A 256-page History of Chicago Jewry, containing 30 chapters dealing with all phases of Chicago Jewish life between 1911 and 1961, was published here today by the Sentinel of Chicago as part of the celebration of the English-Jewish weekly’s Golden Jubilee year.
Anita Libman Lebeson served as chief historian for the project. J. L. Fishbein, editor and publisher of the Sentinel, is publisher of the illustrated history. Morris R. Dworkin served as chairman of the Sentinel’s Golden Jubilee Committee with Colonel Jacob H. Arvey, Max Bressler and Philip M. Klutznick as co-chairmen.
The history of Chicago Jewry over the 50-year period is dealt with under five general categories–the contribution of Chicago Jews to the American community, and to American culture, religious movements, Jewish education and the organization of the Chicago Jewish community.
Topics treated include the cantorate, art, the Yiddish theater, the Jewish press, the three branches of Judaism, a description of Jewish educational institutions, Zionism, Jewish defense activities, philanthropy, women’s activities, fraternal organizations, welfare institutions and the impact of Israel on Chicago Jewry.
The editors described the volume as “the first comprehensive picture of what Chicago Jewry has accomplished to be published since 1924.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.