Fink Family Papers

Sergeant Harold Fink was born in Texas, and served in the army during World War II as part of the 70th Infantry division. He was killed in action January 1, 1945, for which he received the Purple Heart.

Harold’s brother, Jack Fink, married Rosalee Ann (Baer) Fink in 1955. They were married for 52 years, until Rosalee’s death in 2007, and had two sons---Aaron and Michael Fink. Rosalee was the past president of the Houston District B’nai B’rith Women, now known as Jewish Women International, and an active member of the Temple Emanu El Sisterhood.

From 1953-2013, Echo Hill Ranch was the only family-owned camp in Southwest Texas that served the Jewish community while also welcoming families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Since its founding in 1953 by Dr. and Mrs. S. T. Friedman, Echo Hill Ranch was owned and operated by the Friedman family, and its camper population came from not just from Texas, but also Louisiana, Florida, Maryland, Georgia, California, Mexico, Europe, and Israel.

With a focus on providing children with summers of fun, skill development and self fulfillment, Echo Hill Ranch made its mark on many families until its closing in 2013. Though campers and staff of all faiths attended Echo Hill, the camp boasted a Jewish focus, celebrating Shabbat with candle lighting and camper-led services on Fridays, serving meals in the Kosher style, and providing Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring.

The B’nai B’rith Youth Organization is the world's leading pluralistic Jewish youth movement. The century-old institution provides fun and meaningful Jewish experiences for teens in North America and beyond. The organization provides leadership training, community service opportunities, Jewish education, and a connection to Israel for thousands of Jewish Teens.