Descriptive Summary
| Abstract: |
Biographical files, sermons, correspondence, articles, photographs, and other papers of William A. Rosenthall, rabbi, scholar,
and collector of Judaica. Materials document Rosenthall's rabbinates, particularly his sixteen-year tenure at Charleston's
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, and involvement in the World Union for Progressive Judaism, Hebrew Union College, and other faith-
or art-based organizations. Also included are Rosenthall's expansive topical files on Jewish history and culture. Topics of
Rosenthall's sermons and files vary widely and include Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict, Zionism, Jewish practices and
beliefs, Jewish communities located around the world, Jewish history and individuals, Jewish relationships with other ethnic
and religious populations, anti-Semitism, women and gender equality, and Jews in military service.
|
| Title: |
William A. Rosenthall papers |
| Creator: |
Rosenthall, William A. |
| Date(s): |
1791-2008 (bulk 1930-2000) |
| Extent: |
20 linear feet
(47 document boxes, 1 flat box, 1 oversize folder, 3 reel to reel audio tapes)
|
| Repository: |
Jewish Heritage Collection, Special Collections, College of Charleston Libraries
66 George Street
Charleston, SC 29424
Phone: (843) 953-8016
Fax: (843) 953-6319
URL: http://archives.library.cofc.edu
|
| Call Number: |
Mss 1087 |
| Language of Material: |
Materials in
English, Hebrew, Yiddish, German, and
Spanish
|
Biographical and Historical Note
William A. Rosenthall was born in Kenton, Ohio, on March 8, 1927, to Gordon and Florence Rosenthall. He enlisted in the army
in June 1945 upon completing high school, and subsequently enrolled at Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, New York. After two years,
Rosenthall transferred to Syracuse University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in English, graduating magna cum laude
in 1950. In 1951, he entered the rabbinical program at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He graduated in 1956 as president of his class with a bachelor's and master's of Hebrew letters and was ordained as a rabbi.
He held the position of assistant rabbi at Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington, D.C., for a year, then resigned in
order to pursue study in Europe and Israel. During his time in Washington, Rosenthall met Irene Ostrower, whom he married
in 1957. Their son Gordon was born in 1963 and daughter Marcia in 1966.
After returning to the United States in 1958, Rosenthall became rabbi of Woodsdale Temple in Wheeling, West Virginia. He left
the position in 1962 to become the executive director of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), a post he held for
more than a decade. When the WUPJ headquarters moved overseas in 1972, Rabbi Rosenthall resigned as executive director, but
remained active in the organization's governing body. He also remained active in the International and Latin American Commissions
of the American Jewish Committee and the Latin American Committee of the Anti-Defamation League.
Rosenthall next held interim positions at synagogues in New York before relocating to Charleston in 1976 to become the rabbi
of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE). This was Rosenthall's last and longest tenure, extending from 1976 to 2005. In Charleston,
Rosenthall spearheaded efforts to promote interfaith cooperation and served as president of the Christian-Jewish Council of
Charleston and the Ministerial Association of Greater Charleston. He served on the boards of the Carolina Art Association
and The Charleston Museum and on the Collections Committee of the Gibbes Museum of Art, and he assisted in establishing the
Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston. He was also involved in the Charleston Jewish Fund as
part of the Community Relations Committee.
Rabbi Rosenthall's great passion was collecting Judaica, including prints, postcards, medals, stamps, and books and other
published materials, depicting every aspect of Jewish life and culture. Rosenthall began collecting as a young man and continued
adding to his Judaica collection throughout his life. As a scholar and collector, Rosenthall lectured on Jewish graphic arts
and exhibited portions of his collection at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, Savannah College of Art and Design, Hebrew
Union College-Jewish Institute for Religion in Cincinnati, and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington.
After almost three decades of serving the congregation, William Rosenthall retired from KKBE in 1992, but remained rabbi emeritus
until his death on April 30, 2005.
Collection Overview
Biographical files, correspondence, sermons, articles, newspaper clippings, photographs, and other papers of William A. Rosenthall,
rabbi, scholar, and collector of Judaica. Materials document Rosenthall's rabbinates, particularly his sixteen-year tenure
at Charleston's Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. The collection also includes materials regarding Rosenthall's involvement in numerous
faith- or art-based organizations, such as the Charleston Jewish Federation, The Charleston Museum, the Central Conference
of American Rabbis, the Christian-Jewish Council of Charleston, and the World Union for Progressive Judaism, of which Rosenthall
was Executive Director from 1962 to 1973. Also present are Rosenthall's expansive topical files on Jewish history and culture,
which include original documents and some photocopies. Topics vary widely and include Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict,
Zionism, Jewish practices and beliefs, Jewish communities located around the world, Jewish history and individuals, Jewish
relationships with other ethnic and religious populations, anti-Semitism, women and gender equality, and Jews in military
service.
Collection Arrangement
| 1. |
Biographical files, 1917-2008 |
| 2. |
Correspondence, 1940-2002 |
| 3. |
Professional papers, 1952-2001 |
| 4. |
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim records, 1791-2004 (bulk 1976-1992) |
| 5. |
Organization files, 1929-2004 |
| 6. |
World Union for Progressive Judaism records, 1928-2002 |
| 7. |
Sermons and address, circa 1950-2003 |
| 8. |
Topical files on Jewish culture and history, 1881-2004 |
Search Terms
The following terms have been used to index this collection in the Library's online catalog. They are grouped by name of person,
family, or organization, by topical subject, by place, and by types of material.
Names
- Rosenthall, William A.
- Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (Charleston, S.C.)
