05. Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica

Classification

Identifier: 05

With holdings of over 100,000 volumes, the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica at the University of Florida, is considered the foremost Jewish studies research collection in the southeastern United States. In terms of many of its scarce late 19th to early 20th century imprints, it ranks among the top 20 academic libraries in the world. Furthermore, many thousands of its titles in Hebrew and Yiddish are held by less than 10 libraries in the United States. Below is a listing of the archival holdings of the Price Library.

Found in 51 Collections and/or Records:

Price Library of Judaica Anniversary Periodicals Collection

Collection

Identifier: JUD Coll. 0001

Abstract This unique collection contains periodicals representing over 300 titles from almost thirty countries, offering a glimpse into the Jewish press worldwide throughout the twentieth century. It illustrates a multitude of Jewish political, cultural, and economic voices and the religious, literary, and mundane interests of Jewish readers in various countries. The collection is not representative of the period's Jewish news publications; nevertheless, it introduces readers to the main trends of...

Dates: 1896-2009

Found in: Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Price Library of Judaica Calendar Collection

Collection

Identifier: JUD Coll. 0002

Abstract

The items included sample the rich variety in genre and form of the Hebrew calendar and demonstrate the role of time keeping in Jewish cultures throughout the ages.

Dates: 1946-2017; Majority of material found within 1950-1973

Found in: Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

B.L. Pemstein Papers

Collection

Identifier: Ms 200

Abstract

Correspondence of B.L. "Bunny" Pemstein, a young Jewish Navy recruit stationed at Key West during World War II.

Dates: 1943-1944

Found in: Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Rabbi Jacob Kaplan Scrapbooks

Collection

Identifier: PKY 88.011

Abstract

News clippings, photographs, and correspondence compiled by Rabbi Kaplan while at Temple Israel in Miami from 1926-1947.

Dates: 1926-1947

Found in: Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Richard M. Feist Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0326

Abstract This collection contains the papers of Richard M. Feist and some papers of Abraham Glück and Hermann Neudorf. These records include both personal and professional papers, and correspondence with members of the Jewish Brigade of the British Army, family members, members of Kibbutz Buckingham in England, various organizations in Europe and Palestine/Israel, and private persons searching for relatives or for other types of aid from 55 Search Bureau of the British Army of the Rhine following the...

Dates: 1945-1953

Found in: Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Reverend Benjamin Safer and Family Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0332

Abstract This collection documents the life of four generations of the Safer family of Jacksonville, Florida. It holds Reverend Benjamin Safer's Collection, including sermons, letters, notes, and family photographs. In addition, it includes official documents and photographs of the places where various family members lived and worked in Lithuania and Jacksonville, Florida. The family reunion scrapbook from 1978 and Edwin Safer's correspondence with the Miami Jewish Museum, which are also included in...

Dates: 1901-2017

Found in: Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

David Crown Holocaust Print Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0334

Abstract

Artist David Crown worked across various media and was the Founder and Director of the International Mezzotint Society. This collection consists of a series of Crown's prints, titled In My Lifetime, which depicts various themes and scenes of the Holocaust. Additional prints, sketches, original etched copper printing plates, and documents are also included.

Dates: 1985-2013, undated

Found in: Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Stirt Family Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0352

Abstract Irving Stirt (1921-2010) grew up in Kaunas (Kovno), Lithuania and immigrated to the United States in 1940. He lived in New York, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Marinette (WI), during which time he completed high school, enlisted in the U.S. army, and married. Stirt's family, who remained in Kaunas, are presumed to have been killed by the Nazis in 1941. This small archive includes a diary, letters, documents, and photographs that evidence Stirt's departure from Lithuania at the age of 19, the death...

Dates: 1923-2010; Majority of material found within 1938-1941

Found in: Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Emanuel Merdinger Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0355

Abstract

Emanuel Merdinger (1906-1997) was a chemist, Holocaust survivor, and professor. This collection includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, school IDs, diplomas, and an autobiography. The autobiography contains the English translation of the letters Merdinger exchanged with Albert Speer, a former high ranking Nazi official.

Dates: 1928-1997; Majority of material found within 1947-1983

Found in: Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida

Phil Emmer Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0363

Abstract Philip I. Emmer is a real estate developer known for his work throughout Florida. His firm, Emmer Development Corporation, has developed properties in 15 Florida counties, from low-income, turnkey housing to luxury apartment complexes. Emmer is also well known for his philanthropy and public service. This collection focuses on the philanthropy and public service of Emmer, as well as his career in housing development. The collection also holds documentation regarding low-income housing, in...

Dates: 1941-2014; Majority of material found within 1970-2010

Found in: Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida