Pearlstine/Lipov Center for Southern Jewish Culture

When do analogies to the Holocaust become antisemitic? | Opinion

Another fantastic and timely op-ed by Summer Institute alum, Professor Jonathan Judaken.

https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion/2021/08/20/germantown-antisemitic-holocaust-assistant-principal-outcry/8215780002/

When do analogies to the Holocaust become antisemitic? | Opinion The Germantown case allows us to understand something deeper about antisemitism, Holocaust analogies, free speech and reckoning with racism.

What we’re reading this weekend: Kugel and Frijoles: Latino Jews in the United States by Laura Limonic.

What we’re reading this weekend: Kugel and Frijoles: Latino Jews in the United States by Laura Limonic.

What we're reading this weekend: Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture by historian Annelise Heinz.

Click-click-click. The sound of mahjong tiles connects American expatriates in Shanghai, Jazz Age white Americans, urban Chinese Americans in the 1930s, incarcerated Japanese Americans in wartime, Jewish American suburban mothers, and Air Force officers' wives in the postwar era.

Prof. Heinz illustrates how the spaces between tiles and the moments between games have fostered distinct social cultures in the United States. This mass-produced game crossed the Pacific, creating waves of popularity over the twentieth century.
She narrates the history of this game to show how it has created a variety of meanings, among them American modernity, Chinese American heritage, and Jewish American women's culture.

As it traveled from China to the United States and caught on with Hollywood starlets, high society, middle-class housewives, and immigrants alike, mahjong became a quintessentially American game. Heinz also reveals the ways in which women leveraged a game to gain access to respectable leisure. The result was the forging of friendships that lasted decades and the creation of organizations that raised funds for the war effort and philanthropy. No other game has signified both belonging and standing apart in American culture.

https://bit.ly/mahjongoxford

What we're reading this weekend: Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture by historian Annelise Heinz.

Click-click-click. The sound of mahjong tiles connects American expatriates in Shanghai, Jazz Age white Americans, urban Chinese Americans in the 1930s, incarcerated Japanese Americans in wartime, Jewish American suburban mothers, and Air Force officers' wives in the postwar era.

Prof. Heinz illustrates how the spaces between tiles and the moments between games have fostered distinct social cultures in the United States. This mass-produced game crossed the Pacific, creating waves of popularity over the twentieth century.
She narrates the history of this game to show how it has created a variety of meanings, among them American modernity, Chinese American heritage, and Jewish American women's culture.

As it traveled from China to the United States and caught on with Hollywood starlets, high society, middle-class housewives, and immigrants alike, mahjong became a quintessentially American game. Heinz also reveals the ways in which women leveraged a game to gain access to respectable leisure. The result was the forging of friendships that lasted decades and the creation of organizations that raised funds for the war effort and philanthropy. No other game has signified both belonging and standing apart in American culture.

https://bit.ly/mahjongoxford

***Update regarding the fall Southern Jewish History Conference***

Yesterday, the SJHS/JHSSC Planning Committee with reluctance but nonetheless with resolve, decided to forego the in-person conference scheduled for Charleston Oct. 22-24 and begin making plans for an all-virtual program. We are working on a free program via Zoom that will be held the same weekend (October 21 – 24) as the conference and will be sending the program line up as soon as it is available.

If you registered, you will receive a refund from CofC. Please give Enid a few days to process the refunds. If you have made hotel reservations, please cancel these directly with your hotel. I have emailed them to let them know the conference is cancelled.

Our decision was largely prompted by decisions affecting conference venues, specifically Friday and Saturday nights; the impact of the virus in and around Charleston and how that might directly and indirectly affect our conference; presenters’ reluctance to travel and our overall belief that this is the right decision to make given the circumstances we are confronting.

While disappointed we are not able to meet in person, we firmly believe this is in the best interest of all.

***Update regarding the fall Southern Jewish History Conference***

Yesterday, the SJHS/JHSSC Planning Committee with reluctance but nonetheless with resolve, decided to forego the in-person conference scheduled for Charleston Oct. 22-24 and begin making plans for an all-virtual program. We are working on a free program via Zoom that will be held the same weekend (October 21 – 24) as the conference and will be sending the program line up as soon as it is available.

If you registered, you will receive a refund from CofC. Please give Enid a few days to process the refunds. If you have made hotel reservations, please cancel these directly with your hotel. I have emailed them to let them know the conference is cancelled.

Our decision was largely prompted by decisions affecting conference venues, specifically Friday and Saturday nights; the impact of the virus in and around Charleston and how that might directly and indirectly affect our conference; presenters’ reluctance to travel and our overall belief that this is the right decision to make given the circumstances we are confronting.

While disappointed we are not able to meet in person, we firmly believe this is in the best interest of all.

Meet the newest member of the P/L team: Emilie Crossan is a recent grad of the College of Charleston (Class of 2020). She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA in Historic Preservation and Community Planning, as well as in Jewish Studies.

Emilie is joining us as a research assistant and is currently documenting the history of South Carolina’s synagogues and congregations as part of the ongoing "Synagogues of the South" project. She is likewise conducting research for BVL Historic Preservation Research here in Charleston. Previously, Emilie interned at the Jewish Historical Society of SC, where she documented the history of SC's Jewish merchants and cemeteries.