- World Union for Progressive Judaism
- Hebrew Union College
Subjects
- Antisemitism
- Arab-Israeli conflict
- Jewish soldiers
- Jewish women
- Jews--History
- Jews--Israel
- Judaism--Customs and practices
- Judaism--Relations
- Rabbis
- Zionism
Types of Material
- Articles
- Clippings (information artifacts)
- Correspondence
- Newsletters
- Photographs
- Publications
- Sermons
- Tape reels
Related Material
Related materials in Special Collections include the William A. Rosenthall Judaica Collection (Mss 1086), the Kahal Kadosh
Beth Elohim congregation records, 1798-2002 (Mss 1047), a 1997 oral history interview with William Rosenthall (Mss 1035-167),
several published works by Rosenthall, and two digital collections hosted by the Lowcountry Digital Library: the William A. Rosenthall Judaica Collection- Postcards and the William A. Rosenthall Judaica Collection- Prints and Photographs.
Detailed Description of the Collection
Close All |
Open All
1. Biographical files, 1917-2008
Biographies, circa 1946-1992
box 1
| folder 1
Newspaper clippings, 1962-2008
box 1
| folder 2
Childhood, 1935-1944
box 1
| folder 3
Includes an autograph book, a program from Rosenthall's confirmation service at Temple Beth Israel (Lima, Ohio), and programs
from school plays.
Kenton High School, Kenton, Ohio, 1940-1945, 1990, 1995
The Echoette, 1940-1945 [Kenton High School newsletter]
box 1
| folder 4
Event programs and newspaper clippings, 1942-1945
box 1
| folder 5
Class of 1945 yearbook and commencement, 1945
box 1
| folder 6
Class of 1945 reunions, 1990, 1995
box 1
| folder 7
Syracuse University, 1946-1950
box 1
| folder 8
Includes academic papers, Jewish Student Fellowship newsletters, and materials regarding the 1950 commencement.
Hebrew Union College, 1917, 1944-2002
Brochures and informational publications, 1945-2001
box 1
| folder 9-10
General mailings, 1951-1956, 1997-2002
box 1
| folder 11
Letters include announcements, daily events, and reminders.
Class Notes, 1952-1953
box 2
| folder 1
Includes course note on Judaism and Christianity by Dr. Leo Baeck.
Class Notes, 1953-1955
box 2
| folder 2
Includes course notes on the Bible, philosophy, and the Talmud.
Class Notes, 1955-1956
box 2
| folder 3
Includes course notes on Jewish theology, Jewish history, and American Jewish history.
Class Notes, undated
box 2
| folder 4
Includes notes on modern Hebrew and the Midrash.
Class Notes, undated
box 2
| folder 5
Includes notes on theology, the Old Testament, and Hebrew.
Class Notes, undated
box 3
| folder 1-5
Includes notes on Shlomo Yitzchaki (known as Rashi), the Psalms, and the Mishna. Also includes notes on liturgy, Hebrew,
and the Talmud.
Miscellaneous Essays, undated
box 3
| folder 6
Correspondence, 1955-1957
box 4
| folder 1
Includes letters to and from Rosenthall mostly concerning his student rabbinate placements, and congratulatory notes regarding
Rosenthall's ordination. Some correspondence is in Spanish and German.
Event programs, 1956-2002
box 4
| folder 2
Talks and addresses, 1944-1996
box 4
| folder 3
Transcripts of commencement addresses, Founders' Day Addresses, and memorial lectures on a variety of topics.
Newspaper clippings, 1953-1959, 1980-1981
box 4
| folder 4
Includes articles on HUC student rabbis and Rosenthall's receiving of a Doctor of Divinity honorary degree.
Newsletters, 1917, 1950-1958, 1978-1979
box 4
| folder 5
Ordination and graduation, 1956
box 4
| folder 6
Miscellaneous HUC materials, 1951-1975, 2000
box 4
| folder 7
Includes a textbook for a Hebrew course, announcements of rabbinical openings, an award for best sermon, and a photocopy of
a 1956 photograph of Rosenthall with classmates.
Business cards and family stationery, undated
box 4
| folder 8
Poetry and personal reflections, 1946-1957
box 4
| folder 9
Photographs, 1964-1997
Most photographs include dates, locations, and names of individuals.
Portraits of Rosenthall, 1976-1997
box 4
| folder 10
Travels, 1964-1995
box 4
| folder 11
Includes photographs taken in London, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Budapest, Rome, Spain, Israel, Brazil, and Jamaica.
Miscellaneous photographs, 1979-1995
box 4
| folder 12
Miscellaneous biographical files, 1940-1994, undated
box 6
| folder 1
Includes certificates, material regarding the Rosenthall family history, a newsletter article regarding Rosenthall meeting
President Jimmy Carter during a celebration for the 30th anniversary of the state of Israel, and the program from the signing
of the 1993 Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement.
Oversize biographical files, 1961, 1987-1990
Oversize Paper Folder 1(Flat storage)
Consists of three decorative scripture quotations written in calligraphy by Rabbi Jeffrey Lazar and presented to Rosenthall
by Temple Sinai of Atlanta. Also includes a decorative memento presented to Rabbi Rosenthall by the Hebrew Union College Board
of Governors on the occasion of the dedication of the new library and dormitories of the Cincinnati Campus.
2. Correspondence, 1940-2002
The series includes correspondence from family, friends, and other religious leaders as well as copies and drafts of letters
from Rosenthall. Topics include Rosenthall's rabbinates and guest sermons, conferences and events, family updates, Judaica,
and the scholarly research of Rosenthall and others. Some correspondence is in Spanish and French.
General, 1940-1989
box 6
| folder 2-6
General, 1990-1999 (1 of 2)
box 6
| folder 7
General, 1990-1999 (2 of 2)
box 7
| folder 1
General, 2000-2002
box 7
| folder 2
Thank you letters from students (sampling), 1976, 1994-1995
box 7
| folder 3
Getter, Sandra, 1986-1998
box 7
| folder 4
Includes photographs and copies of Getter's research on the Holocaust. Getter was an Evangelical Christian and converted to
Judaism in 1991 under Rosenthall's guidance.
3. Professional papers, 1952-2001
Rabbinates, 1952-2001
Includes correspondence, articles, and congregation bulletins and newsletters.
