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Saturday, March 19 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Into the Wilderness: Bentonville, Arkansas, and the "Walmart Jews"

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At a time when synagogues in small Southern towns are closing, a new synagogue in Bentonville, Arkansas, is thriving. Dedicated in 2005, it now has a rabbi, religious school, weekly Shabbat services, a sisterhood, and a brotherhood. Learn about the remarkable growth of its synagogue from two of its movers and shakers, Betsy Rosen and David Hoodis, as well as from Stan and Ellen Kessler, who go to Bentonville frequently on business with Walmart and who lived there for a time post-Katrina.

Speakers
avatar for David Hoodis

David Hoodis

David Hoodis, a well-recognized expert in retail innovation, has more than 22 years of broad leadership and experience. He is currently the president of IRI Retail, a market research company. Today, David, his wife Wynnie and daughters Sophia (16) and Valerie (12) live in Short Hills... Read More →
SK

Stan Kessler

Ellen and Stan Kessler both attended Miami Senior High School in Miami, Florida, but did not meet until their 25th reunion in July 1984.  They were married in December of that year, waiting until Ellen’s three daughters and Stan’s two sons had their Christmas vacations! Stan... Read More →
EK

Ellen Kessler

Ellen and Stan Kessler both attended Miami Senior High School in Miami, Florida, but did not meet until their 25th reunion in July 1984.  They were married in December of that year, waiting until Ellen’s three daughters and Stan’s two sons had their Christmas vacations! Ellen... Read More →
avatar for Betsy Rosen

Betsy Rosen

Raised in Minneapolis, Betsy Rosen and her husband Marc and children Josh (now 16) and daughter Alana (now 11) called Bentonville, Arkansas, home from 2000-2010. The Rosens were part of the 12 founding families of Congregation Etz Chaim (CEC) in 2004. Betsy served as CEC's first... Read More →

Saturday March 19, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Gates of Prayer -- Room 12 4000 West Esplanade Avenue South, Metairie, LA 70002
  Southern Jewish Life