Sol Schwartz family collection

Collection

Identifier: MS 0806

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Forms part of the Houston Jewish History Archive. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center and requires 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Scope and Contents

This collection contains deeply insightful historical and personal writings, such as Alex Schwartz’ Autobiography “Zaydee,” and his book of meeting minutes in Yiddish script for congregation Rodefei Sholom including details such as dues payments, building funds, prayer services, holiday programs, and elections. In addition, the collection contains an American Mizrachi Women Chapter Directory from Sol’s Mother, Pearl, a column written by Rabbi Segal about Alex Schwartz’ contributions to Beth Yeshurun, BBYO materials, an audio recording of Mary Caplan's funeral, and a small Torah with certificate presented to Sol by congregation Adath Yeshurun. The materials are in good condition, and range in date from 1927 to 2008. Researchers interested in the day to day life of running a small Jewish synagogue, or the experiences of a, involved Jewish family growing up in Houston would find this small collection particularly insightful.

Dates

Creation: 1927 - 2008

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center and requires 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Sol Schwartz family Papers 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

Sol Schwartz grew up in Houston, and his siblings and parents were devoted members of Congregation Adath Yeshurun and then Beth Yeshurun. Today, Sol and his wife Joanie live in San Antonio, steadfast members of congregation Rodfei Sholom in San Antonio.

Sol’s mother, Pearl Schwartz, was a member of Beth Yeshurun’s Sisterhood, B’nai B’rith Women, and Hadassah, in addition to being a charter and life member of the local American Mizrachi Women organization, which named a chapter of the group in her honor. His father, Alex Schwartz, was a fixture in the Greenfield Chapel minyan for decades, reading Torah, leading services on the High Holy Days and establishing a Tefillin Fund for Bar Mitzvah students. In earlier days, Alex served as secretary of the board for congregation Rodefei Sholom, in Houston’s Fifth Ward.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 Box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Sol Schwartz family collection provides an in-depth look at the experiences of a Jewish family growing up in Houston, particularly through Alex Schwartz’ Autobiography and the Board Minutes he took for Congregation Rodefei Sholom. With its American Mizrachi Women Chapter Directory, Column by Rabbi Segal praising Alex Schwartz, and the Torah awarded Sol Schwartz, the collection showcases multiple family members and their contributions to the Houston Jewish community.

Arrangement

The collection materials are arranged in four series and then further by date, as follows:

Series I: Personal Writings; Series II: Awards; Series III: Directories; Series IV: Addendum