Congregation Gates of Prayer, New Iberia, Louisiana, 1953
box 8
| folder 1
Temple Israel, Burlington, Iowa, 1953-1955
box 8
| folder 2
Temple House of Israel, Staunton, Virginia, 1955, 2001
box 8
| folder 3
Sinai Temple, Marion, Indiana, 1955-1956
box 8
| folder 4
Kol Shearith Israel, Panama City, Panama, 1956, 1993-1995
box 8
| folder 5-6
Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington, D.C.
Correspondence, 1956-1957
box 8
| folder 7-8
Services and events, 1956-1997 (scattered)
box 8
| folder 9
Newspaper clippings, 1956
box 8
| folder 10
Regarding Rosenthall's election as assistant rabbi.
Photograph of Rosenthall with confirmation class of 1957
Oversize Paper Folder 1(Flat storage)
Temple Journal, 1956-1992 (scattered)
box 8
| folder 11
Rabbi Norman Gerstenfeld memorials and obituaries, 1968
box 8
| folder 12
Miscellaneous Washington Hebrew Congregation materials, 1956-1957
box 8
| folder 13
Includes certificates, notes, and other writings.
Liberal Synagogue, Paris, France, 1956-1957
box 8
| folder 14
Woodsdale Temple/ Temple Shalom, Wheeling, West Virginia, 1958-1962, 1989
Scrapbook, 1958, undated
box 5
Includes event programs, flyers, photographs, newspaper clippings, telegrams, certificates, and invitations from Rabbi Rosenthall's
time as Rabbi of the Woodsdale Temple in Wheeling, Virginia.
Miscellaneous Woodsdale Temple/ Temple Shalom materials, 1958-1962, 1989
box 8
| folder 15
Audiovisual materials
(JHC Miscellaneous Audiovisual Formats Box 1 | 3 reel to reel tapes)
"Music," undated
reel 1087-M01
"High Holy Days, 196?" circa 1960
reel 1087-M02
"Sisterhood Convention Skit," circa 1960
reel 1087-M03
Directed by Irene Rosenthall.
Temple Beth Am, Port Washington, New York, 1973-1975
box 9
| folder 1
Miscellaneous rabbinates, 1952-1972
box 9
| folder 2
Includes a photograph of Rosenthall with a confirmation group from Congregation Beth Chavairuth of Tenafly, New Jersey.
Articles, 1955-1999
Includes articles written by Rosenthall; mostly from Center Talk, Charleston Jewish Journal, and Charleston newspapers.
Letters to the editor, 1962-1998
box 9
| folder 3
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, 1977-1999
box 9
| folder 4
Jewish-Christian relations, 1978-1992
box 9
| folder 5
Jewish history, 1980-1990, undated
box 9
| folder 6
Holiday messages, 1982-1992
box 9
| folder 7
Miscellaneous articles, 1955-1991
box 9
| folder 8
Course material, 1968-1991
Materials for courses Rosenthall taught at various congregations, Jewish Community Centers, and other institutions. Includes
lecture notes, photocopies of sources, and worksheets.
Course descriptions and brochures, 1976-1988
box 9
| folder 9
History of Reform Judaism, 1968
box 9
| folder 10
Bypaths in Jewish Art, 1973-1987
box 9
| folder 11
The American Jewish Short Story, 1980
box 9
| folder 12
A Survey of Modern Jewish Poetry, 1981
box 9
| folder 13
Intermarriage and conversion course, 1985
box 9
| folder 14
Reintroduction to Judaism, 1990
box 9
| folder 15
Introduction to the Old Testament, 1991
box 9
| folder 16
College of Charleston, 1984-1999
box 10
| folder 1
Includes correspondence regarding exhibits at the college and the establishment of the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program.
Notes, undated
box 10
| folder 2
4. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim records, 1791-2004 (bulk 1976-1992)
History, 1791-2000
,
Includes mostly articles, booklets, and other publications.
General histories, 1950-1999
box 10
| folder 3
Photocopies and transcripts of original documents, 1791-1895
box 10
| folder 4
Articles, circa 1950-1999
box 10
| folder 5
"It Happened Right Here: The Annals of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim,"
KKBE Bulletin column by Solomon Breibart, 1997-1999
box 10
| folder 6
Organ, 1842, 1914, 1982-1996
box 10
| folder 7
Rabbis, 1896, 1905, 1979-1986, undated
box 10
| folder 8
Includes information about Elzas Poznanski. Contains photocopies.
Coming Street cemetery, 1964, 2000
box 10
| folder 9
Lazarus basket, 1987, 1990, undated
box 10
| folder 10
Prague Haggadah, 1968-1984
box 10
| folder 11
Hurricane Hugo, 1989
box 10
| folder 12
Miscellaneous, 1979, 1982, undated
box 10
| folder 13
Administrative records, 1870, 1931-2002
Brochures and packets, undated
box 10
| folder 14
Constitution and by-laws, 1931-1997
box 10
| folder 15
Member and officer lists, 1981-1994
box 10
| folder 16
Committees, 1977-2000
box 10
| folder 17
Includes correspondence and reports from committees for building and grounds, fine art, activities, cemeteries, finance, the
nominating committee for president, and more.
Financial records, 1870, 1976-1997
box 11
| folder 1
Fundraising, 1989-2000
box 11
| folder 2
Annual meetings, 1982-2000
box 11
| folder 3
Semi-annual meetings, 1982-1999
box 11
| folder 4
Board of trustees meetings, 1978-2002
box 11
| folder 5-7
Board of trustees correspondence, 1979-2000
box 11
| folder 8
Correspondence, 1976-2002
To Rosenthall, 1980-1997
box 11
| folder 9
Includes letters from members of the congregation and other religious leaders.
From Rosenthall, 1977-1993
box 11
| folder 10
Includes letters to dignitaries regarding Jewish interests in Israel and Palestine.
