Celebrating Our Stories

Jewish Life in Ann Arbor








Barry Margolis and Judy Lax

Longtime friends Barry Margolis and Judy Lax converse about what it was like as a child at Beth Israel in the 1960’s and watching the transition through the ‘70’s and ‘80’s; the growth of the Jewish community and various institutions; and Osias Zwerdling. Continue reading

Recorded by StoryCorps at Beth Israel Congregation on April 22, 2013


Angela Keselman and Diana Khiterer

Cousins Angela Keselman and Diana Khiterer discuss immigrating to the United States from Ukraine in the 1980s, finding acceptance as Jews in the United States, antisemitism in Kiev, and the differences between being Jewish in Kiev and being Jewish in Ann Arbor. Continue reading

Recorded by StoryCorps at Beth Israel Congregation on April 22, 2013




Art and Beverly Gershowitz

Beverly and Art Gershowitz

Mother Beverly Gershowitz and her son Art Gershowitz discuss finding the Jewish community in Ann Arbor; their family’s life as it related to the community, including a wedding; the inimitable Henry Gershowitz and Beth Israel in the 1950’s; and Ralph’s Market. Continue reading

Recorded by StoryCorps at Beth Israel Congregation on April 21, 2013