May 27, 2014

Ruth Silvergold Levy

Ruth Levy was born in South Dallas to Abraham and Bell Silvergold, both of whom came from Poland by way of Ellis Island. The family lived on Park Avenue, a block from the old Shearith Israel synagogue, in the house where Ruth was born. She was one of three sisters, along with Frances and Ethel, and they remained very close throughout their lives. When Ruth was four years old, her father died in an automobile accident at age 34, leaving her mother a widow at 26 with three young girls and no money. Her mother opened a dry goods store on Deep Ellum, backed by Ruth's grandfather Sam Rosenblum, who served as the tailor, and raised her daughters through hard work and determination.

The family later moved to 1804 South Boulevard so the girls could grow up among the Jewish community, and Ruth recalled a joyful teenage life full of friends and dates on the busy street. She attended Colonial Hill grammar school and Forest Avenue High School, where she was salutatorian and won a scholarship to Hockaday Junior College. There, seated next to Pat Levine (later Pat Goodman), she was fixed up on a blind date with Bernard Levy, a music lover studying at Texas A and M. They courted for a year, married when Ruth was 20, and soon welcomed their son Arnold. Ruth completed her two years of college and worked in her mother's store every Saturday.

Raised at Temple Emanu-El, where she was confirmed, taught Sunday School, and was married by Dr. Lefkowitz, Ruth joined Shearith Israel after marrying the devout and musically gifted Bernard. She became deeply involved in Jewish community life, serving as president of Mizrachi and holding every office including president of the Shearith Israel Sisterhood, and was also active in Hadassah. She raised her children in Dallas, made costumes for dance recitals, and never lived outside the city, though she often visited her daughter Hope in Houston. Reflecting on a long and happy life, Ruth credited her strong mother and grandmother as role models and expressed deep gratitude for her marriage and family, staying in daily touch with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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