Past Programs
Dallas Jewish Historical Society has been offering programs and guest speakers to our community since our inception. Below you will find a selection of past program recordings for your viewing pleasure.
2023 Annual Meeting
On June 15, 2023, we held our Annual Meeting at The Legacy Midtown Park, which featured the program, “Talking DFW Sports: A Jewish Perspective” with Mark Elfenbein, Brad Sham, Chuck Cooperstein & Bobby Steinfeld. Click here to watch the program and see what DJHS accomplished during the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
The Cultural Phenomenon of Home DNA Testing
Investigative journalist and author, Libby Copeland, shares about research surrounding home DNA testing, which is redefining family history. Moderator Bernie Hirsch drives the conversation with thoughtful questions. Click here to watch.
L'Dor V'Dor
How will you pass your legacy onto your future generations?Ethical wills are something to consider. Featuring insights from attorney Michael B. Cohen, Rabbi Avi Mitzner, and undertaker Zane Belyea. Click here to watch.
The Life & Times of Jim Schwartz
A fun-filled evening of live music & nostalgia as friends and family looked back on the life of Jim Schwartz (z”l) of blessed memory, with live performances from The Mazik Brothers Experience & Kol Rina. This is a real treat, especially if you knew Jimmy. Click here to watch.
Where Did the Shtetl Go?
On Sunday, March 26, 2023, Dr. Hannah Lebovits spoke with Dallas Jewish Historical Society to present: “Where did the Shtetel Go? Investigating Orthodox Jewish Self-Erasure in Dallas, TX.” as part of the Jim Schwartz Annual Lecture Series. Click here to watch.
Love, Norm
DJHS, along with the Jewish War Veterans Post 256 and the JWVA Dallas Ladies Ladies Auxiliary #256, present author Norm Shulman to discuss his book, “Love, Norm: Inspiration of a Jewish American Fighter Pilot.” Watch here.
The Rosenfield House Gains New Life
Situated in the Cedars Neighborhood, the Blue House is one of the oldest Victorian Era homes in Dallas, and it happens to have been built by a Jewish businessman, Max Rosenfield. On January 29, 2023, an official celebration of its full renovation -including a tour and special film preview. Click here to watch.
Judaica Roadshow
Many of us, or someone in our families, have something old, sentimental, possibly unique, and – just maybe – valuable. Click here to watch our take on the popular program and learn a little about how to care for family heirlooms. Presented in partnership with Beth Torah Sisterhood.
Archive Dive
Our Archivist, Jessica Schneider Adams sat down with Texas Archive of the Moving Image Curator, Katharine Austin, to talk about a few of the historic films in the DJHS Collection. You’re sure to get a laugh and learn a little. Click here to watch.
"Women Talking Sports, with Mark Elfenbein"
2022 Annual Meeting & Panel Discussion. Panelists Becca Genecov, Laken Litman, and Dani Sureck, who all work in sports journalism and/or marketing, were joined by moderator and radio personality Mark Elfenbein.
Click here to watch the program.
Be Quick - But Don't Hurry: Finding Success in the Teachings of a Lifetime
DJHS Annual Jim Schwartz Lecture Series presents: Andy Hll – “Be Quick – But Don’t Hurry: Finding Success in the Teachings of a Lifetime” in conversation. February 17, 2022. Click here to watch.
Viva Shalom: Celebrating Latin American Jews in Dallas
In 2021, our biennial One Story at a Time event featured “Viva Shalom: Celebrating Latin American Jews in Dallas,” with oral histories from members of our community, entertainment from Eli Davidsohn, and a lecture from Dr. Deby Roitman. Click here to watch.
“A Conversation with Sue Eisenfeld, author of Wandering Dixie: Dispatches from the Lost Jewish South”
On December 1, 2020, as part of the Margo Rosenberg Pulitzer Dallas Jewish BookFest, the Dallas JCC and DJHS partnered to present a discussion with Sue Eisenfield. Click here to watch the program.
Celebrating Dallas Across Generations
Dallas Jewish Historical Society Presents “Celebrating Dallas Across Generations,” on February 26, 2020. This program highlights the experiences of native Jewish Dallasites who grew up during different time periods in the city’s history. Click here to watch.
