An analysis of all Jews recorded in the Dictionary of American Biography shows that 25 percent of American Jews listed in the dictionary earned their right to such listing in the 40 years between 1900 and 1940, according to a report to the 61st annual meeting of the American Jewish Historical Society.
Dr. Abram Kanof, president of the society, in describing his findings, said that “as the Jewish story unfolds in American history, the numerical importance of merchants, physicians, rabbis and writers diminishes, while that of musicians, general scholars, reformers, politicians, entertainers and bankers increases.”
Professor Salo W. Baron of Columbia University, a former president of the Society, received the Lee Max Friedman Award Medal for distinction in American Jewish Historiography. A number of individual members were cited for their association as members of the Society for at least 40 years. They included Rabbi David de Sola Pool, former Senator Herbert H. Lehman, Lessing J. Rosenwald and former Adm. Lewis L. Strauss. The Harvard University Library and Shearith Israel Congregation were cited for the same reason.
An exhibit was opened in connection with the annual meeting dealing with early American can portraiture. On display at the Jewish Museum of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the exhibit will be open to the public until the end of June.
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