California State University, San Bernardino has received an extraordinary collection of historical archives from Congregation Emanu El documenting 135 years of Jewish life in the Inland Empire. This landmark gift – the William Russler Memorial Archives of Congregation Emanu El Collection – will be housed at the university’s John M. Pfau Library.

Congregation Emanu El, formally chartered in San Bernardino in 1891, traces its roots to the region’s Jewish community of the 1850s. Among its most enduring legacies is the Home of Eternity Cemetery and Mausoleum, founded in the 1850s. It is designated as a California historical site and recognized as the oldest Jewish cemetery in continuous use in Southern California. The congregation relocated to Redlands in 2010 and has remained a vital part of the Inland region’s cultural and historical fabric.

“This is a significant moment for Cal State San Bernardino and the Inland Empire,” said Ginger Thomas, assistant director of philanthropy at CSUSB. “The trust placed in our institution through this gift ensures that the stories, voices, and contributions of Congregation Emanu El will be preserved and shared for future generations.”

Rabbi Hillel Cohn (left) and Greg Weissman
Rabbi Hillel Cohn (left) and Greg Weissman

For Congregation Emanu El, the gift represents both a preservation of history and a partnership with CSUSB.

“The rich history Congregation Emanu El enjoys in the San Bernardino Valley pairs perfectly with the resources and stewardship abilities of California State University, San Bernardino,” said Greg Weissman, president of Congregation Emanu El. “Since its charter in 1891, our synagogue has amassed a significant historical collection of writings and artifacts that weaves a wonderful tapestry to tell the story of the Jewish people in Southern California. CSUSB is perfectly positioned to preserve our rich history and make it available for generations to come.”

The archives include sermons from Rabbi Norman F. Feldheym and Rabbi Hillel Cohn, as well as photographs, ledgers, directories and commemorative plaques documenting generations of community life.

Eric Milenkiewicz, head of Special Collections and University Archives at the Pfau Library, emphasized the broader impact of the collection. “The William Russler Memorial Archives of Congregation Emanu El will strengthen the CSUSB Libraries’ extensive holdings on Inland Empire history and expand access to these primary source materials, enabling students, researchers, and community members to cultivate a deeper understanding of our region’s diverse cultural heritage.”

The gift advances the mission of the CSUSB Libraries by expanding access to primary historical materials and enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for students in archival preservation and research. It also reinforces CSUSB’s role as a leading center for Inland Empire historical scholarship.

Plans are underway to preserve and digitize the collection, making it accessible to local, national and international audiences. Priority will be given to the sermons of rabbis Feldheym and Cohn, ensuring their teachings and leadership remain available to future generations.

Funding associated with the gift will support storage, preservation, digitization, staffing and ongoing stewardship of the collection.

Reflecting on the broader significance of the collection, Rebecca Lubas, dean of CSUSB Libraries, said, “The William Russler Memorial Archives is foundational to our commitment to honoring the histories of the diverse communities of the Inland Empire.”

For more information about the William Russler Memorial Archives of Congregation Emanu El Collection, contact Eric Milenkiewicz at Eric.Milenkiewicz@csusb.edu.