David Lefkowitz, Jr. Papers

Manuscript Collection No. 650

1943-1990. 12.8 Linear ft.

ACCESS AND PROVENANCE

The David Lefkowitz, Jr. Papers were donated to the American Jewish Archives, by Leona Lefkowitz, Shreveport, Louisiana in August 1999. Leona Lefkowitz, by the act of donating the David Lefkowitz, Jr. Papers to the American Jewish Archives, assigned the property rights to the Archives. The Lefkowitz heirs hold all literary rights to materials authored by David Lefkowitz Jr. All literary rights to material authored by others are held by that individual or their heirs. Questions concerning rights should be directed to the Executive Director of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives.

The David Lefkowitz, Jr. Papers are open to all users. The original manuscript collection is available in the reading room of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH top

Rabbi David Lefkowitz Jr. was born in Dayton Ohio, in 1911 to Rabbi David Lefkowitz Sr., who moved the family to Dallas, Texas in 1920. He attended both the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University before entering the University of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1932. He received his rabbinical training from the Hebrew Union College, from which he was ordained in 1937.

Rabbi Lefkowitz' first pulpit assignment was as assistant rabbi to his father at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, the first instance in the American rabbinate where father and son served the same congregation. In 1940, he was called to the pulpit of B'nai Zion congregation in Shreveport, Louisiana to serve as associate rabbi to then Senior Rabbi Abram Brill. Lefkowitz attained the post of senior rabbi upon Brill's retirement in January 1941, and retained that position until his retirement in 1972. He continued to serve his congregation as Rabbi Emeritus until his death in 1999.

Lefkowitz served as a chaplain in the United States Air Force from 1943 through 1946. During that time, he served both at home and in Europe, where he helped homeless Jews in the various centers for displaced persons. He continued his military activity as a reservist and a member of many military organizations, such as the National Sojourners and the American Legion, for which he served as National Chaplain in 1950.

Lefkowitz was active in many aspects of the Reform movement. He served on various commissions of the CCAR, was a life member and founder of both the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), and the Southern Federation of Temple Youth (SOFTY), and finally served as the president of the National Organization of Retired Reform Rabbis (NAORRR) from 1988-1990.

In addition to his military and rabbinical activities, Lefkowitz also served as instructor to local universities, was active on many boards and commissions, national and local, and all manner of civic work. He died in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1999.

Related AJA Collections

Lefkowitz, David (Sr.) Papers. MSS. Coll No. 195

Shreveport, Louisiana - Congregation B'nai Zion Records. MSS Coll. No. 651.

Chaplaincy Nearprint File

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE top

Papers consist of correspondence, nearprint, sermons and other writings and material of David Lefkowitz, Jr., rabbi and chaplain. The collection contains materials pertaining to his rabbinical activities, his work in the chaplaincy, and his civic activities and is arranged into four(4) series as follows:

SERIES A: WRITINGS (1932-1988)

SERIES B: RABBINIC/ CONGREGATIONAL ACTIVITIES (1937-1990)

SERIES C: CORRESPONDENCE/ PROJECTS (1930-1991)

SERIES D: NEARPRINT (1937-1989)

SERIES A (1932-1988) consists of 13 Hollinger boxes. The writings are divided into two sub-series. Sub-series I, Sermons, covers Lefkowitz's sermonic material, organized by the weekly portion and/or holiday, when applicable. Sermons are organized by the weekly Torah portion as determined by the Jewish Calendar Cycle, and by holiday/category. They are ordered chronologically within their folders. Sub-series II, Other Writings, contains a variety of materiel, such as lectures, benedictions, and radio addresses. They are arranged alphabetically by topic and chronologically within folders.

SERIES B (1937-1990) consists of 11 Hollinger boxes. It contains documentation from Lefkowitz's activities as a congregational rabbi in Dallas and Shreveport, as well as his activities as Rabbi Emeritus. Materials are arranged alphabetically by topic and chronologically within the folder. Materials include include adult/youth course material, records for youth organizations (particularly the Southern Federation for Temple Youth) and congregant records such as marriage and funeral records.

