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Washington State Jewish Historical Society

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Washington State Jewish Historical Society

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The Washington State Jewish Historical Society's mission is to preserve and present the history of Jewish life in Washington state.

WSJHS Mission:
preserve and present the history of Jewish life in Washington state
fosters awareness and appreciation of the experiences, the diverse culture, and -the significant contributions of Jews, past and present The Society fosters awareness and appreciation of the experiences, the diverse culture, and the significant contributions of Jews, past and present. We build bridges with communities by sharing the stories of our collective histories and serving as an educational resource.

09/30/2026

Stories of Jewish Washingtonians: Pola Doenyas

Pola Doenyas dedicated her life to advocating for others, supporting her community, and preserving the cultural connections that mattered most to her. Though she lived simply, her generosity, passion, and years of volunteer work left a lasting impact on Seattle’s Jewish community.

Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and quiet dedication. Despite facing challenges later in life, including homelessness and illness, Pola’s legacy continues through the people she inspired, the causes she championed, and the memories shared by those who knew her.

Explore the life and legacy of Pola Doenyas through photos and documents donated by her family, with special thanks to her cousin Irv Camhi for helping identify individuals and provide descriptions for many of the images.

📷 Inside Pola's Cuban immigration document. Courtesy of the Doenyas Family.

Learn more 🔗 https://www.wsjhs.org/page/pola-doenyas

09/25/2026

Celebrating Sukkot: A Tradition of Community and Connection

Sukkot is a time to celebrate gratitude, togetherness, and the connections between people, tradition, and the natural world. The holiday invites families and communities to gather in sukkahs, temporary dwellings that represent hospitality, resilience, and remembrance.

This historic photograph from the UW Jewish Archives offers a glimpse into Sukkot celebrations in Seattle more than a century ago, showing children sitting in front of the Rabinowitz family’s permanent sukkah at 16th Avenue and E. Spruce Street, approximately between 1900 and 1910. The image reflects how Jewish families preserved and shared traditions while building community in a growing city.

09/20/2026

A Time for Reflection, Faith, and Community

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is one of the most sacred days in the Jewish calendar. A time for reflection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness, this meaningful holiday invites us to look inward, consider our actions, and embrace opportunities for growth and renewal.

This historic photograph from 1943, archived at the UW Jewish Archives, captures the spirit of community during Yom Kippur, showing soldiers sharing a final meal before the twenty-four-hour fast at Bikur Cholim Synagogue in Seattle. Privates Calvin Kramer of Chicago and Abe Fox of Brooklyn are pictured being served by Mrs. Celia Borish, alongside other soldiers and community members who gathered for services during wartime.

The image offers a powerful glimpse into how faith, tradition, and community provided connection and support for Jewish servicemen far from home.

09/17/2026

We hope everyone who celebrated had a meaningful and joyful Rosh Hashanah!

As we reflect on the start of the Jewish New Year, we're sharing a historic photo. Pictured are three men at Herzl Synagogue in Seattle's Central Area. The man on the right, wearing a kippah, points to a mezuzah. Photographer Phil H. Webber took this photo a few days before Rosh Hashanah in 1960.

Here at WSJHS, we wish everyone a year filled with peace, health, and happiness.

09/07/2026

Honoring the Workers Who Built Our Communities

Labor Day is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, skill, and perseverance of workers who have shaped our communities throughout history. From factories and small businesses to workplaces across every industry, the contributions of workers have helped build the foundations of our cities and our shared stories.

Check out this historic photo from the Hoffman Cloak & Suit Company in Seattle, featuring employees in a sewing factory and likely Louis I. Hoffman in the background. The photograph, currently housed at the UW Jewish Archives, offers a glimpse into the world of garment workers between 1907 and 1920, with the reverse noting the company’s address as 1316 Second Avenue, Seattle.

This Labor Day, we honor the generations of workers whose craftsmanship, commitment, and contributions continue to leave a lasting impact.

