Session #3 (Shabbat Afternoon or Evening))
Learn about such colorful Jewish characters as:
• Two-Gun Cohen—who changed modern Chinese history;
• Salinas Solomons—who won the right for women to vote in California
over a decade before the 19th Amendment;
• Emperor Joshua Norton—who was the beloved Jewish Emporer of San
Francisco for twenty-five years;
• Josephine Sarah Marcus—who was the real cause behind the Gunfight
at the OK Corral;
• Saul Odess—who was the real hero of Sergeant Alvin York’s platoon
in World War I;
• Solomon Bibo—who was the Jewish Chief of the Acoma Indians of New
Mexico;
• And more.
Everyone, East and West, loves the "Wild West." A great fundraising
weekend for your synagogue or organization.
Consider a square dance and/or BBQ to bring everyone together while
they also learn the keys to the success of their Jewish ancestors
About the Speaker:
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 Co-Publisher & Managing Editor of the
acclaimed Western States Jewish History, a historical journal now
in its fourth decade of publication. WSJH chronicles the history
of the Jews in the growth and development of the American West.
Mr. Epstein is the founder and original publisher of Being Jewish,
a Supplement for Jewish Family Education, currently distributed by
Jewish Federations, synagogues, Jewish day schools and Jewish Community
Centers throughout North America.
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.
He is also publisher of The American Rabbi, a journal for
Rabbis, currently in its fifth decade of publication.
David Epstein is a Recognized Advanced Toastmaster (ATM) by
Toastmasters International.
Recommended honorarium based on number of presentations, type of
event, & distance.
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