SERIES C (1930-1991) consists of 6 Hollinger boxes. The series contains correspondence and documentation covering a wide range of projects and activities arranged alphabetically by topic/name. Correspondence is filed chronologially within topic. Topics of note include Lefkowitz's activity in the U.S. Air Force, the American Legion, NAORRR, correspondence with a congregation in Nigeria, a letter of commendation from the Vatican, and personal correspondence.

SERIES D (1937-1989) consists of 2 Hollinger boxes. It is arranged alphabetically by topic. The series includes SOFTY yearbooks, brochures and pamphlets, his chaplain ensign, and various certificates and awards.

BOX AND FOLDER LISTING top

SERIES A: WRITINGS (1932-1988)
          
    Subseries I: Sermons
     (Sermons are categorized by their weekly Torah portion as determined by the Jewish
     calendar cycle, and by holiday/type.  They are arranged chronologically within their
     folders).

        Box     Folder    Contents

          1     1         Bereshit. 1937-1970.
                2         Noach. 1937-1970.
                3         Lech Lecha. 1937-1974.
                4         Vayera. 1937-1968.
                5         Chayae Sara.h 1937-1969.
                6         Toledot. 1937-1975.
                7         Vayetze. 1937-1971.
          
          2     1         Vayishlach. 1937-1971
                2         Va-Yeshev. 1937-1970.
                3         Miketz. 1937-1970.
                4         Vayigash. 1937-1971.
                5         Va-yechi. 1937-1971.
                6         Shemot. 1937-1972.
                7         Va-era. 1937-1972.
          
          3     1         Bo. 1937-1972.
                2         Beshallach. 1937-1971.
                3         Yitro. 1937-1971.
                4         Mishpatim. 1937-1971.
                5         Terumah .1937-1970.
                6         Tetzaveh. 1937-1978.
                7         Ki Tisah. 1937-1972.
                8         Va-yikahel 1937-1974.
                9         Pekudei. 1937-1976.
            
          4     1         Va-Yikra. 1937-1971.
                2         Tzav. 1937-1971.
                3         Shemini. 1937-1974.
                4         Tazriah. 1937-1970.
                5         Metsorah. 1937-1971.
                6         Acharei Mot. 1937-1974.
                7         Kedoshim. 1937-1972.
                8         Emor. 1937-1972.
                9         B'har Sinai. 1937-1972.
                10        B'chukotai. 1937-1962.
          
          5     1         BeMidbar. 1937-1972.
                2         Nasoh. 1937-1968.
                3         Be-Ha'alotcha. 1937-1982.
                4         Shelach Lecha. 1937-1976.
                5         Chukat. 1937-1985.
                6         Balak. 1943-1944.
                7         Pinchas. 1974.
                8         Matot. 1937-1944.
                9         Ki Tetze. 1944.
                10        Ki Tavo 1937-1948.
                11        Nitzavim. 1937-1942.
                12        Ha'azinu. 1937-1965.
                13        Armistice (Veteran's) Day Sermons. 1937-1960
                14        Chanukah Sermons. 1937-1966.
                15        Chaplaincy Sermons. 1943-1944.
                16        Consecration Sermons. 1959-1970.
                17        Miscellaneous Sermons. 1937-1980.
                18        Miscellaneous Sermons. (Delivered by others) 1965-1969.
          
          6     1         Passover Sermons. 1937-1968.
                2         Purim Sermons. 1937-1941.
                3         Sermonettes. Undated.
                4         Sermon Ideas/Drafts . 1937 ; undated.
                5         Shavuot Sermons. 1937-1961.
                6         Sukkot Sermons. 1937-1971.
          
