News from Other Societies - JGSTB

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Tampa Bay will meet at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 14th, at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services, 14041 Icot Blvd., Clearwater, Fla. for a presentation by Bill Israel on "Historic Synagogues of Budapest and Bucharest." Bill, and his wife, Sally, traveled in Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania in April of this year, where they made it a point to seek out and visit historical synagogues. Bill will present his photo and video travel journal of the synagogues they visited including an in-depth tour of The Great Synagogue of Budapest, also known as the Dohany Street Synagogue, and its museum. This synagogue is the largest in Europe, and either the largest or second largest in the world. Its square footage is less than that of Temple Emmanuel in New York, but the Great Synagogue of Budapest seats 3,000, whereas Temple Emmanuel seats only 2,500. The Great Synagogue dates from the 1850's, and today is one of the most beautiful buildings and sought after tourist attractions of Budapest, as well as the main synagogue of the local Jewish community. A photo record of other historical synagogues of Budapest and Bucharest – most dating from the mid-1800s will also be shown. Several of these synagogues are now museums or are used to house businesses, but they retain their beauty. Bill's photos and videos of them will let you visit them too.

Anyone interested in learning how to do Jewish genealogical research is invited to attend. Beginners as well as experienced researchers are welcome. For further information on the Jewish Genealogical Society of Tampa Bay or directions to the meeting call Sally Israel at 727-343-1652.