OC Jewish Historical Society - Merage JCC

Merage JCC
Orange County

OC Jewish Historical Society

The Orange County Jewish Historical Society is celebrating 26 years of discovering, preserving and promoting the Jewish community of Orange County. Founded in 1999 by Polly Sloan z”l, it has grown from a few items stored in people’s homes to an important source of the 165 years of Jewish presence here in the OC. Please enjoy the many resources provided on our site, and happy learning!

The Orange County Jewish Historical Society is funded by the Jewish Community Foundation Orange County.

Jews of Orange County – Our Story

Jews of Orange County is a multidisciplinary traveling exhibition for local Jewish and other educational institutions to promote awareness of the legacy of Jews from the founding of Orange County in the 1850s through today. Organized by Dalia Taft of the Merage JCC’s Orange County Jewish Historical Society, this is the first exhibit to take a comprehensive look at local Jewish history through words and images that appeal to both youth and adults. The story is told through eight panels containing approximately 50 images—many never before seen by the public—including ephemera, illustrated periodicals, newspapers, posters, photographs, and prints.

1857 - 1870

1870 - 1880

1900

1881 - 1920

1921 - 1960

1943 - 1970

1961 - 1990

1991 - 2023

Check out the OC Jewish History exhibit while visiting the JCC and learn about 165 years of Jewish OC! Located near the JCafé.

Snapshots in Jewish History

I'm Aaron (Pitzie) Silver (December 2024)

One Day in 1908 (November 2024)

A Profound Level of Kindness (October 2024)

OC's First Permanent Rabbi (September 2024)

The Silver Slugger (August 2024)

A Real Live Spot (July 2024)

Irvine's First Synagogue (June 2024)

Vim and Enthusiasm (May 2024)

Jewish Relief Drive (April 2024)

Mount Olive – Orange County’s First Jewish Cemetery (March 2024)

Krieger’s Shoes – A Santa Ana Landmark (February 2024)

"Irvino" Levin, OC's Kosher Food Pioneer (January 2024)

Historical Photos

Benjamin Dreyfus, King of the Anaheim Winemakers, 1880

Four young women sitting atop a Sam Stein delivery cart, Santa Ana, early 1920s

Gustav Davis, Anaheim businessman, 1880

Benjamin Dreyfus ad for kosher for Passover wine, 1863

Helena Mendelson Davis, wife of Gustav Davis

Postcard of Mendelson Mission Inn in San Juan Capistrano, early 1900s

Sam Hurwitz & Edith Nasatir engagement photo, Santa Ana, 1910

Sid Goldstein Freedom Park, Westminster

Temple Beth Sholom in Santa Ana, 1950s

Wm. Falkenstein Store, Anaheim, early 1900s

More Information & Resources

Jewish Museum of the American West

Jewish Historical Society of Southern California

American Jewish Historical Society

Jewish Genealogical Society of Los Angeles

Orange County Historical Society

Orange County Jewish Genealogical Society

Southwest Jewish Archives

Jewish Life Television, Across America - Anaheim, California

Jewish Community Blossoms in Orange County

Jewish Pioneers in OC: Did You Know?

Are you interested in learning more about the 165 year history of Jewish Orange County? Please contact Dalia Taft for additional information.