          7     1         Rosh Hashanah Evening.  1937-1984.
                2         Rosh Hashanah Morning.  1937-1982.
                3         Shabbat Shuvah.  1937-1972.
          
          8     1         Yom Kippur Evening. 1937-1982.
                2         Yom Kippur Children's Sermons. 1937-1972.
                3         Yom Kippur Memorial Sermons. 1937-1984.
                4         Yom Kippur Morning. 1937-1982.
          
          Subseries II: Other Writings
          
          9     1    Americana Lectures Institute. 1942.
                2    Addresses, Various.
                3    Assorted Lectures. 1940-1949.
                4    Assorted Lectures. 1950-1959.
                5    Assorted Lectures. 1960-1969.
                6    Assorted Lectures. 1970-1979.
            
          10    1    Benedictions and Invocations.
                2    Book Reviews.
                3    Centenary College. 1957-1979.
                4    Centenary College. 1980-1988.
                5    Comparative Religion. (LSU)
                6    Creative Liturgy.
                7    Educational Material.
                8    Graduation Addresses.
                9    High Holiday Material.
            
          11    1    HUC Material.
                2    Mishnah/Midrash:  Assorted Material.
                3    Miscellaneous Writings. 1937-1948.
                4    Miscellaneous Writings. 1950-1959.
                5    Miscellaneous Writings. 1964-1967.
                6    Miscellaneous Writings. 1970-1978.
                7    Miscellaneous Writings. 1980-1990.
                8    Miscellaneous Writings. Undated.
            
          12    1    Notes and Rough Drafts.
                2    Notes and Rough Drafts.
                3    Notes and Rough Drafts.
                4    "Passing Thoughts for The Temple." 1950-1975.
                5    Patriotic Addresses/editorials. 1940-1946.
                6    PTA Lectures.
          
          13    1    Radio Addresses. 1937-1939.
                2    Radio Addresses. 1940-1943.
                3    Radio Addresses. 1944-1949.
                4    Radio Addresses. Undated.
                5    Sabbath Morning Bible Lectures. 1947-1971.

          
          SERIES B: RABBINIC/CONGREGATIONAL ACTIVITIES (1931-1990)
          
          14     1    Adult Education: Lectures/Notes.
                 2    Advanced Hebrew Course.
                 3    Bar/Bat Mitzvah Material.
                 4    B'nai Brith.
                 5    Chanukah.
                 9    Confirmation Class. 1938-1940.
                 10   Confirmation Class. 1942.
                 11   Confirmation Class. 1942.
                 12   Confirmation Class. 1948-1950.
                 13   Confirmation Class. 1952-1954.
          
          15     1    Confirmation Class. 1955.
                 2    Confirmation Class. 1956-1957.
                 3    Confirmation Class. 1958-1959.
                 4    Confirmation Class. 1960-1961.
                 5    Confirmation Class. 1962.
                 6    Confirmation Class. 1963-1965.
                 7    Confirmation Class. 1967-1968.
                 8    Confirmation Class. 1969-1970.
                 9    Confirmation Class. 1971-1972.
          
          16     1    Confirmation Class Lecture Notes.
                 2    Confirmation Class:  Comparative Religion.
                 3    Eulogies. 1938-1949.
                 4    Eulogies. 1950-1959.
                 5    Eulogies. 1960-1964.
                 6    Eulogies. 1965-1969.
                 7    Eulogies. 1970-1989.
                 8    Eulogies. Undated.
          
          17     1    Instillation Services
                 2    Junior Congregation:  Temple Emanu-El. 1937-1938.
                 3    Pre-Confirmand Service. 12 June 1948.
                 4    PTA. 1938-1939.
                 5    Records of Death. 1937-1949.
                 6    Records of Death. 1950-1952.
                 7    Records of Death. 1953-1954.
                 8    Records of Death. 1955-1957.
                 9    Records of Death. 1958-1959.
            
