation Beth Jacob, Galveston [TX] records must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

Congregation Beth Jacob is a Conservative Jewish synagogue located in Galveston, Texas. Founded in 1931, the congregation was made up of two groups of Orthodox Jews (one from the Russian tradition, the other from an Austro-Hungarian background) which came together in an effort to unite the community. Led by the Rabbi Louis Feigon, the members raised funds to build a new synagogue on the site of the old Hebrew Orthodox Benevolent Association. In the 1960s, the congregation expanded, building a new wing that included a 242-seat sanctuary, a large social hall, a library and more school rooms for the expanded Sunday, Hebrew and Hebrew high schools. In the 1970s the congregation joined the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Today, the congregation is led by Rabbi Todd Doctor, and is very active in the Galveston Community.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Congregation Beth Jacob, Galveston [TX] records is made up of letters, invitations, programs, bulletins, directories, legal documents, and a DVD recording the history of this small, vibrant congregation on Texas’ southern coast. Formed from two smaller communities--Russian and Austro-Hungarian--the congregation has a rich history of tradition.

Arrangement

The collection materials are arranged by date in a single series, as follows:

Series I: General Series

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Karen Rubinsky donated the records in September of 2018.

Title
Guide to the Congregation Beth Jacob, Galveston TX records, 1947-2011
Status
Completed
Author
Gabby Parker
Date
2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas Repository

Contact:
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA
713-348-2586