By Evan Israel

As part of my duties for the Rabbi Gerald J. Klein High School Internship I received through Jewish Family Service, I reviewed the Irvin Beren Collection housed at the Dallas Jewish Historical Society. 

Through its extensive correspondence between family, friends, and businesses, I grasped a piece of Irvin Beren’s character throughout the period 1942-1944 and beyond. Beren served as a committed Captain for the United States Military during World War II, and throughout the period referenced above served overseas in the South Pacific, Southwest Pacific, and European Theater of Operations, fighting valiantly for the U. S’s military in the Army Engineer Corps.  His bravery to serve on the front lines during this time is inspirational, and although his story is limited online, his collection provides a snapshot of his persona.

In his collection it was abundantly clear that Beren, along with his family and friends, placed a high value on maintaining consistent and meaningful connections to ensure everyone’s safety during such a challenging time. His frequent correspondence with loved ones reveals the depth of his commitment to this tight-knit community in Dallas, underscoring how deeply he cared for those around him. Letters from Beren, his fiancée Bess Abbott, his sister Sara Beren Feldman (married to notable Dallas philanthropist and businessman, Jacob Feldman), and other family members like his parents and cousins, reveal a man who valued strong emotional bonds. His interactions with Bess reflect a deep commitment—she emerges not only as his romantic partner but as a confidante during an uncertain time. Though official records don’t clearly define her background, the tenderness in their letters paints a picture of enduring partnership.

Beyond the family sphere, Beren played a vital role in the Dallas Jewish community. He served as Board Member and Local Services Budget Chairman for the Jewish Welfare Federation of Dallas and served on its executive committee in 1959—identifying him as a natural leader and trusted voice of local Jewish communal welfare. Furthermore, this highlights the importance of Beren’s Jewish identity for himself, making his story captivating for any Jews in the Dallas area hoping to learn about a dedicated Jewish individual during World War II. Extending back to the rest of the family, Sara Feldman’s marriage to Jacob Feldman, another major philanthropist, reinforces the family’s civic prominence.

Overall, from this collection I was able to grasp Beren’s constant love and support for those around him, his bravery and hard work during the war, and the utmost importance of his Dallas Jewish community. 

Irvin Beren Collection Finding Aid