The German Jews who began coming to Minneapolis in the 1850s quickly entered society as doctors, lawyers, professors, merchants, and leaders in clothing and cigar manufacturing. In 1878 they founded Shaarai Tov, now Temple Israel—one of the ten largest Reform congregations in the U.S. today. They also enjoyed a busy social and cultural life, and both husbands and wives involved themselves in social service and welfare organizations. Including historic and present-day photographs and tales of the community—schools, synagogues, organizations, and outdoor activities—this collection uncovers the challenges and triumphs of Reform Jews in Minneapolis.
Rhoda Lewin is an oral historian and author of books and articles on immigrant history and the Holocaust. She teaches at the University of Minnesota's Elder Learning Institute, writes for American Jewish World and other publications, and has been elected to the American Jewish Historical Society Academic Council.