Oral history interview with Jennie Shimel Ackerman, 1997.

ArchivalResource

Ackerman, Jennie Shimel, 1923-. Oral history interview with Jennie Shimel Ackerman, 1997.

Oral history interview with Jennie Shimel Ackerman, 1997.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50146501

The daughter of Louis and Lillian Vector Shimel, Jennie Shimel Ackerman recounts her early memories of a house on Rutledge Avenue, growing up with her sisters Dottie, Estelle, Rennee, and a cousin. The family moved to the corner of Bennett Street and Ashley Avenue when she was five. She speaks of a strong Jewish identity, socializing mostly with Jews, even though the family, who attended Brith Shalom Synagogue on holidays, was not kosher or observant. She attended four colleges: the College of Charleston, the University of Miami, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of South Carolina. Her father, Louis Shimel, was an assistant US Attorney; to help him in his office, she attempted to go to law school, but was frustrated in her attempt then and later at age 55. She became engaged to William Ackerman, a soldier in Charleston, after knowing him only for two weeks; she waited over two years for him to return and for them to marry in 1945. Soon after this, William Ackerman was caught providing funds for guns for the Hagannah, fighting for Israel's independence. The position of his father-in-law, Louis Shimel, prevented him from being arrested; he was told to stop his activities and he did. The interviewee mentions the law career of her daughter Connie, who left the profession because she cared more for morality than for law; and she speaks of the resourcefulness of her mother, managing rental property and the relationship of her mother and family and their African American maid, Anna. Brief mention is made of the creation of the Conservative Congregation, Emanu-El, so that men and women could sit together, and the refusal of the Orthodox Rabbi to partake in the Congregation's dedication because of that behavior.

Sound recording : 1 sound cassette : digital.Transcript : 26 p. ; 28 cm.

College of Charleston, Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library