The Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven has elected Robert Pierce Forbes as its new president. Forbes succeeds Albert Harary, who had served as president for the last three years.
Forbes has lived in New Haven since 1987, when he came to pursue a Ph.D. at Yale University. He and his wife, Joanne Foodim, M.D., have been members of Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel for more than 20 years. Their children, Rachel, 26, and David, 25, are graduates of Ezra Academy. Forbes has taught history at the University of Connecticut, Wesleyan, Rutgers, and Yale, and served as the founding associate director of Yale’s Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition from 1998 to 2006. He specializes in U.S. history from the Revolution to the Civil War, focusing on the impact of slavery on the development of American institutions. Forbes is the author of “The Missouri Compromise and its
Aftermath: Slavery and the Meaning of America,” and his most recent published work is “We Here Highly Resolve’: The End of Compromise and the return of Revolutionary Time,” in the anthology “Conceived in Liberty: Perspectives on Lincoln at Gettysburg.” Forbes’s first priority as president of the Jewish Historical Society is to build membership. In this 40th anniversary year, he has pledged to enroll 40 new members under 40 years old.
Jewish Historical Society Celebrates 40 Years
Two Old Friends Reunite at Towers
Norman Feitelson and Isador (Izzy) Juda epitomize today’s Towers’ resident - very successful men in their nineties. They were always solid citizens who raised families and contributed to their communities in any way possible. Each has much in common with the other. Both served their country during WWII, each was a decorated soldier, and each settled in Waterbury, Connecticut, where the two eventually met and began a 55-year friendship that continues strongly today. Izzy moved to the Towers two years ago and was instrumental in convincing Norm to come live there three months ago. Norm had been a “snowbird” for 16 years, living eight months a year in Florida and four in Connecticut. Izzy, himself a Floridian for 14 years, was delighted when Norm asked his advice on where to live if he moved back to Connecticut. Izzy told Norm that “If you are moving back to Connecticut, The Towers is the only place you should be applying to. They have everything you need and want.”
With a background of music provided by Resa’s Pieces, 100 people gathered at the JCC of Greater New Haven in June to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven and to honor Dr. Barry Herman, a past president and long-time supporter, Society President Albert Harary welcomed all the guests and introduced Joseph Ciaburri, who came with eight of his classmates to honor Herman, their good friend and classmate. All of them graduated together from Southern CT State University in 1956.
Norm looked into his options and couldn’t disagree with his long-time friend. The Towers is the place for him as well, he is sure. After three months, he has already become the co-chair of two Towers committees (Resident Calendar and Men’s Group). He has also come across several old friends here at the Towers. As the former executive director of Camp Laurelwood in Madison, he happily tells people that, “I have 17 Laurelwood parents living here with me at the Towers. “Izzy, too, enjoys being involved at the Towers. Besides being a board member of the Towers Residents Association he also volunteers on other various Towers committees including ones for synagogue, food and recycling. He also co-chairs the Resident Calendar Committee with Norm.
Paul Bass, editor of the New Haven Independent newspaper, served as Master of Ceremonies. New Haven Mayor Toni Harp read and presented a proclamation to Harary in honor of the historical society’s anniversary.
Yes, Izzy and Norm are helping to redefine the word “aging.” Both agree that getting older should be fun, but for these two, it really is just a continuation of the earlier part of their lives.
Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven CEO Judy Diamondstein offered her best wishes and congratulations to the society in honor of their anniversary. The society’s celebrated poetess Shula Chernoff, read “The Fortieth Year,” a poem she wrote to commemorate the anniversary and praise their accomplishments. Rabbi Murray Levine made the Hamotzi before the delicious brunch catered by Abel’s Caterers. After brunch, City Historian of New Haven Judith Schiff, an original founder of the society, spoke about her work with Harvey Ladin, the founder of the society, and described the group’s early beginnings. Chairman of the Nominating Committee Leonard Honeyman installed the new slate of officers, board members and trustees for the upcoming year. Harary thanked all honored guests and invited all members, their families and friends to visit the society’s archives to view their extensive collection.
JCC 13TH ANNUAL
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Sunday, Dec. 4 | 10 am - 4 pm JCC • 360 Amity Rd. Woodbridge
Page 29, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, High Holidays Edition 2016/5776/5777
Forbes Named JHS President