To congregation, 1976-2002
box 12
| folder 1
Consists mostly of general mailings regarding congregation news and events. Many of the letters address current issues pertaining
to Jews, especially in regard to Israel and the Middle East.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1976-1999
box 12
| folder 2
Bulletins, 1976-2002, 2004
1976-1996
box 12
| folder 3-7
Bulletins 1997-2002, 2004
box 13
| folder 1-3
"Rabbi's Message" and "Rabbi's Column," 1979-1992
box 13
| folder 4
Events, 1950, 1970-2000
Includes programs, souvenir booklets, transcripts of speeches, newspaper clippings, correspondence, and event schedules.
Bicentennial celebration, 1950
box 13
| folder 5
150th anniversary of Reform Judaism in America, 1974
box 13
| folder 6
Spoleto events, 1980-1995
box 13
| folder 7
National Historic Landmark celebration, 1980
box 14
| folder 1
150th anniversary of the KKBE synagogue, 1991
box 14
| folder 2
Holocaust memorial dedication, 1992
box 14
| folder 3
Tree of Life award dinner honoring Bishop David Thompson, 1994
box 14
| folder 4
250th anniversary of the KKBE congregation, 1999
box 14
| folder 5-6
Miscellaneous events, circa 1970-2000
box 14
| folder 7
Service programs, 1887, 1977-2001
box 14
| folder 8-9
Installation services, 1944-1993
box 14
| folder 10
Confirmation classes 1919, 1963, 1976-1992, 2000
box 15
| folder 1-2
Includes correspondence between Rosenthall, students, and parents; teaching materials, notes, service programs, and photographs.
Life cycle events, 1976-2001
box 15
| folder 3
Includes newspaper clippings, photographs, and lists of ceremonies and participants. Materials pertain to namings, circumcisions,
bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, and conversions.
Membership directories, 1992, 1995, 1999
box 15
| folder 4
Brotherhood and Sisterhood organizations, 1960-2001
box 15
| folder 5
Includes event programs, correspondence, and newsletters.
Music, hymns, and cantors, 1932-1997
box 15
| folder 6
Includes mostly hymnals and song books.
Religious School, 1977-1997
box 15
| folder 7
KKBE Archives, 1995, undated
box 15
| folder 8
Materials largely relate to the transfer of the archives to the College of Charleston Special Collections. Also included are
guides to using the archives.
Brady Memorial Lectureship, 1987-2001
box 15
| folder 9
Facilities, 1978-2000
box 15
| folder 10
Materials largely relate to building renovations and additions.
Images and building architecture, circa 1960-1997
box 15
| folder 11
Miscellaneous KKBE materials, circa 1945-1996
box 16
| folder 1
5. Organizations files, 1929-2004
This series consists of correspondence, newsletters, reports, resolutions, minutes, and other materials concerning organizations
in which Rosenthall was active.
American Federation of Jews from Central Europe, 1990-1997
box 16
| folder 2
Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith Latin American Affairs Committee, 1972-1978
box 16
| folder 3
Includes mostly reports discussing current events and issues in Latin America and the status of Latin America's Jewish communities.
Associated American Jewish Museums, 1971-1972, 1996-1997
box 16
| folder 4
Central Conference of American Rabbis, 1914-1997
box 16
| folder 5
Charleston Congress of Religions, 1994-1997
box 16
| folder 6
Charleston Jewish Federation, 1983-2004
Charleston Holocaust Memorial Committee, 1983-1999
box 16
| folder 7-8
Includes newspaper articles, meeting minutes, correspondence, memorial drafts, and information regarding other communities'
Holocaust memorials.
Jewish Community Relations Committee, 1992-2004
box 16
| folder 9
The Charleston Museum, 1993-1998
Executive committee meeting minutes and agendas, 1996-1998
box 16
| folder 10
Board of trustees meeting minutes and agendas, 1996-1998
box 17
| folder 1
Financial records, 1996-1998
box 17
| folder 2
Membership, 1996-1999
box 17
| folder 3
Correspondence and memorandums, 1996-1998
box 17
| folder 4
Newsletters, 1995-1998
box 17
| folder 5
Events, 1995-1998
box 17
| folder 6
"Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945" exhibit, 1993
box 17
| folder 7
H.L. Hunley exhibit proposal, 1998
box 17
| folder 8
Christian-Jewish Council of Charleston, 1983-2002
box 17
| folder 9
Greater Charleston Clergy Association, 1995-1997
box 17
| folder 10
Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Charleston County, 1993-1994
box 17
| folder 11
National Council on Art in Jewish Life, 1962-1976
box 17
| folder 12
Society of Jewish Bibliophiles, 1962-1968, 1982
box 17
| folder 13
Union of American Hebrew Congregations, 1954-1998 [now known as Union for Reform Judaism]
box 18
| folder 1
Miscellaneous organizational files, circa 1955-2000
box 18
| folder 2
Includes Rosenthall's membership cards and materials regarding the American Jewish Historical Society as well as other Jewish
or art-related organizations.
6. World Union for Progressive Judaism records, 1928-2002
Administrative records, 1961-1990
Includes correspondence, meeting minutes, and reports.
Constitution and by-laws, 1962-1990
box 18
| folder 3
Executive Committee, 1971-1988
box 18
| folder 4
European Board, 1972-1975
box 18
| folder 5
North American Board, 1972-1997
box 18
| folder 6
Financial records, 1972-1987
box 18
| folder 7
Miscellaneous administrative records, 1961-1974
box 18
| folder 8
Includes newspaper clippings, news releases, and member and officer lists.
Correspondence, 1957, 1960-1988
1957, 1960-1964
box 18
| folder 9
1965-1988
box 19
| folder 1-2
Events, 1965-2002
box 19
| folder 3
Conferences, 1926-1993
Includes programs, schedules, correspondence, transcripts of presentations (including those given by Rosenthall), news releases,
rosters, and resolutions.
Conference reports, 1926-1961
box 19
| folder 4-6
Includes booklets that contain transcripts of conference presentations and often conference schedules.
