Conservative Judaism_1978/5/28, Oral Event History, May 25, 1978

Item — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 182

Scope and Contents

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Subject: History of Conservative Judaism/Synagogues in Greater Hartford **Three Part Synagogue Series

Speaker: Rabbi Stanley Kessler

Kessler gives an overview of the conservative movement in the Greater Hartford area, giving brief histories of various congregations and general conservative movement (idea of “Positive-Historical” and “Catholic Israel”, that is, universal Israel). Great deal of focus the Emanuel. Discusses changes over the years (and congregational resistance to it out of a sense of nostalgia more than practice-for instance, allowing women to count in a minyan, which Beth El was the first in the area to do). Talks about resistance of dealing with larger social issues such as civil rights. Touches on Jewish education in the area and lists several people who became rabbi’s/did serious Jewish study. Also talks about Midrasha, Solomon Schechter, and other attempts to form Jewish schools. Role of Sisterhoods/Men’s clubs in conservative congregations, Camp Ramah. Discusses freedom to differ/discuss and it’s roots in the American identity and the Talmud (plurality of Reform, Conservative, Orthodox).

Kessler lists many congregations and names, many of whom are tagged on this file, however not all of them are. See pages 5, 19-20 for a full listing.

Note-refreshments sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Irving Waltman in honor of their father, Mr. David Waltman.

The last five pages or so involve a Q&A session. Covers brief history of Conservative movement in Europe and how it came to the United States, Solomon Schechter. Harry Kleinman gives a brief history of formation of Beth El due to overcrowding of Emanuel-Lists people involved in founding on page 30, and selection of Rabbi Kessler.

Dates

Creation: May 25, 1978

Creator

Cohen, Emma Perlstein (Hartford, CT) (Host, Person)
Cooper, Harry, Lawyer (Host, Person)

Yiddish

There are some Yiddish phrases, however they are not transcribed. Rather, they have been translated and noted that it is a translation.

Interview

Event took place at Hartford Jewish Community Center on May 25, 1978. Rabbi Stanley Kessler was the primary speaker.

Other speakers

Another version of the transcript indicates that Emma Cohen introduced the program with the following: “Today is Thursday, May 25, 1978. Rabbi Stanley Kessler of Temple Beth El is going to give the history of the Conservative movement in Greater Hartford.”

The first paragraph on the first page of the attached transcription was said by Mr. Harry Cooper, who introduced Rabbi Kessler. Kessler begins speaking on the second page where there is an indent and an RK. Harry Kleinman makes a few remarks, as noted by an HK next to his text, as does Judge Klau, also noted. Harry Cooper concludes the interview and turns the floor back to Emma Cohen.