Jewish Jacksonville

April 23-June 15

Smathers Library gallery, 2^nd floor

Prior to the 1930s, the Jewish community of Jacksonville represented the state of Florida’s largest and most significant Jewish population. Yet, in spite of its former preeminence, the story of this community is still little known, and the rich history of Jewish Jacksonville is just beginning to unfold.

In celebration of Jewish American Heritage month, Jewish Jacksonville features special materials held in the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica and the University of Florida. These materials provide a snapshot of Jewish life in Jacksonville from the late 19^th century to the end of the 20^th century. Highlighted here are elements of Jewish family, communal and institutional life, as well as some of the ways in which Jewish people have impacted the development and structure of Jacksonville itself.

Among the exhibited items are unique manuscripts from the recently donated Safer family archives, a special Torah scroll from the former Beth Shalom synagogue, in addition to previously unseen and un-cataloged Temple bulletins, yearbooks and newsletters held only in the Price Library.

Object list, Exhibit Poster, Online Exhibit and the Digital Collection

For more images of Jewish life in Florida, see the MOSAIC collection on the Florida Memory Project website.

Coinciding with the annual Jewish Heritage Month in May 2011, this exhibit highlights items from one of America's foremost Judaica research collections, The Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica, to emphasize and celebrate the great richness and diversity of Jewish culture in various communities throughout the world. Exhibit items were selected from the over 90,000 cataloged volumes, imprints, booklets, newsletters, periodicals and miscellaneous ephemeral items archived in a collection noted for its exceptional depth, scope and singularity.

Object List, Exhibit Poster and Online Exhibit

Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the naming of the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica, the exhibition features highlights from the collection.

A rededication event was held on March 6, 2011 with introductory remarks by UF's president, Bernie Machen followed by speakers Professor Emeritus Harold P. Hanson, former UF Vice President; University Librarian Emeritus Robert Singerman; Dean Emeritus, Professor Ralph Lowenstein, College of Journalism and Communications and Professor Jack Kugelmass, Director, Center for Jewish Studies.

Slides and Online Exhibit

The Library’s Holy Land Maps donated by Dr James and Adina Simmons.

Online Exhibit