Emilie plans to pursue her interests in the preservation of minority communities - including their neighborhoods, businesses, and religious structures - at the graduate level. We are so fortunate to have her on our team this year.

Meet the newest member of the P/L team: Emilie Crossan is a recent grad of the College of Charleston (Class of 2020). She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA in Historic Preservation and Community Planning, as well as in Jewish Studies.

Emilie is joining us as a research assistant and is currently documenting the history of South Carolina’s synagogues and congregations as part of the ongoing "Synagogues of the South" project. She is likewise conducting research for BVL Historic Preservation Research here in Charleston. Previously, Emilie interned at the Jewish Historical Society of SC, where she documented the history of SC's Jewish merchants and cemeteries.

Emilie plans to pursue her interests in the preservation of minority communities - including their neighborhoods, businesses, and religious structures - at the graduate level. We are so fortunate to have her on our team this year.

Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

We invite you to participate in a survey on US Jewish political and social attitudes. The survey is being conducted by Dr. Mira Sucharov, Professor of Political Science at Carleton University in Canada, for her forthcoming book with Rutgers University Press. The survey should take about 15-20 minutes to complete. All answers are anonymous. You must be 18 to complete the survey.

The link to the survey is here:
https://carletonu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1FUgw41oKtP86BE?fbclid=IwAR04Vm7k4UnpwHN0IKR9JAbqNGqD-sH-B8sHu0fLsrW1Ndxv1Ac03oMC6Dk

Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

How To Become A Judaica Rescuer

We loved reading about this GA woman's mission - a real-life "Southern Jewish Antiques Roadshow"!

https://atlantajewishtimes.timesofisrael.com/how-to-become-a-judaica-rescuer/

How To Become A Judaica Rescuer A silver Kiddush cup at the Scott Antique Markets was the catalyst of Sheryl Blatt’s Judaica rescue mission.

Leon Litwack, Pulitzer Prize-winning scholar of America’s racial divide, dies at 91

Leon Litwack, Pulitzer Prize-winning scholar of America’s racial divide, dies at 91 The UC-Berkeley professor wrote deeply researched books about the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.

All-Star Bowling Lanes in Orangeburg gets big funding boost from National Park Service

Happy News in South Carolina! The National Park Service is distributing nearly $3 million in grants to civil rights projects across SC, including the renovation of All-Star Bowling Lanes. This was the site of student protests in February 1968 that led to the Orangeburg Massacre, in which highway patrolmen shot and killed three Black student protestors and injured at least 28 others.

We were honored to host author, former state congressman, and CNN analyst Bakari Sellers as a guest speaker this past February, during which he spoke about his father, Civil Rights activist Cleveland Sellers Jr., and his experiences that night in Orangeburg.

All-Star Bowling Lanes in Orangeburg gets big funding boost from National Park Service The nonprofit Center for Creative Partnerships hopes the restoration effort will bolster the city of Orangeburg's own revitalization plans and add value to the experiences of students attending the historically

Largest study ever of Jews of color reports widespread discrimination

We look forward to continuing our conversation about race and inclusion within Jewish communities - past and present - with our stellar list of guest speakers this year. In the meantime, check out this recent study, which captures the experiences of more than a thousand Jews of color active in Jewish life.

https://forward.com/news/474074/jews-of-color-study-discrimination-black-asian-latinx/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_2715120

Largest study ever of Jews of color reports widespread discrimination “Nobody has spoken to this many Jews of color about these topics,” said Gage Gorsky, who was part of the study’s research team.

USC opening country's first Anne Frank Center: 'Reaches deep inside of every individual'

The University of South Carolina is opening the world’s fourth Anne Frank Center on Sept. 15. The new 1,060-square-foot USC center, the first North American outpost of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, includes photos, videos, artifacts, and a room that reflects on her experience of living in hiding.

"Given its Southern location, USC’s center reveals connections to the American Jim Crow era and civil rights movement, referencing the 1936 Berlin Olympics performance of Black track and field legend Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals.
The tour at the Anne Frank Center will mention the story of Emmett Till, a Black teen lynched in Mississippi in 1955 who was the same age, 14, as Frank when she was captured by the N***s. As with the Holocaust, the gruesome photos of Till’s body shocked the conscience of the nation."

https://www.postandcourier.com/columbia/news/usc-opening-countrys-first-anne-frank-center-reaches-deep-inside-of-every-individual/article_ea94cb1c-f78b-11eb-8ae1-b7b2342737cd.htm

USC opening country's first Anne Frank Center: 'Reaches deep inside of every individual' The first North American Anne Frank House partnership site is opening to the public next month on the University of South Carolina — an addition that includes original artifacts and

A 20-year-old college student in Texas is mapping every Manhattan address that used to be a synagogue - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Having undertaken our own synagogue documentation project with the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina, we can't get enough of this story about a UT Austin undergrad who is mapping every location that used to be a synagogue in NYC via Twitter.

