During this oral history, Rabbi Yocheved Mintz weaves the journey of her life before and during her move to Las Vegas. She recalls thinking the "whole world was Jewish" growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, and discusses finding a community in Las Vegas, and becoming a rabbi in 2004.
Yocheved (nee Porath) Mintz is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, where she grew up surrounded by Jewish tradition and teachings. Her grandfather was Rabbi Israel Porath and inspiration to become the family?s first female rabbi. She was ordained in May 2004. The next year she became the second spiritual leader of Valley Outreach Synagogue, now known as P?nai Tikvah. She soon was known as a tireless and inspirational rabbi for the entire Jewish community of Las Vegas. After eleven years, on June 17-18, 2016, Rabbi Mintz?s life and dedication to being Jewish were celebrated. She transitioned to be Rabbi Emerita/Senior Educator. Before moving from Chicago to Las Vegas in 1999 she was abundantly busy with raising four sons she had with her husband the late Dr. Alan Mintz (1938-2007). However, she also managed to pursue her education, become an interior designer, and co-found with her friend Etty Dolgin, a Jewish education consulting firm called Kesher Team. Yet there was a lingering goal to become a rabbi. Throughout her life, Yocheved eagerly studied various approaches to living a Jewish life. So once she had settled into Las Vegas, she began her commute to Los Angeles to study at the Academy for Jewish Religion, a trans-denominational seminary. She interned at Temple Beth Sholom and has been involved in Jewish education locally and nationally. She has served as the first president of the Las Vegas Board of Rabbis and on the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada.
On March 6, 1977, Ronald Robinson interviewed Mary Ellen Campbell (born 1886 in Panaca, Nevada) about her life in Nevada. Campbell first talks about her parents’ move to the United States from England and her own life growing up in Panaca. She also talks about living in Pioche and the conditions of living in these two small Nevada towns. Also present during the interview is Mary’s grandson, Allen Campbell, who sometimes asks a few questions as well.
Black and white image of the construction phase of the Boulder Canyon Project, also known as Hoover Dam. This image features the first round of drilling to enlarge the upper portal of diversion tunnel No. 2. The welded steel "Jumbo Rig" mounted on the truck has 25 air drills on it. The swing shift crew standing next to the rig prepare for work. Note: Boulder Dam was officially renamed Hoover Dam in 1947.
Black and white image of the Hoover Dam powerhouse. The Young Presidents' Organization arranged a party for nearly 1,000 people that was held on the powerhouse roof of Hoover Dam. The visitors, all wearing hard hats, were the first to use this setting. Tables, chairs, barbeque pits, a bandstand, and dance floor are visible on the powerhouse roof.
Black and white image of the Young Presidents' Organization Convention Chairman, Dick Woodward (left), and Hoover Dam Project Manager, Frank Lord, greeting Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner, Ellis L. Armstrong, upon his arrival to a celebration held by the Young Presidents' Organization at the Hoover Dam powerhouse. The party for nearly 1,000 people was held on the roof. The visitors, all wearing hard hats, were the first to use this setting.
Black and white image of the Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner, Ellis L. Armstrong (right), greeting Art Linkletter (left) upon arrival to a party held by the Young Presidents' Organization. The party for nearly 1,000 people was held on the roof of the powerhouse at Hoover Dam. The visitors, all wearing hard hats, were the first to use this setting.