17th International Conference, Geneva, 1972
box 19
| folder 7
18th International Conference, London, 1974
box 20
| folder 1
19th International Conference, Jerusalem, 1976
box 20
| folder 2
Miscellaneous conference materials, 1957-1993
box 20
| folder 3
Reports and missions, 1962-1992
Latin America and South America, 1962-1980
box 20
| folder 4
Iran, 1963-1972
box 20
| folder 5
Soviet Union, 1969-1992
box 20
| folder 6
Israel and Law of Return, 1974, 1986
box 20
| folder 7
Miscellaneous reports, circa 1965-1976
box 20
| folder 8
Publications, 1929-1996
Brochures, circa 1970-1980
box 20
| folder 9
Bulletins, 1929-1947
box 20
| folder 10
Newsletters, 1965-1996 (scattered)
box 20
| folder 11
Miscellaneous publications, circa 1934-1964
box 20
| folder 12
World Zionist Organization, 1972-1975
box 21
| folder 1
William Rosenthall miscellaneous documents, 1963-1969
box 21
| folder 2
Includes photographs and newspaper articles regarding Rosenthall's appointment as Executive Director.
7. Sermons and addresses, circa 1950-2003
This series includes mostly handwritten notes for and transcripts of sermons and addresses given by Rosenthall. Also included
are service programs and newspaper clippings. Sermon and address topics closely parallel Rosenthall's topical files on Jewish
culture and history.
American History, 1972-1991, undated
box 21
| folder 3
Anti-Semitism, 1980-1990
box 21
| folder 4
Art and imagery, 1955-1999
General, 1955-1999, undated
box 21
| folder 5
Slides, undated
box 21
| folder 6
"The Image of the Jew in Art," 1993, 1995
box 21
| folder 7
"The Romance of Jewish Postcards," 1994
box 21
| folder 8
"Milestones in a Jewish Lifetime," 1995
box 21
| folder 9
Bar Mitzvahs, confirmations, conversions, and installations, 1974-1987
box 21
| folder 10
Black Jews and Black and Jewish relations, 1973-1991
box 21
| folder 11
Brotherhood and Sisterhood organizations, 1969-1981
box 21
| folder 12
Christian-Jewish relations, 1974-1994
General, 1974-1992, undated
box 22
| folder 1
Interfaith services, 1974-1994
box 22
| folder 2
"Sensitivities of Being Different," 1979, 1985
box 22
| folder 3
Similarities and differences between Christians and Jews, 1978, undated
box 22
| folder 4
Charleston Jews and Southern Jews, 1972-1990, undated
box 22
| folder 5
Clothing and garments, 1969-1992
box 22
| folder 6
Concept of and interactions with God, 1980-1991, undated
box 22
| folder 7
Columbus, Christopher, circa 1959-1991
box 22
| folder 8
Current events and topics, 1977-1995
box 22
| folder 9
Topics include capital punishment, abortion, homosexuality, illegal immigrants, euthanasia, genetic engineering, and more.
Customs, practices, and prayers, 1971-1990
box 22
| folder 10
Eulogies, circa 1950-2000
A-G
box 22
| folder 11-12
Clergyman's records (sampling), circa 1955-1975
box 23
| folder 7
Freedom and politics, 1975-1996
box 23
| folder 8
Hanukkah Stamp Commemoration, Charleston Jewish Community Center, 1996
box 23
| folder 9
Holidays, 1953-1997
Erev Rosh Hashanah, 1953-1990
box 23
| folder 10
Rosh Hashanah, 1955-1997
box 24
| folder 1
Shabbos Shuva, 1959-1991
box 24
| folder 2
Kol Nidre, 1967-1998
box 24
| folder 3
Erev Yom Kippur, 1955-1990
box 24
| folder 4
Yom Kippur, 1960-1994
box 24
| folder 5
Sukkot and Thanksgiving, 1968-1990
box 24
| folder 6
Hanukkah, Menorah, and Christmas, 1972-1996
box 24
| folder 7
New Year, 1973-1989
box 24
| folder 8
Purim, 1973-1979
box 24
| folder 9
Passover and Easter, 1973-1992
box 24
| folder 10
Holocaust and Yom Ha Shoah commemorations, 1976-1992, undated
box 24
| folder 11
Humor, 1976-1994
box 24
| folder 12
Hurricanes, 1979, 1989, and 1990
box 25
| folder 1
Mostly regarding Hurricane Hugo.
Identity and birthright, 1971-1990
box 25
| folder 2
Individuals, 1978-1991
box 25
| folder 3
Topics include Albert Einstein, Christopher Columbus, Raoul Wallenberg, Karl Marx, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, Aaron Lopez, and various
religious leaders, such as Jacob Raisin and Moses ben-Maimon.
Invocations, benedictions, blessings, and other general remarks, 1968-2003
box 25
| folder 4-5
Islam and Jewish relations, 1980, 1988, 1991
box 25
| folder 6
Israel, 1970-1992
box 25
| folder 7
Jewish communities by geographic location, 1962-2001
box 25
| folder 8
Topics include Africa, Latin America, Portugal, England, Germany, and more.
