Program #2
Jewish Pioneers
of
Los Angeles in the Nineteenth Century
And Why They Succeeded.
A Multi-Session Program
Presented by
David W. Epstein
Choices for Presentations
A. 2-Session, Mini-Scholar Weekend
Session #1 (Shabbat Evening) [Or two sessions in one day]
The early merchants and bankers and why these unique Jewish Pioneers
were so successful in the development of the greater Los Angeles area.
• The Eight Bachelors
• The Newmark Families
• The Hellman Families
• Kasper Cohen
• Morris Goodman
• Lankershim & Van Nuys
• Herman Silver and Silverlake
Session #2 (Shabbat Noon)
The spiritual leaders and institutions: How they began and guided
the growing Jewish community
• The Jewish Benevolent Society
• The Masons, The Odd Fellows & B’nai B’rith Lodges
• The Early Rabbis: Their Successes and Their Unique Problems in
the fast growing Jewish community
• The First and Only Synagogue - Congregation B’nai B’rith (now Wilshire Boulevard Temple)
• Rabbi Abraham Edleman
• Rabbi Emanuel Schreiber
• Rabbi Blum
• Rabbi Solomon
•
Session #2 (Shabbat AM)
Review and continuation of Session #1.
Based on make-up of the total program.
B. Single Lecture Program
A shortened version of the Program.
A one-hour lecture with extensive Q&A covering the success of the
Jews in a wide-open, free society.
Why they succeeded so well and what we can learn from their lives.
C. 3-Session Adult Education Series
The Weekend Program offered over a three-week, three-session
program.
Honorarium based on number of presentations, type of
event, expected audience & distance.
• No hotel expense (unless
at outer reaches of the area.)
About the Speaker:
David Epstein is co-Editor of Pioneer Jews of Los Angeles in the
Nineteenth Century, recently published by Western States Jewish
History.
He is noted as a story-telling historian, presenting his material in
such a way that listeners can easily pass these wonderful stories on to
family and friends in the best of Jewish tradition.
Los Angeles Jewish history is finally coming alive through the
efforts of UCLA, USC, the Autry National Center and the Huntington
Library. Western States Jewish History is the most recognized
leader in the field. Epstein is the current co-Publisher of this fine
journal.
David Epstein studied under Bruce Catton, America’s foremost
historian of the Civil War and founder/editor of The American
Heritage Magazine.
Epstein is a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and Wesleyan
University where he majored in History and Economics.
Mr. Epstein is the founder and original publisher of Being Jewish,
a Supplement for Jewish Family Education. While the publisher of Being Jewish Epstein created the original impetus that resulted in
the creation of the first Chanukah US Postal stamp, and was thus honored
by the Post Office at a Rabbinical Convention in Philadelphia.
•
Mr. Epstein is Co-Publisher & Managing Editor of the acclaimed
Western States Jewish History, a historical journal now in its
fourth decade of publication.
David Epstein is a Recognized Advanced Toastmaster (ATM) by
Toastmasters International.
He is also publisher of The American Rabbi, a journal for
Rabbis, currently in its fifth decade of publication.
•
Here’s What "They" Say . . . .
You are a star! Your storytelling, your grasp of the material, your
sense of history & its impact on life, and your charm as a teacher —
just fabulous! Thank you for sharing your abundant talents with us!
Thank you for teaching us our own history!
—Rabbi Edward M. Feinstein
Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, California
David’s presentations were engaging, warm and enthusiastic! Starting
off with Harry Potter was a real attention getter.
—Rabbi Melanie Aron
Congregation Shir Hadash, Los Gatos, CA
David Epstein is a creative storyteller who makes each Jewish tale a
legend—one that listeners can easily pass on to others. A very special
trait.
—Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin
Stephen S. Wise Temple, Los Angeles, CA
David Epstein is captivating as he tells the stories of the
Jews of the Old West. He holds the interest of all present
as he shares his knowledge in a humorous and informal
manner. He is a master storyteller who leaves people wanting
more. What a treasure to have so close!
--Rabbi Steven A. Chester
Temple Sinai, Oakland, California
Every time David Epstein speaks of Jews and the Wild West at our
synagogue, I know to prepare for more seating by opening the extension
to our sanctuary.
—Rabbi Richard Spiegel
Congregation Etz Chaim, Thousand Oaks, CA
David has a wonderful way of telling stories that make the Jewish
characters of the Old West come alive. He provides very interesting
information about our obscure ancestors from the American past.
—Rabbi Julian Cook
Temple Emanuel, Denver, Colorado
David Epstein has created a new dimension in the
art of Jewish storytelling. He actually transports his
listeners. This was the experience of my congregation for our
recent Western Shabbat. Little did they realize they would be
taken on a journey to meet Jews of the "Old West." He transports
everyone to a time period when the West was Wild. At one point,
glancing over the room, I saw that the eyes of the congregants
literally sparkling with nostalgia as they hung on to his every
word.
--Cantor Judy Greenfield
Nachshon, Los Angeles, CA
David Epstein, in his charming, conversational way, brings
to life a less considered epoch in the Jewish odyssey - Jews
in the Wild (and not so wild) West. I left feeling a bit
more in tune with my American Jewish heritage and pleasantly
entertained as well.
--Dr.
Michael Isaacson,
Jewish music lecturer, conductor and
composer of the One Minute Birkat
Contact:
David W. Epstein
22711 Cass Avenue
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 225-9631
amrabbi@pacbell.net