A 20-year-old college student in Texas is mapping every Manhattan address that used to be a synagogue - Jewish Telegraphic Agency A Yiddish class inspires a project that recalls the city as it once was.

Do you have a story about growing up Jewish or living in southern states and how the legacy of hospitality, good food, and sometimes not quite fitting in with your neighbors has impacted your life or family? The Braid (formerly the Jewish Women’s Theatre) wants to hear from you.

It can be humorous, poignant, or thought-provoking, but it must be authentic. The Braid is creating a show with 12 stories written by southern Jews that explore topics relevant to being a southerner and a Jew. You don’t have to be a professional writer to submit your story! The deadline to submit is Oct. 1. For more info, click on the link below.

https://the-braid.org/submit/

Do you have a story about growing up Jewish or living in southern states and how the legacy of hospitality, good food, and sometimes not quite fitting in with your neighbors has impacted your life or family? The Braid (formerly the Jewish Women’s Theatre) wants to hear from you.

It can be humorous, poignant, or thought-provoking, but it must be authentic. The Braid is creating a show with 12 stories written by southern Jews that explore topics relevant to being a southerner and a Jew. You don’t have to be a professional writer to submit your story! The deadline to submit is Oct. 1. For more info, click on the link below.

https://the-braid.org/submit/

Intertwined history: Augusta Jewish Museum opens

Congratulations to the Augusta Jewish Museum, which celebrated its grand opening last month. It has been a six-year effort to convert Georgia’s oldest structure built as a synagogue (est. 1860s) and a historic court building into a museum and education center. You can read more about the creation of the museum and how to visit below.

Intertwined history: Augusta Jewish Museum opens Israel’s second-ranking regional diplomat joined the celebration and an Augusta rabbi placed a mezuzah on the door frame at the grand opening.

We're excited to see that the latest issue of the Association for Jewish Studies' Perspectives contains not one but two articles on the history of Jewish protest in the American South. Congratulations to Professor Wendy F. Soltz ("A Color-Blind Protest of Jewish Exceptionalism and Jim Crow") and to Professor Stephen J. Whitfield ("The Ordeal of Scottsboro"). You can check out their articles at the link provided below.

https://www.associationforjewishstudies.org/docs/default-source/ajs-perspectives/ajs_perspectives-protest-issue0bd05966-e039-4a1b-9bca-95d884189c07.pdf?sfvrsn=8688cd46_9

We're excited to see that the latest issue of the Association for Jewish Studies' Perspectives contains not one but two articles on the history of Jewish protest in the American South. Congratulations to Professor Wendy F. Soltz ("A Color-Blind Protest of Jewish Exceptionalism and Jim Crow") and to Professor Stephen J. Whitfield ("The Ordeal of Scottsboro"). You can check out their articles at the link provided below.

https://www.associationforjewishstudies.org/docs/default-source/ajs-perspectives/ajs_perspectives-protest-issue0bd05966-e039-4a1b-9bca-95d884189c07.pdf?sfvrsn=8688cd46_9

Why Jews Should Embrace Critical Race Theory

Kudos to Jonathan Judaken, summer scholar in our 2019 NEH Institute “Privilege & Prejudice,” on a terrific essay, hot off the press! 🔥🔥🔥

Why Jews Should Embrace Critical Race Theory CRITICAL RACE THEORY can help reduce racism and hatred of Jews

2021 SJHS Annual Conference | Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina

Join us in Charleston for the Southern Jewish Historical Society Annual Conference from October 22-24, 2021! The theme of this year's gathering is “Expanding the Archive(s) of Southern Jewish History”. Hosted by the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina (JHSSC), we will gather together for the first time since 2019 at the historic Francis Marion Hotel in beautiful Charleston, SC.

Registration can be accessed by clicking here through the JHSSC website: SJHSConference Or copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://jhssc.org/events/2021-sjhs-annual-conference/ Members please note that registering for conference events requires using the JHSSC website link and paying SJHS dues requires using the SJHS website: SJHSDues

In addition to walking tours of the sites of Jewish Charleston, conference-goers will gather for Shabbat dinner and services at the iconic Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. The weekend will feature a full slate of panels under the theme of "Expanding the Archive(s) of Southern Jewish History," chosen to celebrate 25 years of the Jewish Heritage Collection at the College of Charleston's Special Collections and its curator, Dale Rosengarten. Topics will range widely, including forays into southern Jewish history and creative arts, collecting Kentucky Jewish history, and refugee politics.

Please note on the program that the SJHS annual meeting will be 10:30 a.m. Friday in the Francis Marion Hotel. The keynote lecture Friday at noon and the pre-Shabbat dinner lecture at KKBE will be recorded and offered free to members after the conference has concluded.

COVID protocols will be followed per federal, state and local requirements. When making preparations to attend, note that attendees will have to arrange for transportation to and from hotels away from conference venues.

We hope to see you in Charleston!

2021 SJHS Annual Conference | Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina Plans are complete for the 2021 SJHS annual conference, hosted by the JHSSC the weekend of October 22–24. We will gather together for the first time since 2019 at the Historic Francis Marion Hotel in beautiful Charleston, SC.