We offer hands-on, interactive programming using archival documents, photographs, and artifacts for students in grades 3rd through 12th. We also provide lectures for college students, adults, and community organizations. Some topics of interest include: the Galveston Movement, Early Jewish life in South Texas, Shifts in Classical Reform Judaism, and the Houston Action for Soviet Jewry.
Please contact the STJA Curator, Melissa Cohen-Nickels, at mc220@rice.edu, to set up a program at Rice University or at your own campus.
High School Programs: 2-hour, half-day, and full-day programs available
"Shifting Ideologies: The Impact of World War II on Zionism and Jewish Life in Houston"
Program Description:
How did World War II reshape Jewish life in Houston? Before and during the war, Zionism was met with resistance by Classically Reform Synagogues, including Congregation Beth Israel, Texas’s oldest synagogue. However, as the horrors of the Holocaust unfolded and the urgency for a Jewish homeland grew, a significant ideological shift began to take shape. By 1943, the events of the war were already reshaping attitudes toward Zionism within Reform Judaism in Houston. This program invites students to examine how these developments fostered a growing pro-Zionist movement and introduced a new voice in Houston's Jewish community. Through analyzing primary documents, students will uncover the complex interplay of ideology, identity, and activism during this pivotal period.
"Houston Jews and the Civil Rights Movement: A Complex Relationship"
Program Description:
This program examines the complex response of Houston’s Jewish community to the era of Jim Crow laws and the Civil Rights Movement, exploring the nuanced role of Jews in a segregated city. Far from monolithic, the community's reactions varied significantly, with Jewish clergy, business owners, and activists expressing divergent views and taking different actions. Students will analyze primary sources to uncover the multifaceted responses of the Jewish community during this pivotal time, with a particular focus on the role of the Jewish business community and the migration of Jewish families from the Riverside Terrace neighborhood to the Bellaire/Meyerland area. Through this exploration, students will gain a deeper understanding of how historical forces shaped Jewish identity and community in Houston.
"Freedom Denied: The Refuseniks and Houston's Fight for Soviet Jewry"
Program Description:
This program delves into the history of Jews in the Soviet Union, with a focus on the Refuseniks—Jews who were denied exit visas and faced persecution for seeking freedom. Students will explore the challenges faced by the Refuseniks under Soviet rule and the extraordinary efforts of the Houston Jewish community to advocate for their release. Using archival documents from the South Texas Jewish Archives, students will uncover the individual stories of Refuseniks and examine the impactful work of the Houston Action for Soviet Jewry in championing their cause. Through this exploration, students will gain insight into a powerful chapter of activism and resilience.
Middle School Programs: 2-hour and half-day programs available
"Voices of the Past: Preserving History Through Oral Narratives"
Program Description:
This program introduces students to the power of oral histories in preserving and understanding the past. Focusing on oral histories from the South Texas Jewish Archives, students will explore how personal stories bring history to life and provide unique insights into the Jewish community of Houston. Through hands-on activities, students will learn how to create their own oral histories. They will be guided through every step of the process, including conducting research, selecting participants, developing thoughtful questions, conducting interviews, and editing for clarity and impact. Along the way, students will gain practical skills in listening, empathy, and storytelling.
By the end of the program, students will not only have a deeper appreciation for the role of oral histories in preserving the human story but also the tools to contribute to this vital tradition themselves. This immersive experience will emphasize the importance of capturing individual voices to build a collective understanding of community history.
Elementary School Programs: 1 and 2-hour programs available
"Discovering the Past: Exploring Houston’s Jewish History Through Archives"
Program Description:
In this program, students will uncover the importance of primary and secondary sources in understanding history. Using archival materials such as photographs, letters, programs, and newsletters from the South Texas Jewish Archives, students will explore the vibrant history of Houston’s Jewish community. Through hands-on activities, they will examine these historical documents to learn about daily life, special events, and the community’s growth over time. This engaging experience will help students develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for how historical records bring stories of the past to life.