Justice and retribution, 1971-1993
box 25
| folder 9
Language and nomenclature, 1953-1991
box 25
| folder 10
Marriage, circa 1969-1999
box 25
| folder 11
Militarism and the Maccabees, 1977-1986
box 26
| folder 1
Music, 1980-1992
box 26
| folder 2
New members, 1976-1987, undated
box 26
| folder 3
Poetry, 1988 and 1992
box 26
| folder 4
Reform Judaism, 1959-1988
box 26
| folder 5
Religions education, 1977-1980
box 26
| folder 6
Reviews of movies, books, and articles, 1959-1992, undated
box 26
| folder 7
Sacrifice, 1966-1983, undated
box 26
| folder 8
Scripture and religious texts, circa 1950-1990
box 26
| folder 9
Sin, punishment, plagues, and demons, 1980-1996, undated
box 26
| folder 10
Statistics, 1961-1998, undated
box 26
| folder 11
Synagogues, 1973-1999, undated
General, 1973-1999
box 26
| folder 12
"Monumental Synagogues of Europe and America" notes and slides, 1982, 1993, 1998
box 26
| folder 13-14
"Monumental Synagogues of Europe and America" U-matic tape, 1982
box 27
| folder 1
Slides, undated
box 27
| folder 2
Torah commentary and blessings, 1955-1998, undated
box 27
| folder 3
Tributes, 1976-2001, undated
box 27
| folder 4
Violence and rebellion, 1973-1987
box 27
| folder 5
Women, 1976, 1985, undated
box 27
| folder 6
World Union of Progressive Judaism, Central Conference of American Rabbis, and Union of American Hebrew Congregations reports,
1980-1991
box 27
| folder 7
Miscellaneous sermons and addresses, circa 1955-2003 (1 of 3)
box 27
| folder 8
Miscellaneous sermons and addresses, circa 1955-2003 (2-3 of 3)
box 28
| folder 1-2
Miscellaneous notes, 1985-1990, undated
box 28
| folder 3
8. Topical files on Jewish Culture and History, 1881-2004
This series includes newspaper clippings, magazine articles, booklets, reports from various organizations, journal articles,
issues of Keeping Posted, and other material concerning a variety of topics. Parallel topics are found in Rosenthall's articles,
sermons, and lectures. This series includes photocopies and original documents.
American Jewish history, 1893-2003
General overviews, 1954-1976, undated
box 28
| folder 4
Columbus, Christopher, 1954-1992
box 28
| folder 5
Colonial history, 1893-1982
box 28
| folder 6
Revolutionary War, 1974-2003, undated
box 28
| folder 7
Includes materials regarding the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Salvador, Francis, 1970, undated
box 28
| folder 8
19th century, undated
box 28
| folder 9
Benjamin, Judah P., 1963, 1984-1988
box 29
| folder 1
Immigration, 1912, 1976, 1987
box 29
| folder 2
Artists, 1966, 1980
box 29
| folder 3
Resources for research and education, 1925-1968, undated
box 29
| folder 4
Miscellaneous American-Jewish history materials, 1931-1972
box 29
| folder 5
Anti-Semitism, 1918-1990, undated
Publications on anti-Semitism, 1918-1984
box 29
| folder 6
Anti-Semitic publications, 1959-1985, undated
box 29
| folder 7
Includes material in German.
Chick Publications, 1972-1985
box 29
| folder 8
Includes material in Spanish.
Miscellaneous, 1965-1990, undated
box 29
| folder 9
Basic beliefs and practices, 1934-2003, undated
box 29
| folder 10
Bibliographies and book lists, 1943-2004, undated
box 30
| folder 1-2
Black-Jewish relations, 1955-1999
box 30
| folder 3
Calendar and astrology, 1954-1988, undated
box 30
| folder 4
Charleston, South Carolina, circa 1880-2004
General, 1903, 1976-2004, undated
box 30
| folder 5
Jewish community, 1950, 1983-1998
box 30
| folder 6
Includes directories and fliers for events.
Synagogue Emanu-El, 1997, 2004, undated
box 30
| folder 7
Jewish history, circa 1880-2000
box 31
| folder 1
Moise, Penina, 1978, undated
box 31
| folder 2
DaVega, Columbus, 1988, undated
box 31
| folder 3
Jewish cemeteries, 1910, 1958-2000, undated
box 31
| folder 4
Christian-Jewish relations, 1926-1995
General publications, 1938-1985
box 31
| folder 5
Educational publications, 1951-1985
box 31
| folder 6
Newspaper clippings, 1960-1988, undated
box 31
| folder 7
Newsletters, 1962-1986, undated
box 31
| folder 8
Christian missionary publications, circa 1950-1990
box 31
| folder 9
Jews for Jesus, 1972-1988
box 31
| folder 10
Protestant religions, 1973-1988
box 32
| folder 1
Lutherans, 1964-1988
box 32
| folder 2
Catholic-Jewish relations
Publications, 1960-1988
box 32
| folder 3
Newspaper clippings, 1959-1994
box 32
| folder 4
Pope John Paul II, 1979-1988
box 32
| folder 5
Miscellaneous, 1963, 1980, 1987
box 32
| folder 6
Miscellaneous material on Christian-Jewish relations, 1926-1995, undated
box 32
| folder 7
Communism, Marxism, Socialism, and kibbutzim, 1937-1976, undated
box 32
| folder 8
Conversions, 1914-1991, undated
box 32
| folder 9
Includes materials from conversion courses taught by various rabbis.
Education and schools, 1910-1950, undated
box 32
| folder 10
Ethics and social justice, 1936-1987, undated
box 33
| folder 1
Family and parenthood, 1947-1988
box 33
| folder 2
Hasidism, 1908-1989, undated
box 33
| folder 3
Health and sexuality, 1947-2004
AIDS, 1986-1990
box 33
| folder 4
Sex and birth control, 1947-1993, undated
box 33
| folder 5
Homosexuality, 1978-1992, 2004
box 33
| folder 6
Miscellaneous, 1965-1981
box 33
| folder 7
Hebrew, 1895-1977
History, 1949, 1972, undated
box 33
| folder 8
Alphabet and writing guides, undated
box 33
| folder 9
Education and teaching guides, 1895, 1920, 1957, undated
box 33
| folder 10
"Hebrew Column" and "Let Us Learn Hebrew" newspaper columns, 1966-1976
box 33
| folder 11
Miscellaneous, 1954-1977, undated
box 33
| folder 12
History, 1881-2004
General histories, 1881, 1925, 1928, undated
box 34
| folder 1
Archaeology and archaeological findings, 1948-2003
box 34
| folder 2
Ancient history, 1958-1988, undated
box 34
| folder 3
Masada, circa 1964-2004
box 34
| folder 4
Middle Ages, 1958, 1960, undated
box 34
| folder 5
Chronicles: News of the Past, no. 14, 38, 39, 43; 1953-1954
box 34
| folder 6
Miscellaneous, 1941-1989, undated
box 34
| folder 7
Holidays, 1869, 1937-2003
General, 1953-1981
box 34
| folder 8
Rosh Hashanah, 1962-1990, undated
box 34
| folder 9
Yom Kippur and Kol Nidre, 1986, 2002, undated
box 34
| folder 10
Sukkos, 1964-1989, undated
box 34
| folder 11
Hanukkah, 1937-2003, undated
box 34
| folder 12
Tu B'Shevat, undated
box 34
| folder 13
Purim, 1947-1984
box 34
| folder 14
Passover, 1869 and 1944-1990
box 35
| folder 1
Shavuos, 1953-1986, undated
box 35
| folder 2
Tisha B'Av, undated
box 35
| folder 3
Holocaust, 1943-2003
Publications, 1943-1985, undated
box 35
| folder 4
Newspaper and magazine clippings, 1943-2003
box 35
| folder 5
Educational resources, 1976-1990
box 35
| folder 6
Art, 1978-1985
box 35
| folder 7
Memorials, 1977-1997, undated
box 35
| folder 8
Charleston survivors and memorials, 1978-1996
box 35
| folder 9
Kristallnacht 50th anniversary memorials, 1988
box 35
| folder 10
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, 1975-1984, undated
box 35
| folder 11
Eichmann, Adolf, 1950-1963, undated
box 36
| folder 1
Frank, Anne, 1958-1991, undated
box 36
| folder 2
Wallenberg, Raoul, 1981-2003, undated
box 36
| folder 3
Schindler's List, 1993-1994, 1997
box 36
| folder 4
Mostly newspaper clippings and media coverage about the film, Steven Spielberg, and reactions to the film.
