Kessler, Irving_2003

Early involvement in Zionism/supporting Israel upon its creation in college years. Went to college at Columbia, but almost went to Tuft-mentioned several times.

Involvement in Boston Federation. Discusses moving to the Hartford Federation working under and eventually taking over from Bernie Gottlieb who was director of the Federation before him. Large parts of interview reflect on his relationship with/the influence of Gottlieb. Talks about the Federation under Gottlieb and what changes he made (not becoming as friendly on a personal level with big donors like having Tumblebrook as a second office, as he put it). Didn’t want the community only focused on needs of Tumblebrook group of people-this position influence by his socialist/labor background. Talks about the Hartford Jewish community and how it did not need to be built-very active & involved. Minimal involvement with Black leaders.

Reflects on professional career. Attempts at outreach of Jewish Federation-tried to get other Federations in the state, though Greater Hartford remained the center. Relationship with JCC and Hebrew Home, synagogues and the Jewish Community, as well as political leaders. Fundraising efforts, particularly for Israel Bonds. Public relations work/dealing with the Jewish Ledger. Talked about leaving Hartford to join United Israel Appeal-felt he could do more for Israel there. Also gave him the opportunity to live in Israel part time. Scandal with secret practice of Jewish Family Services essentially buying babies-paying for cost of having a baby and then adopting it into a Jewish family and gave them substantial income. Other family service organizations were not pleased. Reforming the area’s Jewish education system-help educate the teachers. Positive feelings about his time in Hartford.

Member of Beth Hillel in Bloomfield. Participated in merger with Beth Sholom of Hartford in the 1960s which brought Rabbi Lazowitz to Bloomfield and the Bloomfield rabbi resigned.

Helped smuggler certain airplane parts to Israel in his carry-on luggage from Louie Rogow who worked at GE to help keep their older planes running. This was illegal because there were laws about exporting parts of the American defense system.

Some confusion in dates between 1967 and 1973. Amendments to this information are included in the transcription.

Interview ends abruptly.

This file contains documentation of Irving Kessler’s career as Hartford Jewish Federation Director as well as his work for United Israel Appeal and other Jewish organizations. It also contains information about various JHSGH programs he participated in.