Thanks to all who attending the recent opening reception!

Pioneers to the Present: Jews of Richmond & Contra Costa County opened to record crowds on January 13, 2019. Local dignitaries including Mayor Tom Butt and Rabbi Dean Kertesz were in attendance along with 200 or so additional community members. Richmond Temple Beth Hillel was strongly represented by congregants, current President Neil Zarchin and former Rabbis Bernie Freedman and Judy Shanks. National Council of Jewish Women-Contra Costa Division provided a lovely oneg that was a veritable Jewish food exhibit!

A full room!
Mayor Tom Butt and wife Shirley
Museum Director Melinda McCrary, Rabbi Dean Kertesz & Joshua Genser
So many people!

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The second of the event series was equally exciting! Rabbi Dean Kertesz of Temple Beth Hillel spoke about Sam Genirberg a holocaust survivor and member of Temple Beth Hillel. Richmond resident and Jewish scholar Dr. Oliver Pollak discussed his family’s experience fleeing Vienna.

We were again honored by Mayor Tom Butt joining us and he brought something very special. The Office of the Mayor and the Richmond City Council passed a proclamation declaring Janury 27, 2019 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Richmond.

From Left: Rabbi Dean Kertesz, Museum Director Melinda McCrary, Museum Board Member Karen Buchanan & Museum Board President Jeff Wright
City of Richmond Proclamation for Holocaust Remembrance Day
Mayor Tom Butt presenting the proclamation to Rabbi Dean Kertesz

Didn’t have a chance to attend but still interested? We have many more events scheduled through June 30, 2019! Check out our calendar the full schedule.