Miscellaneous, 1970, undated
box 36
| folder 5
Humor and cartoons, 1965-2004
Includes anti-Semitic cartoons, Soviet cartoons, and cartoons on the Middle East crisis.
Newspaper clippings, 1965-2004
box 36
| folder 6
Reports, 1967-1989
box 36
| folder 7
Identity and the Law of Return, 1910-1989
Newspaper articles, 1959-1989
box 36
| folder 8
Publications, 1918, 1935-1986
box 36
| folder 9
Published sermons and addresses, 1910, 1943-1986
box 36
| folder 10
Reports, 1988-1989
box 36
| folder 11
Miscellaneous, 1970, 1988
box 36
| folder 12
Individuals, 1910-1989
Einstein, Albert, 1945-1993
box 36
| folder 13
Philosophers, 1915-1987
box 36
| folder 14
Politicians and bankers, 1944-1976, undated
box 36
| folder 15
Rabbis, 1931, 1975-1986, undated
box 37
| folder 1
Writers, 1936-1987
box 37
| folder 2
Miscellaneous, 1900-1971
box 37
| folder 3
Topics include Moses, King Solomon, Nelson Glueck, Asser Levy, Sigmund Freud, and more.
Islam and Muslim-Jewish relations, 1944, 1964-2004, undated
box 37
| folder 4
Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict, 1917-2004
Israel history and travel, 1954-1977, undated
box 37
| folder 5
Israel independence, 1948-1970, undated
box 37
| folder 6
Israel law, principles, and governance, 1948-1979, undated
box 37
| folder 7
Reform Judaism in Israel, 1963, 1982, undated
box 37
| folder 8
Arab-Israeli relations, 1950-1991
box 37
| folder 9
Arab and Jewish refugees, 1945-1978, undated
box 37
| folder 10
Palestine and the Palestine Liberation Organization, 1937-2004
box 37
| folder 11
United States-Israel relations, 1917, 1948-2004, undated
box 38
| folder 1
Jewish labor organizations, 1957-1958
box 38
| folder 2
Newspaper clippings, 1940-2004
box 38
| folder 3-4
Publications, 1929-1958, undated
box 38
| folder 5
Christian mission publications, 1935, undated
box 38
| folder 6
Miscellaneous materials on Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict, 1981, 1985
box 38
| folder 7
Jewish communities by geographic location, 1895-2003
Europe, 1930-1991
box 38
| folder 8
Germany, 1918-1982, undated
box 38
| folder 9
Russia
Newspaper and magazine clippings, circa 1945-1985
box 38
| folder 10
Publications, 1943-1980
box 39
| folder 1-2
Miscellaneous, 1990, undated
box 39
| folder 3
Syria, circa 1975
box 39
| folder 4
Falashas of Ethiopia and other African Jewish communities, 1954-1987
box 39
| folder 5
Latin America, 1917-1980
box 39
| folder 6
United States of America
General, 1947-2003
box 39
| folder 7
Reform Judaism, 1909-1956, undated
box 39
| folder 8
Politics, 1955-1982
box 39
| folder 9
New York City, 1939-1985
box 40
| folder 1
Ohio and Pennsylvania, 1900, 1966-1978, undated
box 40
| folder 2
Southern United States, 1895, 1980-2003
box 40
| folder 3
South Carolina, 1903, 1987, 1996, undated
box 40
| folder 4
Georgia, 1981, 1983, undated
box 40
| folder 5
Miscellaneous, circa 1959-1981
box 40
| folder 6
Topics include Detroit, Baltimore, Jews in law, and more.
Miscellaneous files on Jewish communities, 1918-1984
box 40
| folder 7
Topics include India, migration, and more.
Kabbalah and mysticism, 1958-1987, undated
box 40
| folder 8
Kosher laws, 1951-1986, undated
box 40
| folder 9
Law and Halakah, 1923-1996
box 40
| folder 10
Life cycle events, 1906-2003
Circumcisions, 1968-1990
box 40
| folder 11
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, circa 1960-1993
box 40
| folder 12
Confirmation, 1906, 1959-1980, undated
box 40
| folder 13
Marriage and divorce, 1935-1991, undated
box 40
| folder 14
Includes materials regarding interfaith marriages.
Death and funerals, 1949-2003, undated
box 41
| folder 1
Cemetery and tombstone photographs, 1937-1998, undated
box 41
| folder 2
Includes photographs from Kingston, Jamaica; Curacao, New York City, and Russia.
