In this essay, Jerry Countess provides narrative context for a demographic study of the Jewish population in Las Vegas, and addresses the services and community needs revealed by the study and the growing Jewish population.
Oral history interview with Roberta Kane conducted by Barbara Tabach on September 6, 2017 and May 22, 2018 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Kane explains how she was the first born Jewish baby in Las Vegas, Nevada and her parents’ deep involvement with the Jewish community of the 1930s. She then talks about the formalization that occurred in the Jewish community with the building of Temple Beth Sholom. In a second session, Kane recalls the Wildcat Lair, a gathering spot of students from Las Vegas High School in the 1950s.
The reception was hosted by Temple Beth Sholom Sisterhood in the Ruby Kolod Center. Seated (L-R): Iris and David Torjman. Standing (L-R): Avrum Schwartz (Temple Beth Sholom principal), Cantor Joseph Cohen, Rabbi Aaron Gold, and Joe Moss.
Oral history interview with Pauline "Polly" and Jack Weinstein conducted by Barbara Tabach on April 12, 2018 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In this interview, Jack talks about his upbringing in Detroit, Michigan and getting into the jewelry business. He talks about owning a wholesale jewelry business, relocating to Los Angeles, California, and forming a partnership with Tower of Jewels in Las Vegas, Nevada in the late 1950s. Jack recalls becoming the sole proprietor of Tower of Jewels in Las Vegas and describes his clientele. Jack and and his daughter Polly discuss operating up to ten locations at one time, advertising on the Howard Stern radio show, and their more well-known customers. Lastly, Jack and Polly talk about joining Temple Beth Sholom, Polly’s interests in the jewelry industry, and creating her own line of jewelry.
A messgae on the back of the photograph. It reads: "1920-1954. This was a mizers Castle in Goldfield Nevada. John Bush - lived here 30 years alone while saved 100 thousand dollars, no water or electricity were in this house He worked extremely(?) hard - was student of the Bible never spent nothing at all on himself. Cut his own hair wore socks on his feet in the winter saved on shoes and in the last(?) married a rich woman and is still living"