Benjamin Rigberg collection on Judaism in Walla Walla records, 1998-2001

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Rigberg, Benjamin
Title
Benjamin Rigberg collection on Judaism in Walla Walla records
Dates
1998-2001 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.4 linear feet, (1 box)
Collection Number
WCMss.050
Summary
This collection contains subject files and oral history interviews used in the writing of "Walla Walla: Judaism in a Rural Setting," by Benjamin Rigberg.
Repository
Whitman College and Northwest Archives
Whitman College and Northwest Archives
Penrose Library, Room 130
345 Boyer Avenue
Walla Walla, WA
99362
Telephone: 5095275922
Fax: 5095264785
archives@whitman.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Benjamin Rigberg was born in 1912 in the Jewish agricultural colony of Woodbine, New Jersey. His family moved to Philadelphia when Benjamin was five, and he grew up and attended school there. He received his BS from Temple University, his MA from the University of Illinois at Urbana, and his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1946. Rigberg's studies in Jewish History and the Hebrew language included a year and a half at Gratz Hebrew College from 1929 to 1931, and a year and a half at the Jewish Theological Seminary from 1983 to 1985.

His wife, Katherine Rigberg, accepted a teaching position at Whitman College in 1998-99, and he discovered the existence of a small Jewish community. His interests in the history of the community led him to begin work on the Oral History Project of Congregation Beth Israel.

The materials in this collection document the history of the Jewish community in Walla Walla and the creation of the Congregation Beth Israel.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection includes information about members of Congregation Beth Israel, subject files on topics relating to Judaism in Walla Walla, and oral histories used for Mr. Rigberg's research.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Donated to the Whitman College and Nothwest Archives by Benjamin Rigberg in March 2002. The accession number associated with this donation is retro-0043.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Geographical Names

  • Walla Walla (Wash.)