Messiah, 1977-1993, undated
box 41
| folder 3
Includes booklets from the American Messianic Fellowship and the New York Messianic Witness.
Military service, 1897-1999
General, 1969-1990, undated
box 41
| folder 4
Maccabees, 1897, 1949, 1973, 1986
box 41
| folder 5
American Civil War, 1954-1993, undated
box 41
| folder 6
World War I and World War II, 1918-1995, undated
box 41
| folder 7
Jewish-American veterans and other US wars, 1922-1999, undated
box 41
| folder 8
West Point Academy, 1943-1983
box 41
| folder 9
Chaplains, 1962, 1981, 1993, undated
box 41
| folder 10
Music, 1881-1989
Cantors, 1950-1989
box 41
| folder 11
Organs, 1881-1982
box 41
| folder 12
Performance programs, 1954-1977, undated
box 41
| folder 13
Sheet music, 1907, 1944-1960, undated
box 42
| folder 1
Songbooks and song sheets, undated
box 42
| folder 2
Miscellaneous publications and newspaper clippings, 1913-1989, undated
box 42
| folder 3
Names, 1952-1955
box 42
| folder 4
National Jewish Committee on Scouting, 1945-1982, undated
box 42
| folder 5
Prayers and blessings, 1923-1983
General, 1947-1983, undated
box 42
| folder 6
Meals, 1974, undated
box 42
| folder 7
Illness and mourning, 1923-1983, undated
box 42
| folder 8-9
Prophets, 1948-1981
box 43
| folder 1
Rabbinic vocation and guides, 1905-1982
box 43
| folder 2
Reform Judaism, 1906-1999
Introductory publications, 1906-1999
box 43
| folder 3
Individuals, 1943-1958, undated
box 43
| folder 4
Miscellaneous publications, 1917-1976, undated
box 43
| folder 5
Religious texts, 1910-1990
Talmud, 1917-1925, 1968-1990, undated
box 43
| folder 6
Torah, 1944, 1962, 1986-1990
box 43
| folder 7
Ten Commandments, 1962-1977, undated
box 44
| folder 1
Dead Sea Scrolls, circa 1951-1998
box 44
| folder 2
Miscellaneous publications, 1910-1988, undated
box 44
| folder 3-4
Sabbath, 1943-1987, undated
box 44
| folder 5
Separation of church and state, 1906-2004
Newspaper clippings, 1978-2004
box 44
| folder 6
Publications, 1948-1975, undated
box 44
| folder 7
Religion in public schools, 1906-1984
box 44
| folder 8
Lawsuits against public schools, 1953-1961
box 45
| folder 1
Bibles in Charleston, South Carolina, public schools, 1979
box 45
| folder 2
Religious education in Wheeling, West Virginia, public schools, 1959-1961
box 45
| folder 3
Sephardim, 1958-1983, undated
box 45
| folder 4
Women and gender equality, 1955-1990
General, 1961-1990, undated
box 45
| folder 5
Abortion, 1976-1990
box 45
| folder 6
Women rabbis, 1979-1987, undated
box 45
| folder 7
Violence against women at the Western Wall, 1989-1990
box 45
| folder 8
Miscellaneous, 1955-1990, undated
box 45
| folder 9
Yiddish, 1946-1987, undated
box 45
| folder 10
Zionism, 1906-1984
History and overviews, 1907, 1952-1983
box 45
| folder 11
Newspaper articles, 1960-1984, undated
box 45
| folder 12
Publications, 1915-1964
box 45
| folder 13-14
Publications, 1976-1984
box 46
| folder 1
Hadassah, 1960
box 46
| folder 2
Herzl, Theodor, 1920-1982
box 46
| folder 3
Pinsker, Leo, 1906, 1911, 1982
box 46
| folder 4
Miscellaneous individuals, 1927-1980
box 46
| folder 5
Topics include Hermann Schapira, Stephen Wise, Martin Buber, and Ahad Ha'am.
Miscellaneous, 1975-1978, undated
box 46
| folder 6
Miscellaneous newsletters, 1913-1988
box 46
| folder 7
Miscellaneous sermons and lectures, 1914-1996
box 46
| folder 8
Miscellaneous topical files, 1913-2000
box 47
| folder 1-2
Topics include Jewish dress, Jewish athletes, and more. Some materials in Hebrew.
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
This collection is open for research.
Copyright Notice
The nature of the College of Charleston's archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may
be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. Special Collections claims only physical ownership
of most archival materials.
The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. copyright
law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of
copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be
fully credited with the source.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], William A. Rosenthall papers, College of Charleston Libraries, Charleston, SC, USA.
Acquisitions Information
Materials were donated in 2007 by Irene O. Rosenthall.
Processing Information
Processed by Sarah Dorpinghaus, March 2011.
Encoded by Sarah Dorpinghaus, July 2011.
Edited to add Box 19 Folder 7, "The Image of the Jew in Art." Renumbered subsequent folders in box, February 2014.
Edited to add Box 2 Folder 1, "Class Notes, 1952-1953," Box 2 Folder 2, "Class Notes, 1953-1955," Box 2 Folder 3, "Class Notes,
1955-1956," Box 2 Folder 4, "Class Notes, undated," Box 2 Folder 5, "Class Notes, undated." Renumbered subsequent boxes and
folders, November 2014.
Edited to add Box 3 Folders 1-5, "Classes notes, undated." Renumbered subsequent boxes and folders, November 2014.
Edited to add Box 4 Folder 6, "Miscellaneous Essays, undated." Renumbered subsequent boxes and folders, November 2014.
Edited to add Box 5, "Rosenthall Scrapbook, 1958, undated." Renumbered subsequent boxes and folders, November 2014.
Edited to add Reel 1087-M01, "Music, undated," Reel 1087-M02, "High Holy Days, 196?, circa 1960," and Reel 1087-M03, "Sisterhood
Convention Skit, circa 1960," November 2014."
Funding from the Council on Library and Information Resources supported the processing of this collection and encoding of
the finding aid.
