Oral history interview with the Congregation Ner Tamid roundtable conducted by Barbara Tabach on September 21, 2016 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In this interview, Rabbi Sanford Akselrad and five members of the congregation discuss the founding of Congregation Ner Tamid, the first reform synagogue in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1974. They go into detail on how the synagogue was formed, the building-hopping they did until they built their current structure, and the funding it took to get to that point. The interviewees reveal a few donors, such as Morris Dalitz and Frank Sinatra, who helped to build their synagogue and school. The interview ends with meaningful stories and memories the members have relating to Congregation Ner Tamid.

On March 3, 1977, Richard Strahan interviewed Phillip L. Cook (born 1939 in Las Vegas, Nevada) about his life in Southern Nevada. Cook first talks about his parents’ move to Nevada and then describes how the school system has changed over time. He then describes the first businesses that opened up in the Downtown and Strip areas in Las Vegas before discussing prostitution, Block 16, and recreational activities available to youth. Cook also talks about the first television sets and telephone systems made available, and he moves on to talk about the prices of things such as movies and haircuts when he was younger. The interview then moves to discussions on the Old Ranch, racial discrimination, school integration, the crime rate, and the school system in Las Vegas.

On March 23, 1977, Paul Pearson interviewed Ellen Lempe (b. 1928 in Detroit, Michigan). Lempe details her life in Sturgis, Michigan—her marriage, her kids and an automobile accident that resulted in gangrene and amputation—before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. She recounts working as a telephone operator, gambling after work and a big win playing keno. Moreover, she describes her disinterest for politics, her husband’s love for sports and his work as a car salesman. The two end by discussing inflation and the changing attitude and landscape of the city.

On February 23, 1980, Ken Rose interviewed James Matson (b. July 14, 1923 in Pensacola, Florida) about his life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Throughout the interview, Matson discusses his childhood, life in Florida before moving to Las Vegas, his family and what brought him to Las Vegas. Matson also delves into his economic struggles and those of the community, his attempt to purchase a home and the changes he would like to see in society. Moreover, Matson talks about his hobbies, his work in construction and interracial friendships. The interview ends with Matson discussing the city of Las Vegas, the weather and the changing buildings.