Hear O'Washington

Elderly Jewish community member in Seattle, part of the Seattle Seniors Group, an independently organized group to bring together elderly Jewish community members. Bill Friedman reached out for us to scan his Seattle Jewish Seniors photo album in the fall of 2024, which we somewhat bungled, but he's now agreed to record an oral history to accompany the photo album. His partner, whose name I forget, is quite elderly and is a WWII survivor.

Jacquie Bayley's oral history covers her family's deep involvement in Vancouver's Jewish community, her transition to assisted living for her mother, and her moves from Vancouver to Seattle, including her support for Jewish education and organizations like Hadassah and the Hartman Institute. She describes her philanthropic efforts, the development of leadership programs for Jewish women, and her personal connections to Israel, highlighting the importance of community, tradition, and leadership. Throughout, she emphasizes the significance of family, involvement in Jewish life, and maintaining cultural and spiritual ties across generations.

Marty Brashem, born in Los Angeles and raised in Seattle, served in World War II before attending the University of Washington and starting a family. He worked in the scrap metal industry, became involved in Tacoma's Jewish community, and played a key role in merging its conservative and reform congregations to form Temple Beth El. Reflecting on a fulfilling life with his late wife and their children, he cherishes their memories, his family, and his ongoing connections with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Janice Brumer discusses her lifelong involvement with Jewish summer camps, emphasizing their role in fostering Jewish identity, community, and leadership. She shares personal experiences, from her early days as a camper to her founding of Camp Kalsman, highlighting the camp’s cultural and spiritual significance. Looking ahead, she outlines plans to expand and modernize the camp to serve future generations and strengthen its impact.

Rabbi David Fine discusses the history and growth of Temple Beth, emphasizing how community involvement and a do-it-yourself culture fostered a strong congregation and active participation. He highlights the spiritual and educational importance of Camp Kalsman, connecting nature with Jewish teachings, and reflects on his leadership's impact on the community's development. Rabbi Fine shares his hopes for the future of the Jewish community in Snohomish County, underscoring resilience and generational bonds.

Seth Goldstein highlights his family's immigrant roots and longstanding involvement in the Jewish community in Seattle. He reflects on his active participation in Jewish organizations and the significance of preserving community history for future generations. Additionally, he discusses contemporary challenges faced by the Jewish community, including misconceptions and the importance of personal identity.

Nancy Greer, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, shares her background, career progression, and her commitment to strengthening the Jewish community through various programs and initiatives. She discusses the impact of the 2006 shooting on security and organizational culture, as well as efforts to engage younger generations and respond to global crises. Greer also addresses sensitive issues such as diversity, antisemitism, and the organization's stance on Israel, emphasizing education and community consensus.

Rabbi Benjamin Hassan reflects on his role at the Sephardic Synagogue, highlighting his outreach to the community, his family's Sephardic and Ashkenazic heritage, and his efforts to connect members with their roots. He shares his journey from uncertainty about becoming a rabbi to his international rabbinic career, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, especially during the COVID pandemic, and his views on the future of Jewish life with a focus on Zionism. The interview concludes with gratitude from the interviewers, acknowledging his impact in Seattle and his upcoming move to Israel.

Bradly (brad) Lehrer shares his lifelong connection to Jewish history, emphasizing the importance of preserving it through personal artifacts like family heirlooms and community efforts. He discusses his early activities to engage others in Jewish culture, such as organizing events with incentives, and highlights the value of physical archives over digital ones. Reflecting on community involvement, he underscores the significance of genuine human connections and recounts a philanthropic project funded through early Amazon investments that brought joy to many.

Suzi LeVine discusses her diverse career, including roles at Microsoft and Expedia, founding nonprofits, and volunteering in political campaigns, highlighting how these experiences prepared her for her ambassadorial role by emphasizing sector understanding and partnership building. She reflects on her impactful contributions at major tech companies, shares her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and contrasts her government service at NASA and as an ambassador, noting the bureaucratic challenges and her pride in serving under President Obama. LeVine also outlines her efforts in promoting apprenticeship programs and fair districting, and reflects on her Jewish heritage and community involvement, which have shaped her values and leadership.

