Epstein, Julius_1968/07/22, Oral History, July 22, 1968

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF GREATER HARTFORD ORAL HISTORY COLLECTION

Tape No.: 4 No. of Tapes: 1 Name of Interviewee: Julius Epstein Date of Interview: July 22, 1968 Occupation: Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Transcript (yes/no): yes No. of Pages: 7

Abstract: Came from Russia to U.S. in March 1906 to join the Gordon family in New Britain. His father was a cantor for 30 years in one synagogue in Russia. Julius started to sing in the choir when conducted by the outstanding cantor, Moishi Kabakowski, until his voice changed. His family left Russia because of the massacres and pogroms in 1912. Met Dr. Schmoel Levine while in Russia and later in the U.S. when he spoke in Hartford. He was regarded as a great orator and writer. Julius describes the Jewish neighborhood around Bedford Street during the early part of the century. Julius continued to sing in synagogues and was in demand as a soloist in Hartford. He belonged to Zionist organizations and attended many meetings where the speakers came from New York, among them Irving Berlin’s father, Moslowski. Great National cantors who came to Hartford were Joseph Rosenblatt, Mordecai Hershman, and Ruttman.

Subject Index: Oral History Cantorate Music Hartford History – Jewish Zionism