About this talk

Today, in many ways, the Jews of Boston share much in common with Jewish communities in other major U.S. cities, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries. But there are also subtle, fascinating nuances—rooted in deeper differences that go back to the community's founding and early development.

Boston's first Jewish congregation, Ohabei Shalom, wasn't established until 1842—relatively late for a major American city. And yet, from these modest beginnings, Boston's Jewish community would go on to produce bold leaders, cultural icons, and a distinctly intellectual brand of Jewish life.

In this lively and engaging presentation, led by a skilled storyteller, we'll explore how Boston's Jewish community got its start, how it interacted with its non-Jewish neighbors, and how it grew into a beacon for other Jewish communities across the country. Along the way, we'll meet remarkable figures like Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and Leonard Nimoy—Boston native and beloved as Mr. Spock—along with a few others who might surprise you.

Like other cities, Boston has seen "Jewish mobility," which has left behind ghostly traces of once-thriving Jewish neighborhoods. Yet, through history—and with the help of rich online archives—their stories still speak.

About Carl

Carl Kaplan, who lives in Winchester, MA, just outside of Boston USA, is a certified historical tour guide for the organization Boston By Foot. As a retired engineer for IBM, Carl enjoys researching various topics of Jewish life, especially during the 3rd wave of immigration to the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His most recent work for the organization was updating the Jewish North End of Boston walking tour. Carl is also an amateur genealogist and member of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston. Carl is also a volunteer caseworker for The Together Plan, a non-profit organization that conducts searches in the archives of Belarus. Carl is also learning American Sign Language with his wife, and participates with his dog, Buster, as a therapy dog team, visiting hospitals and schools.