The westernmost member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Sof History Project:
Excerpts from the Preface to the Appendix of the Sof History Project
By Mathew Sgan
During the course of doing the research for the narrative (Honey and Poi) describing the origins and development of Congregation Sof Ma’arav, I was fortunate… Continue reading
Honey and Poi The Modern Years: 2000-2016
BY MAT SGAN
A New Century Brings Good News
As Sof headed into the turn of the century, good news predominated. The balance sheet, led by dues, donations and cookbook sales, indicated some $39,000 in income. This enabled Sof to… Continue reading
Sof History: Merle Fishlowitz
By Mat Sgan
We called former Sof President Merle Fishlowitz in doing research for our book Honey and Poi: The Origins and Development of Congregation Sof Ma’arav in Honolulu Hawaiʻi. He responded with deep conviction to questions about his… Continue reading
Honey and Poi: The Middle Years 1980-1999
Background: In the beginning, Sof affiliated with the conservative movement of Judaism and was in touch with its headquarters at the Jewish Theological Seminary for ritual, religious, personnel, and organizational matters. The relationship had, however, not been smooth and… Continue reading
Praise for Honey and Poi
Honey and Poi was published about 3 months ago, and the critical reviews of it have started to arrive. Here are a few samples:
- Perhaps the best book about a small conservative shul on an island in the… Continue reading
Honey and Poi – Author’s Preface
By Dr. Mathew Sgan
“I read Honey and Poi in one reading. I couldn’t put it down. I especially loved knowing the details of how the schul came into being, who the pioneers were, and the split involving egalitarianism. It… Continue reading
From the Sof History Project
By Mat Sgan
Newly elected president Peter Freeman (1991–1992) took a page out of Ronald Reagan’s playbook with a “Morning in Sof” optimistic approach. Beginning with a warm letter to fellow congregants, Freeman invited all to participate fully, and included… Continue reading
Sof History – Gertrude Serata
From the Sof History Project – A Key Leader
By Mat Sgan
In 1979–1980, Gertrude Serata succeeded Jordan Popper as president of Sof Ma’arav. She was elected at the Annual Dinner meeting in May 1979. She had come to… Continue reading
Honey and Poi – New Sof Maʻarav History Books
Two new books, courtesy of the Sof History Project. Honey and Poi provides a history of Sof Maʻarav from its founding in 1971 until today. The Sof Maʻarav History Project Appendix offers additional information and details gleaned from… Continue reading
Frances Maltin’s Contribution to Major League Baseball
Contributed by Mat Sgan, part of the Sof Ma’arav History Project
As Mat Sgan explains:
Jackie Robinson broke the color line in Major League Baseball in 1947. Before that, and to prepare him and the world for that momentous occurrence,… Continue reading