Jewish History Comes to Life at JFCS

Jewish Family & Career Services recently unveiled at its offices on Klempner Way a new display that is helping preserve the personal stories of Jewish life in Louisville for future generations.

Attendees at JFCS’s Annual Meeting were the first to view the new “Frank and Barbara Weisberg Family Fund for Jewish Oral History” display, which is open to visitors at the JFCS offices.

The exhibit, along with the overarching project, is years in the making. It features 22 participants who recently sat for video interviews where they reflected on their Jewish identity. Each story offers a unique and intimate perspective, and put together, they form a tapestry of tradition, resilience, and evolving identity of what it means to be Jewish in Louisville.

The Oral History project began years ago, in 2001, but thanks to the recent generous gift from Frank and Barbara Weisberg, the project gained a permanent home at JFCS and a new name. Their gift not only helped make the display possible but ensures its continued growth in the future.

“The Frank and Barbara Weisberg Family Fund for Jewish Oral History” honors their deep commitment to preserving and uplifting Jewish voices in our community.

The display itself currently features 22 individual plaques arranged across a dedicated wall. Each 8.5 x 11” plaque includes a photo of the interviewee, a memorable quote from their oral history, and a QR code linking to their full video interview on YouTube. The result is an exhibit that invites reflection, curiosity, and connection.

While the exhibit made its debut at the JFCS Annual Meeting in June, it is now open to the public for ongoing viewing by appointment.  If you would like to view the display, you can call the JFCS offices at (502) 452-634 to schedule a time.

The project is far from finished. JFCS is actively seeking volunteers to help conduct future interviews, as well as additional participants who wish to share their stories. As the collection grows, so too will the physical display, expanding to include new faces and voices from across the generations.

“Through this project, we hope to honor the stories and the experiences that shape Louisville’s vibrant Jewish community — and ensuring their stories are never lost,” said Courtney Evans, JFCS Director of Advancement.  “We’re so proud of what we’ve started, and with thanks to Frank and Barbera Weisberg, we’re excited about where it can go in the future.”

Those interested in participating contact JFCS by calling (502) 452-6341 or by emailing Courtney Evans at cevans@jfcslouisville.org.