          18     1    Records of Death. 1960-1962.
                 2    Records of Death. 1963-1964.
                 3    Records of Death. 1965-1967.
                 4    Records of Death. 1968-1970.
                 5    Records of Death. 1971-1973.
                 6    Records of Death. 1974-1976.
                 7    Records of Death. 1980-1989.
                 8    Records of Death. Undated.
          
          19     1    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1938.
                 2    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1953-1956.
                 3    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1957-1958.
                 4-5  Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1959.
          
          20     1-2  Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1960.
                 3    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1960. 
          
          21     1    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1961.
                 2    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1962.
                 3    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1963.
          
          22     1    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1964-1965.
                 2    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1966.
                 3    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1967.
                 4    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. 1968-1970.
                 5    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. Correspondence. 1950-1961.
          
          23     1    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. Correspondence. 1961-1968.
                 2    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. Undated.
                 3    Southern Federation of Temple Youth. Yom Kippur Services.
            
          24     1    Study Series (Bible).
                 2    Study Series (Comparative Religion).
                 3    Study Series (Holidays).
                 4    Study Series (Pre-Sunday School Mothers).
                 5    Study Series (Responza).
                 6    Study Series (Sisterhood).
                 7    Study Series (Sisterhood/Temple Youth Group).
                 8    Study Series (Spanish Inquisition).
                 9    Study Series (Story of Judaism).
                 10   Study Series (Talmud).
                 11   Study Series (Torah).
                 12   Study Series (Where Judaism Differed).
                 13   Weddings. 1944-1959.
                 14   Weddings. 1960-1992.
          
          
          SERIES C: PROJECTS AND CORRESPONDENCE
          
          25     1    American Committee for Judaism (ACJ). Correspondence. 1942-1949.
                 2    ACJ. 1950.
                 3    ACJ. Correspondence. 1951-1954.
                 4    American Legion.  1943-1950.
                 5    American Legion. 1951.
                 6    American Legion. 1952-1956.
                 7    American Legion. Undated.
          
          26     1    Auxiliary Chaplaincy.
                 2    B'nai Brith.
                 3    Boy Scouts.
                 4    Chaplaincy Records-Undated.
                 5    Congratulatory. Correspondence. 1950.
                 6    Masonic Activities.
                 7    Military Correspondence. 1943-1946.
                 8    Military Correspondence. 1948-1949.
                 9    Military Correspondence. 1950-1952.
          
          27     1    Military Correspondence. 1953-1964.
                 2    Military Correspondence. 1966-1972.
                 3    Military Correspondence. Undated.
                 4    Military Documentation. 1943-1944.
                 5    Military Documentation. 1945-1946.
                 6    Military Documentation. 1947-1949.
          
          28     1    Military Documentation. 1950-1954.
                 2    Military Documentation. 1964-1995.
                 3    Military Order of the World Wars. Correspondence. 
                 4    Military Order of the World Wars. Documentation. 1952.
                 5    Military Orders/Reports. 1945.
                 6    Military Writings.
          
          29     1    National Organization of Retired Reform Rabbis (NAORRR).
                 2    National Organization of Retired Reform Rabbis. Correspondence.
                 3    National Brotherhood Week.
                 4    National Sojourners .
                 5-6  Nigerian Correspondence.
          
          30     1    Personal Correspondence. 1930-1949.
                 2    Personal Correspondence. 1950-1959.
                 3    Personal Correspondence. 1961-1991.
                 4    Prayer in Schools. 
                 5    Red Cross.
                 6    Religious School. Correspondence.
                 7    Sisterhood.
          
          SERIES D: NEARPRINT
          
          31     1    Brochures.
                 2    Certificates.
                 3    Clippings-Civilian.
                 4    Clippings-Military.
                 5    Legal.
                 6    Memoirs.
                 7    Miscellaneous.
                 8    Oversized Items.
          
          32     1    Photographs-Civilian
                 2    Photographs-Military
                 3    SOFTY Yearbooks