Stories of Jewish Washingtonians
This collection showcases the lives and experiences of Jewish Washingtonians whose stories have significantly contributed to shaping the state's landscape. Each profile offers a personal window into the individual's life, delving into their family, work, resilience, creativity, and connections across generations. Explore these individual journeys to discover the diverse voices that make up Jewish Washington’s story.
Hazzan Isaac "Ike" Azose
Born into a Turkish Sephardic Family in Seattle, Hazzan Isaac “Ike” Azose absorbed and retained his cultural traditions. Seattle’s unique environment with a large population percentage of Sephardic Jews further cultivated Ike’s education and supported his family’s teachings. Stepping up as a spiritual leader, Ike’s gifted voice has been heard at Sephardic Bikur Holim, Congregation Ezra Bessaroth, and across the world. Ike’s dedication to preserving the Ladino language and Sephardic ways of life through publishing prayer books and recording his music are profoundly inspiring. This profile is a small commemoration of his life’s work in celebration of his 90th birthday.
Rear Admiral Herb Bridge
Herbert “Herb” Marvin Bridge was born in Seattle, Washington, the first child of Benjamin “Ben” and Sally (Silverman) Bridge. In 1948, Herb married Shirley Selesnick and raised a family, introducing his two sons to the jewelry business that spanned both branches of the family tree. For six decades, Herb and Shirley were active civic leaders and philanthropists—driven to action with a desire to heal, improve, and repair what is wrong. This profile brings together oral histories, photographs, and most vividly, digitized Bridge family home movies, providing a glimpse of Herb and Shirley’s enormous impact and inspiration.
Profile Coming Soon
Pola Doenyas
Pola Doenyas was a passionate and outspoken advocate who lived simply but gave generously, quietly supporting Seattle’s Jewish community through years of volunteer work and cultural involvement. Though she faced homelessness and illness late in life, her legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the causes she championed, and the deep respect of those who knew her. Photos and documents donated by the family, with special thanks to Pola's cousin, Irv Camhi, who helped identify individuals and gave descriptions to many of the photos.
Joe Greengard
A lifelong Seattleite, Joe Greengard was born and raised in the Seattle area. He graduated from Garfield High School and the University of Washington, then served in the U.S. Air Force. Joe married Lila Tobin, and together they raised three children. He founded a local women’s clothing manufacturing business and later volunteered with SCORE, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and with the Mayor’s Office, teaching computer skills to seniors. Generously sponsored by Joe & Lila Greengard.
Profile Coming Soon
Dr. Edward A. Stern
Dr. Edward A. Stern was a man of many facets—scientist, professor, activist, philanthropist, family man. Dr. Stern was a world-renowned physicist at the University of Washington and the father of X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy. In the 1970s, he worked tirelessly to free Soviet Jewish scientists from the Soviet Union. With this profile, we will look at how Dr. Stern lived out his values and learn about the many people whose lives he touched.
Profile Coming Soon
Billy Sturman
Sturman ran Billy’s Men’s and Boys’ Western Wear store on Hewitt Avenue in Everett, Washington, for nearly 70 years, becoming a staple piece in the community. All information on this page was gathered from the Washington State Jewish Historical Society Archives and from materials donated by the Sturman family, including an oral history interview by Isabel Stusser from 1985, newspaper clippings, synagogue documents from Temple Beth Or, and photographs. Generously sponsored by Mel and Leena Sturman in loving memory of Mel's father, Billy.
Bella Weretnikow & L.N. Rosenbaum
Bella Weretnikow was the first Jewish woman admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1901 and an early graduate of the University of Washington Law School. L. N. Rosenbaum was a lawyer and businessman involved in law, real estate, and finance, and Bella's husband from 1905 onward. Generously sponsored by Judith W. Rosenthal z"l, a dedicated supporter of preserving history, in loving memory of her grandparents L.N. and Bella. Additional support from other family members includes Elizabeth Richter.
Profile Coming Soon
Pamela Waechter
Pamela Waechter was a Jewish-American community leader. Pamela was born and raised in Minneapolis to a Lutheran family, she later converted to Judaism in the mid-1960s when she married. Pamela was a member of Temple B'Nai Torah, a reform congregation in Bellevue, Washington. Pamela was the sole fatality of the 2006 Seattle Jewish Federation shooting. This profile was generously supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and Iantha and Stan Sidell.
Profile Coming Soon
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