DJHS & DJF present "The Afterlife: What happens after we die"
On January 28, 2020, Dallas Jewish Historical Society and Dallas Jewish Funerals presented, “The Afterlife: What happens when we die” as a panel discussion featuring Rabbi Adam Roffman and Cantor Don Croll. Click here to watch the program.
Wendy Harpham, "Judaism, Hope, and My Survivorship Journey"
On January 23, 2020, Dr. Wendy Harpham relayed her journey of surviorship through a scope of Judaism and hope as part of the Dallas Jewish Historical Society Jim Schwartz Annual Lecture Series. Click here to watch the program.
Mr. Sun Rexall Drug
On December 18, 2019, DJHS Jim Schwartz Annual Lecture Series presented “Mr. Sun Rexall Drug,” by Nanci Duplant & Carol George, who both had a deep connection to the business during its height. Click here to watch.
"Family Ties: Stories from the Founders of Greene Family Camp & Temple Shalom"
On September 19, 2019, the DJHS Jim Schwartz Annual Lecture Series presented, “Family Ties: Stories From the Founders of Greene Family Camp & Temple Shalom,” with guest speakers Ilene Greene & Loui Dobin. Click here to watch the program.
"Small Town...to Big D: A Panel Discussion"
The DJHS 2018-2019 Annual Meeting & Lecture highlights the life experiences of four women, Nita Mae Tannebaum, Syl Benenson, Kay Schacter, and Eileen Ray, who grew up Jewish in small towns in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Texas before moving to Dallas. Click here to watch the program.
Carmen Goldthwaite, "Texas Dames: Sassy & Savvy Women Throughout Lone Star History"
On March 14, 2019, Dallas Jewish Historical Society Jim Schwartz Annual Lecture Series welcomed Carmen Goldthwaite as she relayed stories of “Sassy & Savvy Women Through Lone Star History.” Click here to watch the program.
Mark Stuertz, "Secret Dallas"
On January 24, 2019, the DJHS Jim Schwartz Annual Lecture Series presents an excursion through the weird, the wry, and the wonderful idiosyncrasies that comprise the Big D with author Mark Stuertz. Click here to watch the program.
Southern Jewish History on One Foot
Josh Parshall, a historian with the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, relays “Southern Jewish History on One Foot,” as part of the Dallas Jewish Historical Society Annual Lecture Series, November 15, 2018. Click here to watch.
Charley Rosen: The Chosen Game
Author and former-NBA coach Charley Rosen relays tales from his career and his book, The Chosen Game, as part of the Dallas Jewish Historical Society 2017-2018 Annual Meeting & Lecture. Click here to watch.
Rabbi Ken Roseman (l"z): Making Historic Decisions
Rabbi Kenneth Roseman, formerly of Temple Shalom in Dallas, shares his thoughts on “Making Historical Decisions,” as part of the DJHS Annual Lecture Series on November 15, 2017. Click here to watch.
Mike Silver: "Stars in the Ring"
Mike Silver presents his book, Stars in the Ring: Jewish Champions in the Golden Age of Boxing, for the DJHS 2016-2017 Annual Meeting & Lecture, June 14, 2017. Click here to watch.
Bryan Stone: "From Shtetl to San Antonio"
DJHS 2015-2016 Annual Meeting & Lecture featuring Dr. Bryan Stone, “From Shtetl to San Antonio,” June 9, 2016. Click here to watch.
Peter Ephross: "Jewish Major Leaguers in Their Own Words"
Peter Ephross joins Dallas Jewish Historical Society for the 2014-2015 Annual Meeting & Lecture where he presents “Jewish Major Leaguers in Their Own Words,” May 20, 2015. Click here to watch.
Tracking David Stone: The Jewish Bank Robber of Frost, TX
David Stone was a notorious Jewish bank robber who spent time in Texas. Watch to here Karen Franklin relay her quest to track his movements as part of the DJHS Andres Family Annual Lecture Series, December 4, 2014. Click here to watch.
“The Galveston Plan,” June Penkar
On October 7, 2014, June Penkar presented, “The Galveston Plan,” as part of the exhibition, “Uptown’s Pike Park: Little Jerusalem to Little Mexico,” a collaboration between DJHS and the Dallas Mexican American Historical League. Click here to watch.
