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October 26, 2012

ULM helps to preserve Monroe's Jewish Heritage stories during Jewish Heritage Week, Oct. 28-Nov. 2

The University of Louisiana at Monroe DREAM office announces the Monroe Jewish Heritage Project—an initiative that will preserve Jewish history through the archival of stories.

The project, which also includes a week of events beginning Oct. 28, is a joint venture with the Temple B'nai Israel, ULM Diversity Committee, ULM Department of Gerontology, and the College of Education and Human Development Culture Connection.

The purpose of the project is to collect and share oral histories and video interviews by and about members of Monroe's Jewish community.

ULM's Video Production studio, located in Strauss Hall, Room 109, will be open during Jewish Heritage Week.

Persons interested in the project should call 318-342-1258. 

This unique initiative will result in a week of free events celebrating Monroe's rich Jewish heritage, Oct. 28-Nov. 2. 

"This week of celebration of our Jewish heritage in northeastern Louisiana is an incredible opportunity for our students, faculty, and the community to honor part of our rich, cultural past," said Dr. Karen Frye, ULM Biedenharn Endowed Chair in Gerontology and professor of Gerontology.

"The Department of Gerontology at ULM is extremely honored to partner with the Temple B'nai Israel and other ULM programs to bring such treasures to life through oral histories." 

Dr. Pamela Higgins Saulsberry, head of the ULM Social Work Department, and chair of the ULM Diversity Committee, said, "The mission of the Diversity Committee is sharing diverse experiences in the key of life. The Monroe Jewish Heritage Project reflects the essence of this theme. These events provide students with a wonderful opportunity to expand their cultural horizons outside of the traditional setting."

DREAM Director Dr. Lynn Clark said, "This is the first in a series of community-based activities dedicated to diversity. We are hoping to collaborate with other community organizations to share their stories and celebrate our rich multicultural heritage in Monroe."

Events: 

7-8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28: David Mintz will be in concert. The event is sponsored by the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, at Temple B'nai Israel, 2400 Orell Place, Monroe.

9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 29: David Mintz's "Meet and Greet," sponsored by ULM DREAM, will take place in the ULM Multicultural Library, located in Strauss Hall Room 107. 

10:30-11:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 29: David Mintz will present an "informance," which is a short musical performance and talk, about Jewish music and culture-for teacher candidates and the community.

The event is sponsored by the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life and ULM DREAM in ULM's Strauss Hall room 148.

4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 1: in ULM's Strauss Hall, Room 148, the CEHD Multicultural Library and students from the ULM Emerging Scholars program, will host the first "Multicultural Author Talk," featuring Dr. Richard Chardkoff's book: "Sol's Story."

In the best-selling book, holocaust survivor Sol Rosenberg relates his inspiring story through his good friend and retired ULM professor Richard Chardkoff.

There will be a short reception and book-signing following the event in the CEHD Multicultural Library. Chardkoff taught at ULM for more than three decades.

5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 2: The Temple B'nai Israel Open House is located at 2400 Orell Place, in Monroe.

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