Catalog of Manuscript Collections

Creator: Elliot B. Gertel (b. 1954) Extent: ca. 5,000 items Description: Rabbi Gertel's collection consists of personal papers during his tenure at Beth-El Keser Israel, a Traditional Conservative synagogue in Westville. He was instrumental in almost doubling the membership through creative programs within its religious community and in the greater New Haven community. The papers include history of Beth-el Keser Israel; Friday night and High Holy Day sermons; eulogies; addresses celebrating life-cycle events of congregants; book and theater reviews written by Gertel for various periodicals; and correspondence, partially relating to his interests in synagogue architecture and literary criticism. Persons represented include rabbis Robert E. Goldburg, Andrew Klein, Jacob Kohn, and Israel Herbert Levinthal. Research Topics: Career of Rabbi Elliot B. Gertel at Beth-el Keser Israel; Judaism in New Haven