Jean Weinberger Museum of Jewish Culture pamphlet, 1996

The Star of David in the Desert On November 28, 1932, there was rejoicing in this small Jewish community as it welcomed into the world the first Jewish child born in Las Vegas. The birth of Roberta Sallie Gordon, daughter of Mike and Sally Gordon, marked the beginning of second generation Jewry in this desert town. Over the next half century, the destinies of the Jewish community and the city of Las Vegas became inex?tricably linked. As Las Vegas provided a safe haven of economic opportunity and religious tolerance, the small community thrived. A tiny enclave of less than a hundred residents in the early thirties, the Jewish population tops the 60,000 mark today. Jew?ish contributions in the fields of gaming, education, civic activism, the arts, and banking and commerce helped turn an isolated little desert town into a vibrant city, dominating the tourism and entertain?ment world. 'The religious and cultural life of the Jewish com?munity reflected the growth of the Jewish popula?tion and of the city. From the days when the 'Sons and Daughters of Israel' met in the back of a store to the formation of the first B'nai B'rith chapter in 1943, Jewish community leaders worked together with one goal in mind: a house of worship. In Sep?tember 1946, the Jewish Community Center was dedicated. This center served the needs of its grow?ing congregation and became Temple Beth Sholom in 1948. Today, a mature Jewish community supports 13 Synagogues, and a broad spectrum of philanthrop?ic and charitable programs. The Jewish Federation was founded in 1966 and today serves as the cen?tral planning, fund-raising, and allocating organiza?tion of the greater Las Vegas valley Jewish community. The dean Weinberger Museum of Jewish Culture Committee Phyllis Darling Co-Chair Social Studies Administrative Specialist with the Clark County School District Dr. Vern Matson, PhD. Co-Chair Professor of History, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Dori Arin Graduate Student Arlene Blut Director of Development at Nevada Institute of Contemporary Art Seymour Fromer Founder and Executive Director, Magnus Museum in Berkeley, California Robin Greenspun Former Chairman, Nevada State Council of the Arts Willa Kohn, PhD. Comparative Literature, University of California, Los Angeles Shirl Naegle Director, Nevada State Museum and Historical Society Carol Speigel Art consultant and dealer with The Art Group Beth Weinberger Art Gallery Manager The Jean Weinberger Museum of Jewish Culture was established with donations made in loving memory by her many friends. The Jean Weinberger Museum of Jewish Culttire %n earfy 50s 'Bar fMJitzvah of Biff tKozCoffs son Ddichaef with visiting %abhi l{udderman at the Jewish Community Center on 13th and Carson Streets. presented by The Foundation of the Jew ish Federation of Las VegasMission Statement The museum will interpret and present historical, social and cultural contributions of the Jewish people of Southern Nevada, for the purpose of enhancing public awareness and promoting Jewish heritage, identity, and continuity. Areas of Focus ? Jewish pioneers and entrepreneurs ? Jewish professionals ? Jewish educators and artists ? Jewish organizations, schools, institutions and synagogues ? Rotating contemporary exhibits ? A video room and library ? Augmentation with the Holocaust Education Format The museum will be housed at the Jewish Feder?ation of Las Vegas Building in the Sigesmund Cen?ter, and will be open to the public during business hours or by appointment. The permanent exhibit will consist primarily of photographs, documents and objects with accompanying text to illustrate the history of the Southern Nevada Jewish com?munity. A recorded audio tour will guide visitors through this part of the museum. The video room and library will contain oral histories of people represented in the permanent exhibition. The curatorial philosophy for the rotating exhibition space will be flexible and imaginative in design and intent, allowing for a wide variety of fre?quently changing stimulating presentations. Development and Management The museum committee is comprised of profes?sionals experienced in archival research, contem?porary local history, exhibition curating, museum interior design and installation as well as visiting consultants from other Jewish museums. Once operational, the museum will be staffed by the Jewish Federation and a core group of dedicated, and responsible volunteers. yean ?Weinberger Ronni Epstein, Executive Director Joshua Abbey, Program Director and Museum Committee Coordinator * The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas 3909 South Maryland Parkway, Suite 400 Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 702-732-0556 Tito Weinbergers The arrival of William S. "Billy" and Jean Weinberger to Las Vegas in 1966 brought impor?tant changes to the cultural community. Through their charismatic leadership, they combined fund?raising with grace, commitment with style, and pow?er with honesty. dean was as committeed to the community as was Billy. She was co-founder of the Women's Di?vision of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, and an active volunteer for Israel Bonds. She was also a founder of FOCUS, a home for runaways and drug dependent children. The community's relationship with Billy and Jean is a special one; filled with mutual admiration, and enriched by the warmth of freiendship. A letter from our president Dear Museum Supporters; In the Las Vegas community, the word Weinberger defines a certain level of quality worthy of perpetrating greatness. It is this level of quality our community searches for to provide a solid foundation. We know our heritage and identity will give us the strength to carry forward our goals and aspirations from generation to generation. The primary ingredient of our traditions and heritage is time. It is our privilege to welcome you to this museum dedicated to Jean Weinberger, a woman who met each day with dignity and compassion. Elaine Galatz, President, Jewish Federation of Las Vegas