Anne Levinson has made a significant impact on Seattle's public service sector through roles such as oversight auditor for police accountability, chair of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, and social justice advocate. Her background, rooted in a reform Jewish community and shaped by mentors, influenced her lifelong commitment to equality, justice, and community service, culminating in notable efforts like saving the Seattle Storm, establishing mental health courts, and advocating for LGBTQ rights. She emphasizes coalition-building, her Jewish values, and work as a means to enact societal change, viewing her career as a reflection of her core principles and mission.

Al Maimon discusses his personal connection to Jewish history, highlighting how his family's involvement and community experiences have shaped his understanding and appreciation of traditions. He emphasizes the importance of preserving history through personal efforts, community engagement, and effective communication, especially in capturing stories and documents for future generations. Maimon underscores the role of historical societies in transmitting historical messages and maintaining a connection to heritage.

Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum discusses her journey from Charleston, South Carolina, to Seattle, highlighting her unique position as the first rabbi in her family and her Deep roots in the Jewish community. She recounts the influences that shaped her decision to become a rabbi, including mentors and her early encounters with traditional and secular perspectives. Nussbaum explains her founding of the Kavana community in Seattle, which focuses on an intention-based approach to Jewish life, allowing members to craft their own spiritual experiences without a fixed location.

Amee Sherer, director of Hillel at the University of Washington, explores her background, career, and leadership in fostering Jewish life and inclusion amid challenges like antisemitism. She discusses strategic initiatives, community engagement, and the importance of creating a safe environment for students. Amee emphasizes the ongoing need for personal connection and community support to strengthen Hillel’s impact and address students’ diverse needs.

CONTENT WARNING: This interview discusses themes of hate speech. 

Nancy Pearl is a librarian, writer, and NPR book reviewer who grew up in Detroit in a culturally Jewish, non-religious family influenced by political activism. Her passion for reading led her to a career in librarianship, where she became known for innovative programs and her advocacy for community-centered libraries; she recently published her first novel, 'George and Lizzie,' though she does not see herself primarily as a novelist.

David Altaras reflects on his childhood in a religious Jewish immigrant community in early 1900s Seattle, highlighting his strict religious education, cultural and linguistic differences, and strong community bonds. He describes observing religious rituals, participating in synagogue life, and transitioning to broader social interactions, including the impacts of Japanese internment during the war. Ultimately, he attributes his success to determination and family values, expressing a wish to be remembered as a loving and honest person who cherishes family and well-being.

CONTENT WARNING: This interview discusses themes of death, grief, racism, and discrimination. 

Jessica Markowitz is a NYU graduate with a strong family background in science. She founded Richards Rwanda to empower girls in Rwanda through education, inspired by a personal connection with Rwandan activist Richard. Their experiences volunteering in Israel deepened both their Jewish identity and their commitment to global social justice and community service.

Rabbah Rona Matlow is a distinguished Navy veteran and reflects on their military career, the influence of family and faith, and the challenges of observing Jewish traditions in demanding professional environments. Their story also highlights personal resilience, including experiences with gender identity, political advocacy, and a commitment to advancing understanding and inclusion for transgender individuals.

Born to Holocaust survivor parents, Mina Miller turned a lifelong passion for music into a mission by founding Music of Remembrance, an organization that uses commissioned works and performances to honor Holocaust victims and educate future generations. Their leadership has transformed the organization into an internationally recognized force for remembrance, resilience, and the power of music to confront persecution.

Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum, a dynamic leader in the Jewish community, draws on his upbringing in a rabbinical family and transformative experiences in Israel and New York to guide his congregations with innovation and inclusivity. Known for fostering interfaith dialogue, social justice initiatives, and creative educational programs, he builds bridges between diverse communities while making Jewish life engaging and meaningful.

Andrea Shupack reflects on the growth of Bellingham and its Jewish community, highlighting the expansion of the synagogue, evolving inclusivity, and meaningful events that strengthened communal bonds. She emphasizes the city’s beauty, the warmth of its people, and the community’s commitment to diversity, learning, and welcoming members of all backgrounds.

Iantha Sidell shares her journey from an Episcopalian upbringing in Spokane to a deep commitment to Judaism, shaped by her marriage, conversion, and decades of leadership in organizations like Hadassah and the Jewish Federation. She reflects on her pride in founding the women’s division, her strong bond with Israel, and the ongoing challenge of inspiring younger generations to stay engaged in Jewish life.

Dee Simon, who was previously the executive director of Seattle’s Holocaust Center for Humanity, has dedicated her career to education, advocacy, and combating bigotry through the power of Holocaust testimony and inclusive programs. Her journey from growing up in desegregated schools in California to leading statewide Holocaust education initiatives in Washington reflects both personal conviction and visionary leadership.

Jamie Margolin is an LGBTQ+ climate justice activist who grew up in Seattle, WA. Her mother is Columbian, her father is Ashkenazi Jewish. She describes her activism as well as her art, and her experience of Judaism.

Rabbi Rachel Kort discusses her congregation at Temple Beth Or in Everett, WA. She describes their Mitzvah Corps, community care through grief and mourning, addressing housing insecurity through Jewish Family Services, and other work from diversity, equity and inclusion to addressing anti-semitism.

Harriet Markell discusses her life in Bellingham and her involvement, eventually as vice president, in Congregation Beth Israel. She describes the scene in Bellingham from poetry to politics, including stories about COVID-19 and political challenges within Congregation Beth Israel.

Paul Blum discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Jewish congregations in Washington, especially at Congregation Beth Israel where he was a member of the COVID-19 Task Force. He discusses the Task Force's formation, operation, and challenges they faced.

Mark Silver discusses his family's migration story to Spokane and his life there. We learn about Jewish businesses in Spokane, and the generational shift from agriculture to the furniture business.

Rabbi Thal, born in Bellingham in 1942, talks about his path from a small-town childhood to a career as a rabbi after studying at Princeton and Stanford. He shares memories of Bellingham’s Jewish community, how it changed over time, and the important role his family played in it. Even after retiring in 2008, he stayed connected and involved, showing his lasting commitment to the Reform Jewish community and his roots in Bellingham.

Rabbi Samuels describes his journey to become the rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Bellingham, WA. He discusses the challenges of managing a diverse Jewish community and includes thoughts on his future aspirations.

This interview discusses Rabbi Bruce Kadden's life in Tacoma at Temple Beth El, especially the way that he navigates merging a Reform and Conservative congregation into one. He shares observations about Tacoma and the Jewish community there.

Daniel Raas discusses his family and personal history, focusing on his life and work in Bellingham. He discusses his Jewish education and engagement with Congregation Beth Israel, the history of the city and his personal involvement in community dynamics.

Rabbi Buchdahl was born in South Korea and grew up in Tacoma. She describes her journey to become the senior rabbi at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan, NY. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl discusses the impacts of COVID-19 on her congregation, especially about virtual connectivity. She discusses her upcoming memoir.

Paula Podemski worked at the Seattle Opera for nearly thirty years by the time of this interview. She discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the opera as well as some of her personal and family history.

This interview aimed to document the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Jewish congregations and synagogues in Washington. Rabbi Merlino represents Temple Beth Shalom and Congregation Emanu-El in Spokane, which are collaborative reform and conservative synagogues. Rabbi Merlino discusses her role over time and describes the impacts of COVID-19.

Harold reflects on the deep-rooted, close-knit Jewish community in Tacoma, emphasizing the importance of mutual support, ethical values, and cultural preservation across generations. He recounts his upbringing in a family active in religious life, the communal sharing of kosher food, and the vital role of institutions like the Sinai Temple and influential figures such as Rabbi Rosenthal. Through personal memories and historical context, Harold illustrates how dispersed yet connected community members sustained their heritage and fostered a strong, resilient identity.

Daughter of the rabbi, Deborah Calderon grew up in Temple Beth El in Tacoma. She reflects on the joy and challenges of her upbringing and records the story of her family's history as well.

Richard Arensberg, with the support of his cousin Mel Freeman, shares about his family's migration from Latvia to Bellingham, and his childhood in the tight-knit Jewish community on Capitol Hill. He discusses the family shoe business, and reflects on the importance of kindness and respect.

A Seattle native, Rodney Waldbaum discusses his professional success as a lawyer, community service at Jewish organizations, and his loving family.

Julie Briskman is an actor and producer living in Seattle, WA at the time of this interview. She discusses her experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the George Floyd Uprising, and her work organizing the Seagull Project company. Julie Briskman discusses her Jewish identity in relationship to acting, and discusses her future aspirations.

