Welcome to the press room for the 150th Anniversary Celebration.

Press Articles

July 30, 2011
The San Jose Mercury News, cover of Local section - click here

July 29, 2011
The Article in The J (Jewish News Weekly of Northern CA) - click here
The cover of the JCN, article starts on page 17 - click here

Interesting Facts

• Founders: Leopold Hart, a Frenchman whose descendants founded the now-defunct L. Hart and Son Department Store, which used to be a San Jose icon at the intersection of Market and Santa Clara streets. His grandson, Brooke, was kidnapped and killed in 1933, touching off the infamous downtown San Jose lynching of two suspects.
• Hart's half-brother was Lazard Lion, whose family name is still seen on the Lion Building's facade at Second and San Fernando streets in San Jose.
• Prominent members: Former San Jose Mayor Susan Hammer and husband, attorney Bill Hammer, and Councilwoman Rose Herrera.
• Cantor Meeka Simerly, who loves animals, initiated what is now a semiregular event: Pet Shabbats, where furry friends are invited to Saturday services.