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!
The Strauses in Bloomingdale: the Family, the House, and the Neighborhood
October 17, 2024
October 17, 2024
On October 17, 2024, Rob Garber, a Bloomingdale neighborhood historian, and Joan Adler, SHS's Executive Director, did a Zoom presentation about the Isidor and Ida Straus home on West 105th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue in New York City, the history of the neighborhood surrounding it, and the history of the Straus family. Rob Garber has been conducting research about his neighborhood for many years and has become fascinated with the history of the Straus house. SHS published his excellent article, "The Manhattan Residences of Isidor and Ida Straus," in a supplemental newsletter in November 2023.
Titanic Museum Attraction, Pigeon Forge TN
April 5-6, 2022
April 5-6, 2022
On Monday, April 4th, David H. Kurzman and Joan Adler traveled to Pigeon Forge, TN to participate in a very special event. David is SHS’s board chair and the great, great grandson of Isidor and Ida Straus. David’s father, Paul A. Kurzman, is the owner of a very special locket that was found on Isidor Straus’ body when it was recovered after Titanic’s sinking. He has never lent it for exhibition – until now.
Titanic Museum Attraction (TMA) in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO are venues where the great ship has been recreated in three quarter scale. Several of SHS’s artifacts are on loan to TMA. Isidor’s wedding band is on display in Isidor and Ida’s recreated first class sitting room. Many photographs adorn the walls in the same area and several are framed and placed on the furniture in the sitting room. The museum requested Paul Kurzman to lend his locket for this special exhibition. This time, Paul agreed. And so, on April 4th, David Kurzman and I traveled to Pigeon Forge to participate in the ceremony created around the installation of the locket.
Learn more about this wonderful event in the August 2022 Newsletter.
Titanic Museum Attraction (TMA) in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO are venues where the great ship has been recreated in three quarter scale. Several of SHS’s artifacts are on loan to TMA. Isidor’s wedding band is on display in Isidor and Ida’s recreated first class sitting room. Many photographs adorn the walls in the same area and several are framed and placed on the furniture in the sitting room. The museum requested Paul Kurzman to lend his locket for this special exhibition. This time, Paul agreed. And so, on April 4th, David Kurzman and I traveled to Pigeon Forge to participate in the ceremony created around the installation of the locket.
Learn more about this wonderful event in the August 2022 Newsletter.