In this interview, Hecht talks his life experiences leading him to becoming a rabbi, eventually being a spiritual leader in Las Vegas. He discusses his experiences at Ner Tamid as well as the joy of starting Temple Beth Am, with the support of Morris and Lillian Shenker. Hecht shares stories about working with unions and Ralph Engelstad.
In 1939, Rabbi Mel Hecht was born in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of five, his family moved to Miami, Florida where they had a large, extended Jewish family, complete with relatives who were hazzans and mohels. Soon after moving to Florida, his parents bought a hotel in Hialeah, about 10 miles outside of the city, where Hecht spent the remainder of his childhood. Hecht attended the University of Miami where he earned a Ph.D. in Divinity, and subsequently attended the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 1971, he became a rabbi upon graduating from seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio. Three years later, Hecht joined the U.S. Army and served as a race relations officer in Germany. After his service, Hecht returned to Florida (Fort Pierce) to lead his own congregation, and in 1980, he moved to Las Vegas and became the congregational rabbi for Congregation Ner Tamid. Two years later, he left Ner Tamid to start a new congregation?Temple Beth Am?which grew swiftly. In 1982, Hecht also married Michelle (?Micki?). The couple have three children: Melissa Hecht, Karin Toti, and Adam Hecht.
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From the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Professional Papers (MS-01082) -- Unpublished manuscripts file. "Injustice Blacks Have Suffered…" ending with Naomi Long Madgett's poem "Midway."
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Oral history interview with Jessica Hutchings conducted by Barbara Tabach on March 21, 2018 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Jessica Hutchings discusses her experience flying to Las Vegas, Nevada on the night of the October 1, 2017 mass shooting. She speaks of her flight's detour to Phoenix, Arizona, and her discovery of the shooting. Hutchings explains how Congregation Ner Tamid, where she is a cantor, contributed to the community healing after the tragedy, including their organization of vigils, a music fundraiser called "Vegas Strong in Song," and discussing the event with teenage Hebrew School students who had questions and concerns about the shooting.
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Oral history interview with Janellen Radoff conducted by Barbara Tabach on September 26, 2016 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Radoff discusses training in interior design and architecture, finding employment as a commercial designer, and working at Wynn properties. She also talks about her involvement in the interior design for Congregation Ner Tamid.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marilyn Glovinsky and Melissa Lemoine conducted by Barbara Tabach on April 02, 2015 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Glovinsky and Lemoine recall moving from Salt Lake City, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada. They discuss helping start Congregation Ner Tamid, and their involvement with the Jewish community.
Archival Collection
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This report provides the results of a study conducted by CITYWEST, Inc., to "determine whether the synagogue should remain in its current location and be renovated, remain in its current location and rebuild, or move." The report addresses leadership and staff development, as well as programming recommendations.
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Oral history interview with Gilbert "Gil" Shaw conducted by Barbara Tabach on May 03, 2016 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Shaw discusses founding group of Congregation Ner Tamid in 1974 that includes himself. He also talks about being a photographer and journalist for the Navy and the Coast Guard during the Korean War and Vietnam War.
Archival Collection