An Oral History Project
by
Congregation Beth Hillel, Walden, NY
Congregation Beth Hillel is a small, conservative congregation located in Walden, NY.
Many of our core members are now in their mid to late eighties.
This group, many with ties to the original founders of the Congregation, have led lives committed to Jewish values and community, and to the survival of our congregation.
It is the goal of this oral history project to preserve the memories and values of this group of committed individuals.
Our purpose is to record a history of our Congregation within the Jewish community of Orange County, NY and to pass on their values to the next generation.
There is a strong intergenerational component to this project.
WJCC has struggled to maintain an active, committed new generation of members.
We see the older members as role models with much to teach us about how to live a committed life.
Older members will be interviewed by younger members, building personal connections between generations.
The final project will result in a printed booklet with accompanying CD recordings and photographs.
The project can also be made available online on the temple's website.
Our target was to have 18 younger members interview 18 older members.
We felt there was some urgency to this project as many of our members are approaching their late eighties.
One long-time member, a widower, moved out of the state at the end of July to be closer to his children.
We were eager to get started.
I now present to you, our completed project: