Mamie Gamoran
Mamie Goldsmith Gamoran combated assimilation in America by writing children’s books on Jewish history and holidays that encouraged children to feel proud of their dual identities as Jews and Americans. Her own work made a great impact on the field of Jewish education as well: she wrote a three-volume work, The New Jewish History, in the 1950s to give Jewish children the sense that they were participants in an ongoing, exciting tradition. She also wrote a book about Jewish holidays, encouraging children to feel they didn’t have to choose between being Jewish and being American. Gamoran served as a volunteer for Hadassah and as both a national board member and vice president of Histadrut Ivriot of America, an organization that promoted the Hebrew language.
When Mamie Goldsmith Gamoran graduated from the Teachers Institute Extension Course of the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1922, she was acutely aware of how much needed to be accomplished in the field of Jewish education. She was saddened that the youth of her generation had “forged new chains and ties,” thereby dismissing their heritage. As a proud American and ardent Zionist, Gamoran believed that one could synthesize American culture with one’s commitment to Judaism. Although born to parents who were not strongly affiliated Jews, Mamie Gamoran dedicated her life to the Jewish community.
Early Life
She was born on January 17, 1900, in Long Island City, New York, to Mamie Aronson and Nathan Israel Goldsmith. Named after her mother, who died one week after her birth, Mamie had three older siblings, Joseph, Minnie, and Laurette, and also a half-brother, Edwin, born to her father and his second wife, Mathilde Bauer.
Mamie received her formative education in the New York City public school system. She continued her education at Columbia University and the University of Cincinnati but never matriculated at these institutions. Instead, she chose to receive a degree from the Teachers Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, a decision that best reflects her lifelong commitment to strengthening Jewish life.
Career
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Later Life
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Selected Works
Confirmation Service (1948)
Emanuel Gamoran: His Life and His Work, editor with Samuel Grand (1979).
A Family History. Edited by Hillel Gamoran (1985).
Fun Ways to Holidays: A Book of Puzzles Based on American and Jewish Holidays (1951).
Hadassah Handbook, editor with Minnie W. Halpern. 6th ed. (1960).
The Hebrew Spirit in America. Microfilm (1975).
Hillel’s Calendar (1960).
Hillel’s Happy Holidays (1939).
The Jewish Times (1975).
The New Jewish History (1953–1957).
Shimshon Benderly, translator (1963).
The Voice of the Prophets (1929).
AJYB 86:439.
EJ 4:479, s.v. “Samson Benderly,” and 7:308, s.v. “Emanuel Gamoran”.
Gamoran, Mamie. Biographical material. Hadassah Archives, NYC.
WWIAJ (1928, 1938).
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