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The Jewish History of Small-Town America: Galesburg in Context

October 17 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Temple Sholom, 665 W. North St.

This event is open to the public.

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"The Jewish History of Small-Town America: Galesburg in Context"

One hundred-fifty years ago, in 1867, Jews in Galesburg formed the "Hebrew Congregation of Galesburg," electing officers and advertising nationally for a leader to serve the congregation. Why did Jews come to the Midwest, when the major centers of Jewish population were in the East, and how did small-town Jewish communities compare to larger communities in terms of factors such as occupational choices, community involvement, and congregational organization? This illustrated talk will reveal how the story of smaller Jewish communities attests to the richness and complexity of American Jewish history and also serves to remind us of the diversity of small-town society in times past.

Talk hosted by Professor Lee Shai Weissbach, University of Louisville.