When I was in Jackson, Mississippi not long ago, I decided to go check out their synagogue gift shop to see if they had any Chanuka decorations that I could add to my collection. I didn't find any but what I did find was more precious than anything I could have purchased.
Donning the synagogue's walls were large blown-up photographs. The man in the closest photo looked really familiar. I kept staring at it and finally decided to get closer to read its small print which read of all places, Little Rock, Arkansas. Well, I'll be. It was someone I knew- our former Rabbi from the traditional Synagogue some 30+ years ago. He was standing by an open torah scroll with some young students by his side. Upon closer inspection, I scanned the faces and I knew the gal on the far right who was wearing her girl scout uniform very well. I exclaimed excitedly " That's my daughter! " Wow, what a terrific surprise!
The 4 ft photographs were commissioned to capture Jewish life throughout the South. I actually remember looking at his work at the museum which used to be housed where I went to camp in my younger days. Thanks to a kind patron, the Museum of Southern Jewish Life has now been relocated to New Orleans.
The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL), a regional nonprofit serving thirteen southern states. was established in 2000, is now housed in this Jackson temple. They are proud to support, connect, and celebrate Jewish life in the South.
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