Synagogue postcards exhibit to see at home

by Jamie Rhein on

In an earlier post today, I highlighted a video where post cards were used to tell a bit about Iran’s history. Here’s another interesting use of postcards.

The Web site of the National Museum of Jewish History has a page dedicated to postcards of synagogues from across the U.S. The 61 postcards featured are of synagogues that have played an important role in the communities where they were built. In some cases, according to the description of the on-line exhibit, the buildings no longer exist, and the communities may have disappeared as well. In other cases, the synagogue may have been remodeled since the postcard was made. The exhibit moves through the states in alphabetical order.

One interesting detail is how many of the synagogues got their start when the community bought land for a cemetery. Also of note, is how the architecture of many of the buildings reflect Judaism’s connection to the Middle East.

The exhibit also points out how postcards have been an important way for travelers to stay connected to people back home. In the case of these postcards, synagogues were a popular subject for Jewish people who were looking to highlight an aspect of their journey.

The collection is wonderful. Personally, I love the soft, nostalgic tones of old postcards. This collection is an interesting addition to an American history lesson. The postcard featured here is of the Stone Avenue Temple in Tucson. Today it’s on the National Register of Historic Places and is where the Jewish Heritage Center of the Southwest is located. Keep reading to see what the building looks like today.

According to the Jewish Heritage Center’s Web site, the first synagogue in Tucson was constructed in 1910 by Jewish pioneers, but was relocated in 1949. The stained glass windows are close reproductions of the original. Click here for an inside view.

I found all this out by starting off with the postcard. Until a few minutes ago, I didn’t know that Tucson had a Jewish Heritage Center, or that Jewish pioneers settled there almost 100 years ago.

Think about all the buildings we pass by that we don’t know much about, or what it may have looked like when it was first built. Postcards are one way to chronicle the story.

Black History Month: A look at places to visit year round.

by Jamie Rhein on

Black History month sped by this year. In my mind, a history month merely indicates those places that should be on our radar year around. Here are several places and events we’ve covered in the past. Hopefully in your travels between now and next February, you’ll be able to head to one or two of them. As I read through the posts, the scope of African American history in the U.S. struck me. I knew that before, but it’s good to review the vastness, and how African American history is such an important part of the U.S. fabric that ties the country together in such a unique, diverse way.

To see more than one significant site, take an African-American heritage tour. This post lists several. The photo is of the painting “Neighborhood” by African American artist Jacob Lawrence who created a series of paintings on the Great Migration–the movement of African Americans to northern cities. The paintings are part of the collection at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.

Winter Adventures in the Pyrenees

by Kraig Becker on

Spain is seldom considered a great destination for skiers, but this story from the Wall Street Journal, says that the Pyrenees Mountains, found in the northern part of that country, are amongst Europe’s hidden gems when it comes to winter outdoor adventure.

Far from the crowds that are the norm for the top ski destinations in Europe, the Pyrenees of Spain offer plenty of solitude and untouched snow, along remote trails that wind their way between rock towers and hidden valleys. The area is almost completely lacking in ski resorts as they are traditionally known, so those looking to ski Spain’s northern mountains will generally need a guide to help them find the safest and best cross country or downhill routes. These trails generally aren’t as long as those found in the more developed resort areas of the Pyrenees or Alps, but they make up for it with their unique setting.

The fact that the region hasn’t been over developed yet by ski resorts doesn’t mean that visitors will have be lacking in other amenities. Over the past ten years, Northern Spain has been a growing destination for tourists in general, and that has led to the construction of a number of inns and weekend apartment complexes, as well as given rise to mountain guide services. Restaurants and clubs have added to the nightlife as well.

The region is also rich in culture and history, making the entire experience very different from the more overly commercialized skiing destinations in other European countries. Head here when you want to escape the crowds and have a ski adventure unlike any other.

Video postcards from Iran

by Jamie Rhein on

A few days ago, I posted about one person’s experience traveling to Iran. He and the woman he traveled with found Iranians to be the “friendliest” people. What I liked about the article is that it showed a different aspect of a place that many people don’t know much about. What we know of a place we haven’t been is what we have read or seen on the news which often is the sound bite version. As several comments on the post pointed out, Iranians aren’t the only group of “friendliest” people in the world. Of course not. The author of the article was pointing out something he didn’t expect.

I would venture, though, that it’s difficult to acquire an accurate impression of a place without going there ourselves. To make well-rounded impressions from secondary sources takes much reading and asking questions, particularly when the place is controversial. This video is detailed look into Iran’s vast history through a series of postcards and narration that covers important sites throughout the country. What I thought of when I saw the video is just how interesting Iran looks as a place to visit, friendly people or not. I do love places where people offer travelers tea.

For more travel to Iran details check out Iran Custom Travel. The company is run by a woman sociologist/traveler who lived in Iran. The quick facts page offers info in a nutshell.

Gadling Take FIVE–Week of Feb. 21-Feb. 27

by Jamie Rhein on

First, Tynan and Todd are off on their Pan Panama Road Trip with a new video update to prove it. Also, throughout the week, there have been more installations on Gadling’s Budget Travel Series: Mexico; Seattle; Boston; and Ft. Lauderdale.