Florida Jewish History Month Celebrates
Feature
Jews of Tampa The academic myth of Florida Jewish history was dispelled 30 years ago when the MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida project began asking questions. Scholars had conjectured that the history began on Miami Beach after World War II. But research revealed that Jews were allowed to settle in Florida in 1763, after Spain ceded the area to Britain, and they first came to Pensacola. In 1844, one year prior to statehood, Emaline Miley settled in Tampa Bay — 69 years before the first Jews arrived in Miami Beach. In honor of the Tampa settlers, the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU will host a special event at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 5 as part of Florida Jewish History Month. The event will include a lecture by museum Founding Executive Director Marcia Jo Zerivitz. She will discuss the research for her newly released photo-documentary, “Jews of Tampa.” The 230 vintage images with historical captions capture the fascinating people, places and events that have shaped the history of the Jews of Tampa and their contributions to the development of the community. Before World War II, Tampa was the second largest Jewish community in the state, after Jacksonville. Most first came in the late 19th century to Ybor City, which had 84 Jewish-owned businesses. Over the decades, Jews participated in civic and Jewish organizations, the military, politics and in growing Tampa as a sports center. Herman Glogowski was Tampa’s mayor beginning in 1886. A century later, Sandra Freedman led the city. Jews own the city’s three professional sports teams. Today, with about 23,000 Jews in Tampa, there are fifth generation families who represent the continuity of a people who contribute vibrancy to all facets of the city’s quality of life. Initiated by the museum, Florida Jewish History Month has been observed since 2003, when Gov. Jeb Bush signed a bill declaring the statewide observance. Florida is the first state in the nation to have a month dedicated to the tremendous contributions of Jews in its growth and, in 2006, the concept led to the creation of Jewish American Heritage Month that is now observed each May.
Charter members of Rodeph Sholom Ladies Auxiliary, August 14, 1917. The group was organized to preserve traditional values and heritage and to assist the congregation, primarily in raising funds.
Artist Romero Britto created the official logo for the Florida observance. The museum’s curriculum is approved by the Miami-Dade County Public School Board and distributed to schools in Florida’s 67 counties. The educational materials for Florida Jewish History Month and a speech for anyone to deliver to a group can be found on the museum’s website: jewishmuseum.com. As part of the free public celebration on Jan. 5, Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant is providing key lime pies, Florida’s official state pie. Jennie and Joe Weiss, the founders of Joe’s, were the first Jews to settle on Miami Beach in 1913. The business continues to be run by the family today. Please join us at the museum on January 5, 2014 to celebrate Florida Jewish History Month. Jews from Tampa will host the event. Make your reservation now by calling 786-972-3175 or info@jewishmuseum.com.
TILES | Newsletter of the Jewish Museum of Florida – FIU | December 2013
3