New leadership and a new view

The 64th Annual Spring meeting of the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association, held in the Baxt Social Hall at the Dwares JCC, was a success.

Changes to leadership include a new president, Dr. Mel Topf. Previous president, Ruth Breindel, now holds the position of secretary. The current officers and board of directors are listed below.

Rabbi Joshua Breindel, guest speaker, gave a lecture titled “Most of Us Live Off Hope – Memories of a Jewish Childhood.” The title comes from a poster by the Mad Peck done in 1978. Rabbi Breindel recounted growing up on Hope Street, and spoke about cornerstones of the Jewish “East Side” community, with memories of places like Kaplan’s Bakery, Korb’s, Bagels East, and Davis’ Dairy. He fondly recalled his time spent attending “Friday group” at the Brown/RISD Hillel, being taught by the beloved Mrs. Eliash at Temple Emanu-El, and feeling at home here at the JCC. It was a pleasure to hear him speak so fondly of the city the members know and love.

Officers

President Mel Topf

1st VP: Harold Foster

2nd VP: Lowell Lisker

Secretary: Ruth Breindel

Treasurer: David Bazar

Terms ending in 2019

Elizabeth Bakst

Michael Fink

Lauren Motola-Davis

Larry Parness

Michael Schwartz

Bailey Siletchnik

Marlene Wolpert

Terms ending in 2020

Maxine Goldin

Linda Lotridge Levin

Marilyn Myrow

Rabbi Raphie Schochet

Esta Yavner

James Waters

Honorary Board Members

Harold Gadon

Lillian Schwartz

Philip Segal

Melvin Zurier

Past Presidents

Ruth Breindel

Bob Berkelhammer

Geraldine Foster

George M. Goodwin

David Leach

Michael Schwartz

Eugene Weinberg