09/02/2026

From the Archives

In this photo from the UW Special Collections, Carrie Frauenthal Rosenblatt and Hermine are on the porch of the family home at 903 Summit Ave., Seattle. Captured sometime between 1880 and 1940, this photograph offers a quiet glimpse into everyday life and the people who helped shape our community's history.

08/26/2026

A Musical Legacy That Lives On

Samuel E. Goldfarb’s music has been woven into generations of Jewish life, leaving a lasting impact through his compositions, leadership, and dedication to community. Best known as the composer of “The Dreidel Song,” Goldfarb served as the longtime music director at Temple De Hirsch Sinai, where his work inspired countless singers and worshippers.

The Samuel E. Goldfarb exhibit celebrates his remarkable legacy through a special 2006 reunion concert that brought former choir members together under his direction, along with a curated collection of artifacts honoring his life and career. Featuring performances, memories, and personal stories, the exhibit offers a glimpse into the enduring influence of one of American Jewish music’s most beloved figures.

Explore Samuel E. Goldfarb’s story and musical legacy
🔗 https://www.wsjhs.org/page/musical-legacy-samuel-e-goldfarb

📷 Samuel E. Goldfarb walking with his two sons on a city sidewalk, Seattle, August 1937

08/19/2026

Preserving a Legacy of Care and Community

For generations, the Kline Galland Center has been a place of compassion, connection, and support within Seattle’s Jewish community. Founded as a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving older adults, Kline Galland has grown into a leading institution providing nursing services, assisted living, and retirement residences while preserving the stories of those who helped shape its history.

Through a collaboration with the Washington State Jewish Archives at the University of Washington Special Collections Libraries, the Kline Galland Collection highlights the people, milestones, and moments that define this remarkable legacy. Explore exhibits featuring Faces of the Summit, Kline Galland Living History, Past Presidents, and special scrapbook pages from Josh Gortler’s collection.

Explore the Exhibit
🔗 https://www.wsjhs.org/page/kline-galland-living-history

Explore UW Collection 🔗https://content.lib.washington.edu/jhpweb/KlineGalland/index.html

08/12/2026

The Architect Behind the Golden Age of Theater

B. Marcus Priteca transformed the way audiences experienced entertainment, leaving behind a legacy of beautifully designed theaters across North America. Born in Glasgow in 1889, Priteca moved to Seattle in 1909 and went on to become one of the most celebrated theater architects of the early 20th century.

Through his collaboration with vaudeville pioneer Alexander Pantages, Priteca designed more than 150 theaters, including the iconic Hollywood Pantages Theatre and Seattle’s Admiral and Magnolia Theatres. Known for creating breathtaking spaces while working within modest budgets, his vision brought a sense of luxury and wonder to communities for generations.

Explore the life and work of B. Marcus Priteca and discover the stories behind his architectural legacy

🔗 https://www.wsjhs.org/page/b-marcus-priteca-collection

📷 Portrait of B Marcus Priteca, circa 1916 (MOHAI 11006)

07/01/2026

Oral History Spotlight: Samuel E. Goldfarb

In this oral history, Samuel E. Goldfarb reflects on his early life growing up on the Lower East Side in a musical, Jewish household. He recalls entering the lively world of Tin Pan Alley, where he encountered composers like George Gershwin and Irving Berlin, and performing in Yiddish theater. Alongside his traditional Jewish education, he also studied music at Columbia University. Goldfarb describes how a 1930 trip brought him and his wife to Seattle, where Rabbi Samuel Koch invited him to become musical director of Temple de Hirsch. He reflects on building a lasting music program there, founding children’s choirs, and training generations of young musicians before retiring in 1968. Listen to Samuel's Oral History interview at the link below.

🔗 https://www.wsjhs.org/oral-history/samuel-e-goldfarb

📷 Samuel E. Goldfarb walking on a city sidewalk, Seattle, approximately 1940. Photo Courtesy of UW Special Collections.

Address

Mercer Island, WA
98040

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 3pm
Tuesday	9am - 3pm
Wednesday	9am - 3pm
Thursday	9am - 3pm
Friday	9am - 3pm

Telephone

(206) 774-2277

Website

http://www.wsjhs.org/

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