The Jewish Genealogy Society of Southern Nevada (JGSSN), established in 1989, is a chapter of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) and “is dedicated to researching and preserving Jewish family history in the United States and throughout the world.” In its early days, JGSSN met in the library in Temple Beth Sholom, but by the late 1990s, it became inactive. In 1998 Carole Montello reorganized and revitalized the Society. It offers free monthly classes, compiles resources on its website, and connects members who help each other research family history.
Corporate Body
Interview with Max Goot by Charles Collins, March 22, 1976. In this interview, Goot talks about how he came to Las Vegas in 1945 and purchased Stoney's Jewelry, which he sold in 1951, and then bought Tinch Furniture Store. He was friends with Hank Greenspun and active in local politics and community affairs, including Temple Beth Sholom. He talks about selling the former Beth Sholom building at 13th and Carson Streets to the Greek church, and other fund raising activities. He speaks briefly about atomic tests, and the growth of the city.
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Jewish Federation of Las Vegas Board meeting minutes, December 5, 1990.
Marc Ratner was born July 25, 1944 in Phoenix, Arizona. His family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada when he was in the seventh grade in 1957. The Ratner family belonged to Temple Beth Sholom. Ratner is a graduate of Las Vegas High School and Nevada Southern (now UNLV.) Ratner worked for decades at officiating and regulating sports events, especially boxing, mixed martial arts, and football. He served as official in three collegiate bowl games: the 2003 Aloha Bowl, 2000 Independence Bowl and 2006 Cotton Bowl.
Person
Michael Baller was born December 1, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan. In 1954 as a teenager, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and grew up in the Crestwood area. He attended Las Vegas High School, where he met his wife, Susan Lockitch. The two were married in 1960 at Temple Beth Sholom, once he returned from his service in the United States Marine Corps.
Person
Stan Irwin was born March 28, 1920 in New York City, New York. His life story spans many decades and includes attending New York University, doing stand-up comedy, being a pilot during World War II, working at Club Bingo in Las Vegas, Nevada, and building up the entertainment at the Sahara Hotel and Casino. Irwin was an entertainment manager active in Las Vegas from 1946 until the late 1970s. For many years, he served as the vice president and executive producer of entertainment for the Sahara.
Person
Michael Baller was born December 1, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan. In 1954 as a teenager, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and grew up in the Crestwood area. He attended Las Vegas High School, where he met his wife, Susan Lockitch. The two were married in 1960 at Temple Beth Sholom, once he returned from his service in the United States Marine Corps.
Person
Interview with Deanne Alterwitz-Stralser with contributions from her son Daryl Alterwitz on November 1, 2014. In this interview Deanne talks about her Jewish upbringing near the Illinois-Indiana state line, meeting her first husband Oscar, with whom she had four children, and the difficulties with keeping kosher. The family moved to Las Vegas from Gary, Indiana for opportunities in the furniture business. Daryl weighs in on his father's personality, business decisions, and their move to Las Vegas. They discuss the location of the store the Alterwitz's bought (Walker Furniture) and purchasing the building from Jackie Gaughan, and the different tastes in furniture in Las Vegas. Then they talk about the Jewish community and the division between the east and west sides.
On New Year's Day, 1931, Deanne Alterwitz-Stralser was born Deanne Friedman in Hammond, Indiana, the daughter of an insurance salesman and a stay-at-home mom. Deanne spent her childhood in Calumet City, just across the state line in Illinois, and was raised with a strong Jewish identity. At the age of sixteen, she met her first husband, Oscar Alterwitz, at an Alpha Zadik Alpha (AZA) dance in Gary, Indiana, and the two were married in 1950. Deanne and Oscar settled in Gary, where they had four children?Aimee, Larry, Daryl and Linda?and took over the Alterwitz family furniture business. Eventually, the couple grew the business to three successful retail furniture stores. However, a decline in the city's safety and opportunities forced the Alterwitz's to consider relocating, and in 1973, after a family vote, Deanne and Oscar moved their family to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, Deanne and Oscar bought Walker Furniture from original owners, George and Ruth Walker. Deanne used her artistic eye and training from the Art Institute of Chicago to lead the design and merchandising elements of the business. Socially, Deanne integrated into the local Jewish community, and ensured her children participated in Jewish life as well. Deanne and Oscar's children still remained involved in Walker Furniture operations, including Daryl, who serves as the company's general counsel; Larry, who is the company's president; and a daughter who now oversees the store's design and merchandising.
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