The Texas Jewish Historical Society, (sometimes abbreviated TJHS), which began in 1980, is a society dedicated to the preservation of Jewish history in Texas.
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The society was founded after Rabbi Jimmy Kessler, the organization's founding president, published letters in Jewish newspapers in Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth. These letters called for the creation of a historical society to preserve and appreciate Jewish history in Texas. [1] [2] TJHS has about 800 members who meet quarterly around the state. Membership is open to anyone who wants to "further the Society’s goals." [3]
TJHS's website states that their purpose is to, "collect, preserve, publish and disseminate materials having reference to the settlement and history of Jews in Texas and their participation in its social, economic, religious, political, professional and cultural growth." [4] The TJHS records are located at The Center for American History, part of the University of Texas. [5]