Working at the Jewish Community Federation from the beginning of my career in 1956 until I retired thirty years later has kept me fully immersed in Jewish life.  Trained as a historian, I easily could have found my way outside or on the fringes of the Jewish community.  But also through history I began research into Jewish Cleveland’s past and later to writing about our local history, and organizing the Jewish archives.

Developing and coordinating the archives is perhaps my major contribution, which are now an important part of the Western Reserve Historical Society.  They preserve our memories of individuals, the records of our religious institutions and agencies, including the comprehensive Federation records, ­ all as an integral part of Cleveland history.

At the same time, I have found great personal gratification in bringing exhibits and several books relating to our 165 years of Jewish life in this community.  Most pleasing to me was writing the book, Merging Traditions, Jewish Life in Cleveland, a photo history published in 1978 with Sidney Vincent as co-author.  I believe readers find it a unique visual record of how Jews began their lives in Cleveland and established themselves in this community.

Today, I continue in a special role at the Federation, overseeing the archives and continuing my writing.  I can express my appreciation to the Federation for its central role in preserving our history by establishing a personal endowment fund to support the Cleveland Jewish Archives.  I hope other members of the community will see their way to help in the future of the archives for all of Cleveland.