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Transcript of interview with Andrew and Debbie Levy by Barbara Tabach, September 12, 2016

Date

2016-09-12

Description

Andrew (Drew) Levy was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, where his family became prominent civic and real estate leaders. His grandfather was Harry Levy, a former Las Vegas City Commissioner, and his father Alvin Levy was a former councilman. Drew is always proud to say that he never left Las Vegas and of partnering with his father in the Levy Realty Company. While growing up, Drew it was easy for a teenager to enjoy the perks that could accompany his family?s civic persona?such as casino shows, events and meeting early Las Vegas casino executives like Moe Dalitz. After graduation from Clark High School, Drew attended Arizona State University. It was in Tempe that he met Debbie Cheek, his future wife. When Debbie arrived in Las Vegas, she enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she finished her degree and started her accounting practice. She ran her business for ten years before opening Art Starts Here, an art school. In the 1990s, Debbie?s passion for art led her to be involved in the creation of First Friday, a local monthly art festival. She also teaches a summer art camp for the Adelson Educational Campus. Drew and Debbie became deeply involved in the many Jewish congregations in Las Vegas. Blossoming first at Temple Beth Sholom where they were married in 1980, Debbie sat on the preschool board and oversaw the temple board, while Drew was the advisor for the youth group. The couple later joined Congregation Ner Tamid where Drew was congregation president from 1999 to 2000 and Debbie was board treasurer in 2001. Debbie includes stories of her conversion to Judaism and keeping kosher. In this interview, Drew and Debbie Levy reflect on changes they see in Las Vegas, from when Drew was a kid to the times they raised their own daughters, Sarah and Jenna, here. Looking at the larger picture of the city, they describe booms in the real estate market and growth in the artistic and cultural aspects of Las Vegas. They provide a perspective of the growth of the local Jewish community.

Text

Transcript of interview with Melody Stein by Barbara Tabach, August 16, 2016

Date

2016-08-16

Description

In this interview, Stein lovingly describes various forms and mediums of art, especially rubber stamping, which included starting and managing a related craft publication, National Stampagraphic, as well as working with polymer clay. She talks about her involvement with the local Polymer Clay Guild, of which she is president, and their various projects, including Bottles of Hope and Hearts for Heroes. Stein also discusses her teaching career at the Hebrew Academy and Adelson Educational Campus.

Text

Audio clip from interview with Jerome "Jerry" Countess, October 28, 2014

Date

2014-10-28

Description

Part of an interview with Jerrry Countess and Dorothy Eisenberg on October 28, 2014. In this clip, Countess talks about the early days of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas and an event held by B'nai B'rith.

Sound

Album for the Americanism and Civic Affairs Committee of the Las Vegas B'nai B'rith Women, 1955

Date

1955

Archival Collection

Description

An album documenting some of the key events and activities that the Americanism and Civic Affairs Committee of the Las Vegas B'nai B'rith Women, Chapter No. 415, participated in during 1955. Created by Mrs. Russell Sherman, the Americanism and Civics Chairman from 1955-1956, the album contains various items including text passages, newspaper clippings, letters, programs, photographs, announcements, and certificates.

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Transcript of interview with Janellen Radoff by Barbara Tabach, September 26, 2016

Date

2016-09-26

Description

Jane Radoff?s sophisticated eye and creative energy follow her wherever she goes. Her interior designs have anonymously touched most all who have walked through many of the Strip casinos and hotels. Her working partnership with interior designer Roger Thomas for Steve Wynn properties are among the most iconic of recent era. Born 1940 in Pittsburgh, PA, to Adelaide and Meyer Sachs, Jane was destined to lead a colorful life. Her mother was a local radio/TV personality with her own show and her father was successful real estate entrepreneur. Jane attended the University of Michigan where she honed her design skills. Before moving to Nevada, Jane?s career path included Restaurant Associates, a short stint as a girl Friday for Johnny Carson, and freelance product design while starting a family. Then in 1978, her husband William ?Bill? Radoff accepted a purchasing director position from Billy Weinberger and Neil Smythe at Caesars. With her signature wry humor, she reflects on her early observations of Las Vegas, and eventually working with Roger Thomas. In time, the duo worked together to bring groundbreaking interiors to the Strip, primarily with Steve Wynn. As most Jewish transplants, the Radoffs first belonged to Temple Beth Sholom. Later she was the interior inspiration for Congregation Ner Tamid where Jon Sparer did the architectural design. She is a quiet icon of Las Vegas?s turn to elegance and warmth in design of public spaces.

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Photographs of Temple Beth Sholom belly dancers, Las Vegas (Nev.), 1974-1982

Date

1974 to 1982

Archival Collection

Description

Various photographs of Temple Beth Sholom belly dancers at the International Belly Dancers Convention at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Image

Congregation Ner Tamid Annual Report, 2006-2007

Date

2006 to 2007

Archival Collection

Description

2006-2007 annual report for Congregation Ner Tamid on the Greenspun Campus for Jewish life, learning, and spiritual renewal. The report includes statements, events, communities activities, statements, and photographs.

Mixed Content

Transcript of interview with Norma Friedman by Barbara Tabach, November 19, 2015 and April 06, 2016

Date

2015-11-19 to 2016-04-06

Description

It was a scorching Fourth of July, when Norma (n?e Adler) and Leon Friedman rolled into their new home of Las Vegas in 1973. Nevertheless, they were content with leaving Gary, Indiana behind, and starting fresh with the family?s new ownership of Walker Furniture. Norma recalls her first stop in checking out Las Vegas was to visit the synagogue ? Temple Beth Sholom being the only option. Her oldest son would soon become a bar mitzvah. Feeling good about that, she and her sister-in-law who was also relocating to Las Vegas for the furniture business, searched for new homes. Norma settled into the community through volunteer work as well as through employment outside the family business. She worked in the real estate briefly and in a jewelry store at the Dunes. A natural organizer, she immersed herself in religious and civic organizations including the Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Service Agency, and volunteering at Selma Bartlett Elementary School in Henderson. Norma shares stories of her Jewish heritage and upbringing in Pittsburgh, the decision to move to Las Vegas, making fast friendships during her life in Las Vegas and the joy she has in traveling the world with Leon, who passed in 2004. In 2017, Norma was honored by the Jewish Family Service Agency.

Text

Photographs of Combined Jewish Appeal cocktail party, Las Vegas (Nev.), 1973

Date

1973

Archival Collection

Description

Members of the Combined Jewish Appeal attend a cocktail party with special guest Richard Bernard "Red" Skelton held at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. 120mm negatives.

Image

Photographs of Combined Jewish Appeal event, Las Vegas (Nev.), May 13, 1971

Date

1971-05-13

Archival Collection

Description

Members of the Combined Jewish Appeal attending an event with special guests Anthony Quinn and Ed Sullivan at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. 120mm negatives.

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