Oral History Collection

The Nicki Newman Tanner

Oral History Collection

As part of JWA’s mission to expand the narrative of Jewish history, we have collected and recorded hundreds of interviews with leaders, activists, and community members across the United States, documenting their encounters with major events and movements of the 20th and 21st centuries and the many ways that gender, class, place, and religious and ethnic identities have shaped women’s lives. With generous support from Nicki Newman Tanner,  Mass Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, we are proud to make these interviews and transcripts available to the public. All entries include transcripts; audio or video recordings are also available where narrator permissions allow. 

More about the collection

Donna Sternberg

Project
Katrina's Jewish Voices

Rosalind Hinton interviewed Donna Sternberg on November 28, 2006, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as part of the Katrina's Jewish Voices Oral History Project. Sternberg discusses her upbringing, pro-Israel activism, and involvement in organizing disaster relief for Hurricane Katrina, reflecting on the impact on the Jewish community and government response.

Sara Stone

Project
Katrina's Jewish Voices

Rosalind Hinton interviewed Sara Stone on February 7, 2008, in New Orleans, Louisiana, as part of the Katrina's Jewish Voices Project. Stone details her early life, activism in the Jewish community of the South, experiences of prejudice, organizing the Women's Division of the Jewish Welfare Fund, and her resilience in the face of personal tragedy and Hurricane Katrina.

Nancy Timm

Project
Katrina's Jewish Voices

Rosalind Hinton interviewed Nancy Timm on August 22, 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana as a part of the Katrina's Jewish Voices Project. Nancy, a clinical social worker, discusses her New Orleans roots, upbringing, Jewish faith, involvement in various organizations, Hurricane Katrina's disruption including evacuation experiences and her daughter's challenges due to the storm, shifts in her counseling work, and her evolving relationship with Judaism.

Louis Trachtman

Project
Katrina's Jewish Voices

Rosalind Hinton interviewed Louis Trachtman on July 20, 2007, in New Orleans, Louisiana, as part of the Katrina's Jewish Voices Oral History Project. Trachtman discusses his family history, the transition from Orthodox to Conservative Judaism, his experiences as a physician during Hurricane Katrina, his involvement in the Chevra Kadisha, and his reflections on race relations in New Orleans.

Roselle Ungar

Project
Katrina's Jewish Voices

Rosalind Hinton interviewed Roselle Ungar on August 30, 2006, in Metairie, Louisiana, as part of the Katrina's Jewish Voices Oral History Project. Ungar talks about her role as assistant executive director of the Jewish Federation, creating resources for Katrina evacuees, connecting them to aid and facilitating community, and her part in rebuilding the Jewish community in New Orleans.

Rachel Van Voorhees

Project
Katrina's Jewish Voices

Rosalind Hinton interviewed Rachel Van Voorhees on August 2, 2007, in New Orleans, Louisiana, as part of the Katrina's Jewish Voices Oral History Project. Van Voorhees shares her path as a harpist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and discusses her life in New Orleans, including her Jewish identity and the impact of Hurricane Katrina on her home and family.

Toni Weiss

Project
Katrina's Jewish Voices

Rosalind Hinton interviewed Toni Weiss on July 11, 2007, in New Orleans, Louisiana, as part of the Katrina's Jewish Voices Oral History Project. Weiss discusses her upbringing in Tucson, her experiences during Hurricane Katrina, rebuilding her life as a single mother, career transitions, remarriage, and her commitment to community and spirituality.

Steven Winkler

Project
Katrina's Jewish Voices

Rosalind Hinton interviewed Steven Winkler on November 28, 2006, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as part of the Katrina's Jewish Voices Oral History Project. Winkler details his Jewish upbringing in Georgia, his career as a hospital administrator, and his involvement in the recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, emphasizing his dedication to healthcare and community service.

Carol Wise

Project
Katrina's Jewish Voices

Rosalind Hinton interviewed Carol Wise on July 8, 2007, in New Orleans, Louisiana, as part of Katrina’s Jewish Voices Oral History Project. Wise discusses her involvement in the New Orleans Jewish community, particularly her experiences during Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent rebuilding efforts, emphasizing the importance of including women and addressing racial tensions.

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How to cite this page

Jewish Women's Archive. "Oral History Collection." (Viewed on June 13, 2026) <https://qa.jwa.org/oralhistories>.