Jews began settling in what is now the American Far West nearly 400 years ago, but the study of Western Jewish history is barely forty years old. This long, complex past abounds with vibrant pioneer male and female personalities and astonishing trailblazing deeds and misdeeds. It also offers fresh insights into how Jews retained their identity while pioneering under hostile and hospitable conditions. Some of you have considerable knowledge of this emerging strand of the American Jewish legacy; others, little or none. Who we were, are and can become lies buried in these roots. May this web site stimulate all of us to dig deeper. The rest will depend on you. Your interests, suggestions and questions will guide me. My e-mail address is harochlin@aol.com.

Harriet Rochlin