The Filson Historical Society Digital Projects

Browse Items (270 total)

  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbj_n277a_f006_003.pdf

    The February 1942, vol. 20, no. 20 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky, with the address of Lillie Grauman written on the cover. The issue opens with an address from national Council President Mrs. Maurice L. Goldman regarding what members should do to support "the Victory Program." Local President Esther J. Handmaker (addressed in the minutes as Mrs. Herman Handmaker) asks readers to "heed her sound advice remembering that doing our every day tasks is part of defense." It is followed by a copy of the letter the Council sent to President Roosevelt "placing the resources of the National Council of Jewish Women at the disposal of the United States Government." A copy of a letter of appreciation from Secretary to the President Stephen Early follows. The issue then shifts to specific local news and events, including a legislation education class, free lending library, noncitizen registration assistance, refugee education programs, the Nursery School, Council Workshop, Memorial fund, Red Cross donations, Service fund, and Defense Program. Strong, consistent community support of these organizations and fundraising efforts is a common theme. A summary of how the Council Dues support "civilian defense," "national unity," "civilian morale," and "an expanding democracy follows." The issue calls on readers to not be a "hoarder" or to engage in "profiteering" on shortages, instead asking them to focus on "conserving" food and resources. The last two columns acknowledge community members for specific achievements and call for continued charitable support. The issue ends with a poem advertising a Council luncheon at the Brown Hotel.
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbj_n277a_f006_002.pdf

    The April 1941, vol. 18, no. 18 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky. The issue opens with an address from local Council President Esther J. Handmaker
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbj_n277a_f006_001.pdf

    The January 1941, vol. 17, no. 17 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky. The issue opens with a New Year's address form the National President Mrs. Maurice L. Goldman that encourages readers to "recognize the coming of the new year as an opportunity and challenge to a free people living in a free country, to keep that country free and, if possible, to assist in emancipating the people of all the world who now live under the yoke of the Dictator." The issue then offers a preview of the Book Review Teas luncheon and reminds members that dues for 1941 must be paid. The "Have You Heard?" column advertises local events, causes, and achievements and is followed by an open enrollment call for the Nursery School. The issue ends with a poem advertising a Council event at the Brown Hotel on February 17th.
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbj_n277a_f005_006.pdf

    The April 1940, vol. 15, no. 15 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky. The issue opens with an overview of National Council news and member updates. Most of the issue discusses local news. One major point is "the problem of refugee relief" and how the Council and community members can support refugees with everyday goods, childcare, English language education, and more. It also acknowledges community support for children's birthday celebrations, the Penny Lunch fund for school children, the Memorial fund, and the Student Loan fund. Additional contributions to these funds and volunteers for the Red Cross are requested. The issue ends with a list of notable Council accomplishments.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mssbj_n277a_f105_005.pdf

    October 1938 newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The newsletter is in the wake of rising German militarism and violence against Jews in Europe. Topics include fundraising for refugee German and Austrian Jewish children, and welcoming and supporting immigrants.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mssbj_n277a_f105_004.pdf

    The November/December 1937 issue of the newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The issue includes news on the use of Haavermarks as a medium of financial exchange to assist Jews in leaving Germany and local work in the naturalization and support of immigrants in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mssbj_n277a_f105_003.pdf

    October 1937 issue of the newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The issue includes descriptions of refugee and Americanization work with Jewish immigrants in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssbj_n277a_f105_002.pdf

    September 1934 issue of the newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The President's Report includes references to German emergency relief, boycott of German goods and stores that buy from German merchants, immigrant aid, and citizenship programs.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssbj_n277a_f105_001.pdf

    The November 1933 newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. Portions of the newsletter reflect concerns for Jews following Adolph Hitler's rise to power and the increase of antisemitism in Germany. The bulletin announces that the organization donated $300 from the emergency fund "for the relief of German Jews." It informs that the National Board of Directors approved an official boycott of German goods and that the Louisville, Kentucky, section will formally consider the boycott at the next board meeting. The newsletter notes that "In the Interim, the Advisory Committee of the Council urges you and your friends to refrain from purchasing goods made in Germany and from stores who continue to buy in Germany." The bulletin also encourages Jews "to obtain their citizenship papers" and details the requirements.
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    French language pamphlet on transportation options for refugees leaving France during World War II. Includes a map of France.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_b527a_f01_002.pdf

    A letter from retired Louisville distiller and philanthropist Isaac W. Bernheim (1848-1945) to A. B. Cowen reflecting on the state of Judaism and Jewish life in the United States in relation to World War II and broader changes. He stresses elements of Reform Judaism and argues against the undercurrents of Zionism, referring to Judaism as "a universal religion which knows no land or people or race."
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_b527a_f01_001.pdf

    A two-page letter written by retired Louisville distiller and philanthropist Isaac W. Bernheim (1848-1945) to Mr. R. C. Tway provides an example of one Jewish German American's views of World War II. He argues that the United States "must enter the war in self-dense on the side of England, and do so quickly." He addresses his American sons' service in World War I for the sake of democracy and anger at the aid given to Germany afterward. He states that "in return we got this undefensible system of thievery and slavery which the world now faces and must continue to face until Hitler, Mussolini, and all their German slaves and associates are destroyed."
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_l668_f08_003.pdf

    Autobiography written in English by Denise Wolff (1909-2000), a Jewish French American that immigrated to the United States during World War II. She describes her youth in France, hardship during German occupation during World War II, and immigration to the United States via Spain and Portugal, and activities she took part in at the Temple in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_l668_f08_002.pdf

    Newspaper of the Louisville, Kentucky, Jewish Community Center and National Council of Jewish Women's Club 60. The publication includes an article beginning on page 3 that details the youth, immigration, and subsequent settling of Jewish Frenchman Jacques Wolff (1903-1977) in the United States. Includes his service in the French army, and his personal losses to the German army and the Holocaust, after which he was able to work in wholesale business in Louisville, Kentucky. Jacques was the husband of Denise Wolff, one of the founders of Club 60.

    Pages 6-8 are missing from the original version in the Filson's collection.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_l668_f08_001.pdf

    Seven-page speech by Denise Wolff (1909-2000) detailing life and agony in Nazi occupied France during World War II, her family's immigration to the United States and Louisville, Kentucky, in 1941, and news of the Holocaust.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_l668_f07_007.pdf

    One-page letter written in French to Jacques Wolff (1903-1977).
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_l668_f07_006.pdf

    Postcard written in French to Jacques Wolff (1903-1977) that mentions a United States courier.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_l668_f07_005.pdf

    Letter in French written to married couple Albert Wolff (1906-1989) and Jean Wolff (1913-1986) from Albert's brother Jacques Wolff (1903-1977), about arranging immigration visas.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_l668_f07_004.pdf

    Letter, written in French, to Albert Wolff (1906-1989) mentioning embarkment to New York.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_l668_f07_003.pdf

    Letter, written in French, to Monsieur Gillet sent by Georges Wolff (1917- ) with questions for Gillet to address.
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