Quiet Voices: Southern Rabbis & Civil Rights
Professor Mark Bauman, editor of Quiet Voices: Southern Rabbis & Civil Rights, speaks during the 2013-2014 Annual Meeting & Andres Family Lecture Series, May 14, 2014. Click here to watch.
Margaret Hopkowitz
Margaret Hopkovitz spoke during a DJHS program as part of the Annual Lecture Series on May 23, 2014 about her life and experiences before, during, and following the Holocaust. Click here to watch.
"There's Jews in Texas?" Growing Up Jewish in the Bible Belt
Dallas Jewish Historical Society Andres Family Lecture Series Presents: Debra Winegarten, “There’s Jews in Texas?” Growing Up Jewish in the Bible Belt, April 24, 2014. Click here to watch. Copies of this book are available for purchase in our giftshop, as well!
Designing Women, Texas Style
In her presentation, “Desiging Women, Texas Style: Page Boy Maternity and the Frankfurt Sisters of Dallas,” author Kay Goldman relays tales of a fashion revolution as part of the Andres Family Lecture Series on March 7, 2013. Click here to watch.
100 Years of Neiman Marcus
On December 9, 2007 the DJHS Pollman Lecture Series presented “100 Years of Neiman Marcus – Remarks by Lawrence Marcus,” in conjunction with an exhibition featuring several items from the Enid Klass Collection. Click here to watch.
Temple Emanu-El Cemetery
Mike Finley, former long-time manager of the Temple Emanu-El cemetery talks about the cemetery itself, people who are buried there, and shares his experiences interacting with community members. Recorded by GInger Jacobs in 2006. Click here to listen.
Gerry Cristol & Rabbi Shelly Zimmerman
Author of A Light in the Prairie, Gerry Cristol, and Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman joined the Dallas Jewish Historical Society on April 14, 2002, during their Spring fundraising event. Click here to watch,
Musical History of Jewish Dallas
Dallas’ Don Croll, a well known and respected Cantor at Temple Shalom, relays the Musical History of Jewish Dallas, May 20, 2002. Click here to watch.
Rabbi Jimmie Kessler: "The Galveston Movement"
DJHS Harold A. Pollman Lecture Series – “The Galveston Movement: Jewish Immigrants Arrive in Texas,” Rabbi Jimmy Kessler, November 4, 2001. Click here to watch.
Life in a Texas Shtetl
DJHS presents a panel discussion featuring native Dallasites Frances Wolfe Garber, Frances Goodman Golman, Morton Prager, and Erwin Waldman on April 3, 2000. Click here to watch.
Stanley Ely - In Jewish Texas: A Family Memoir
Stanley Ely shares endearing stories about his extended friends and family. November 16, 1998. Click here to watch.
Sherry Zander: "I Brake for Synagogues"
Sherry Zander joins DJHS for their General Meeting on September 16, 1998, to share her slide presentation, “I Brake for Synagogues.” Click here to watch.
Forest Avenue High School Memories
Dallas Jewish Historical Society hosts a panel discussion featuring Frances Wolfe Garber, Doc Miller, Dr. Thurman Ray, and Dr. Paul Michaelson with Ginger Jacobs as moderator, January 11, 1999. Click here to watch.
Jewish Role in Desegregating Dallas
Discussion featuring reverend and civil rights leader, Peter Johnson, and reporter Jim Schutze, January 6, 1998. Presented in partnership with American Jewish Congress. Click here to watch.
Godcheaux Levi
Godcheaux Levi joined the DJHS Program Committee on February 21, 1989 to share about the Jewish community in Victoria, TX. Click here to listen.
Lawrence Budner: Family History
Lawrence Budner speaks during a Dallas Jewish Archives meeting in 1988, relaying the history of his extended Pearlstone-Ash-Budner family. Click here to listen.
Nathan Rosen: Working the "Central Track"
Nathan Rosen speaks at a Dallas Jewish Archives meeting in 1987, relaying experences related to his nearly 50-year career working retail in Deep Ellum. Click here to listen.
Arbeiter Ring Shule History
On April 29, 1976, Chaya Rochel Andres spoke with DJHS to share the history of Arbeiter Ring Shule. Click here to listen.