Rabbi Daniel Weiner and Pastor Carey Anderson discuss their collaborative interfaith work, which includes shared services. They discuss COVID-19 and the political landscape of the time.

Leslie Ray Bernstein explores her upbringing in Seattle and her relationship to Judaism and how it changed over time. She discusses her career in the textile industry, her involvement in arts communities, activism in the world of theater, and her family.

Miriam Schwartz is a family practice doctor based in Bellingham. She is a member of Congregation Beth Israel and served as the President of its Board of Directors. This interview discusses her experience during COVID-19, the construction of a new facilities for the congregation and the uniqueness of Bellingham's Jewish community.

Kevin Donner was born in Vancouver, CA and moved several times before settling in Bellingham, WA. He describes his changing relationship to Jewish life and identity over time and the Jewish community in Bellingham as he witnessed it.

Joel Benoliel, a first-generation American from a Sephardic Jewish family, grew up in Seattle surrounded by a tight-knit community that shaped his cultural and religious identity. He pursued law and political science at the University of Washington, co-founded the Sephardic Traditions Foundation, and played a key role in establishing the university’s Sephardic studies program. His professional journey—from law to real estate to executive leadership at Costco—culminated in his appointment to the UW Board of Regents, where he championed Jewish and Sephardic academic initiatives.

Point guard Sue Bird shares her journey in the world of women's basketball, describing the role models and coaches who inspired her personal and professional development. Sue Bird discusses growing up in an interfaith family and her personal background, changes she witnessed in the WNBA, and her future ambitions.

Tana Senn discusses her upbringing in Southern California and her family history - including her grandparents who were holocaust survivors. This interview highlights her legislative achievements, including passing equal pay legislation and addressing children's mental health.

Amy Lavin discusses her upbringing on Mercer Island, her college years from Northwestern to Duke, professional life and eventual return to Seattle. She shares her family's history and immigration story, as well as the changing styles of religious observance in her family. She discusses her long-standing relationship with the Jewish Community Center as well as her passion for cancer research.

Seattle native Bobbe Bridge gives some of her family background and explains her pursuit of a degree in judicial politics. She shares about the challenges she faced as a woman in the field of law and the changes she witnessed over time. Bobbe Bridge is interviewed about her journey from working in a law firm to joining the King County Superior Court Bench, and she reflects on her career and personal life as well.

Michele Rosen was raised by her grandparents in in Los Angeles in a culturally rich home with Yiddish spoken and traditional games played. During her high school years in the 1960s, Michele became involved in political activities, and eventually attended UC Berkeley where she participated in various protests and movements of the time. Michele Rosen is actively involved in volunteer work and have held significant roles at Jewish Family Services and Hillel.

Raised in New Hampshire with a rabbi grandfather, Michelle Goldberg discusses how her Jewish identity has shaped her life. This interview covers Michelle Goldberg's career from venture capital to technology companies, exploring the gender dynamics that she witnessed in these fields. Michelle eventually moved to Seattle and discusses her affection for the city. 

Doreen Alhadeff was raised in a Sephardic family in Seattle. Doreen shares about the time she spent studying in Spain before returning to Seattle to start a family and pursue a career in residential real estate. Doreen Alhadeff helped to found the Sephardic Network, connecting Seattle's Sephardic community and celebrating Sephardic culture. She tells the story of her pursuit of Spanish citizenship, a way that she has been able to honor her ancestors and reclaim her heritage.

Janet Varon's parents were Sephadic and Israeli, and she grew up in the Bronx and eventually in California. She attended Harvard Law School and worked at Evergreen Legal Services, eventually founding Nola, motivated by a desire to address systemic issues in healthcare.

Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney discusses her motivations for entering the music industry and the personal transformations she experienced through the music community. She discusses how her Jewish identity has shaped her life and music, especially the feelings of otherness and displacement. This interview also includes her more recent explorations of film through directing and acting.

Hilary Stern reviews her family history and her upbringing in Seattle and in Israel. As a young adult she taugh English as a second language and become involved in Latin American liberation struggles. Hilary became fluent in Spanish and after living in Nicaragua, returned to Seattle and founded Casa Latina.