Robert Levy Family Papers
Scope and Contents
The Robert Levy family papers contain five Purple Quill Publications, documents such as programs, church bulletins, letters, certificates, and invitations, as well as several early editions of the B’nai B’rith Hillel Scribe, a publication no longer in print. Though the materials range in date from 1929 to 1993, the majority of the papers are from earlier dates. Because of their age, some of the materials are delicate and worn, the most vulnerable of which have been placed in mylar sleeves for protection from deterioration. This collection would be useful for researchers interested in the Houston Jewish community, early publications, or the Temple B’nai Israel. The collection does not contain many personal documents relevant to the Levy family, aside from one personal letter.
Dates
- Creation: 1929 - 1993
Conditions Governing Access
This material is open for research. Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish material from the Robert Levy 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
Robert Levy completed a Ph.D. in history at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1998, and is well-known for his book "Ana Pauker: The Rise and Fall of a Jewish Communist." A staunch member of Temple B’nai Israel, Levy served on the Board of Trustees in 2019.
Founded in 1858, Congregation B'nai Israel is one of the oldest members of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), an organization that provides vision, direction and leadership to Reform Jews and congregations on spiritual, ethical, social justice and management issues. Its current synagogue has housed the congregation since 1954.
Extent
1 Linear Feet (1 Box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
As part of the Los Angeles Jewish community, Robert Levy interacts with a number of its organizations and institutions. Mostly dated in the early 1930s, Robert Levy’s family papers offer a glimpse of Jewish life in Los Angeles nearly a century ago.
Arrangement
The materials are arranged in three series, as follows:
Series I: The Purple Quill Publications
Series II: Documents
Series III: Newsclippings: B’nai B’rith Hillel Scribe
The second series contains two sub-groups (Programs and Bulletins), and all materials are further sorted by date.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Robert Levy donated the materials in January of 2019.
- Title
- Guide to the Robert Levy Family papers, 1929-1993
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Gabby Parker
- Date
- 2019-03-29
- 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
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA
713-348-2586
woodson@rice.edu