The Straus Legacy at Temple Emanu-El
October 26, 2025 at 4pm
The Straus Historical Society celebrated Temple Emanu-El’s 180th anniversary with a special private evening at the Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica on Sunday, October 26 at 4 PM. This exclusive after-hours event offered guests a special look at the museum’s newest exhibition, which highlights the extraordinary journey of Temple Emanu-El from its humble beginnings in 1845 to its position today as one of the nation’s most historic and influential congregations.
Founded by thirty-seven German-speaking Jewish immigrants who rented a loft on the Lower East Side, Emanu-El became New York City’s first Reform congregation. Over the next 180 years, it grew from a small gathering of immigrants into a Fifth Avenue landmark, home to generations of distinguished families who helped shape the temple and the city.
Founded by thirty-seven German-speaking Jewish immigrants who rented a loft on the Lower East Side, Emanu-El became New York City’s first Reform congregation. Over the next 180 years, it grew from a small gathering of immigrants into a Fifth Avenue landmark, home to generations of distinguished families who helped shape the temple and the city.
Among these families, the Straus family stands out as central to the history of the temple. The Straus Historical Society has generously loaned artifacts for this exhibition, joined by important pieces from the personal collections of Franklin and Michael Gertler and the Kurzman family, both Straus descendants and Joan Adler. These extraordinary loans complement the museum’s existing collection of Straus Family items — including a major donation from Irving and Sissie Straus Lehman, daughter of Nathan Straus. Together, these materials offer an intimate and unparalleled look at the family’s legacy and its deep ties to Temple Emanu-El.
During the evening, Museum Curator Warren Klein and Straus Historical Society Executive Director Joan Adler shared insights into the exhibition, the Straus family’s story, and the significance of the artifacts on display. Guests also enjoyed light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres after exploring the galleries. Thank you to everyone who attended and to Warren Klein and Temple Emanu-El for their hospitality.
During the evening, Museum Curator Warren Klein and Straus Historical Society Executive Director Joan Adler shared insights into the exhibition, the Straus family’s story, and the significance of the artifacts on display. Guests also enjoyed light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres after exploring the galleries. Thank you to everyone who attended and to Warren Klein and Temple Emanu-El for their hospitality.
Bohemian Decorated Porcelain: Meet the Experts
March 29, 2025
March 29, 2025
James and Marge Henderson have spent a lifetime collecting Bohemian painted porcelain. Their collection is now on exhibit at National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library through May 26. James was so captivated by the beauty and quality that he wrote two books detailing the production, exportation, and decoration methods utilized to produce this vast array of decorative objects, household wares, and tableware.
On March 29th, James Henderson and Joan Adler gave an informative presentation followed by a tour of the exhibit. The talk was well attended and very interesting. SHS is grateful to James and the museum for partnering on this unique and fascinating event!
On March 29th, James Henderson and Joan Adler gave an informative presentation followed by a tour of the exhibit. The talk was well attended and very interesting. SHS is grateful to James and the museum for partnering on this unique and fascinating event!