USA

TULSA

“Living apart doesn’t change the fact that we grow side by side and our roots will always be tangled”

Tulsa is a beautiful city in the state of Oklahoma, that is large in size but has a small town feel with a very tight community and full of culture, history and tradition.  A metropolitan city of about 400, 000 people with small but vibrant Jewish population of 1,900. Tulsa is in the heart of the country and is located between Kansas City, which lies to the north and Dallas, Texas which is to the south. The city serves as the major shopping and medical center for a large region that is home to nearly one million people. In the early 1900’s, Tulsa was known as the “Oil Capital of the World”. While Tulsa and  the immediate area are no longer a primary oil producing region, the city still owes a great deal to the petroleum industry, in the area of research, management and development. Other central economic contributors for this city are aviation and medical industries.

This community has so much to offer; on every corner (almost) you will find quaint independent bookstores, gift shops, coffee shops, and studios.  All are places where ideas or dreams have become relaities for the local entrepreneurs and artists.

Situated on the Arkansas River, that is known for its art deco architecture, mostly in the central Deco District boasting landmarks like the Philcade and Philtower buildings that reflect a 20th-century construction boom fueled by the prosperous local oil industry. The Philbrook Museum of Art is housed in an Italianate villa that was once the home of a local oil magnate.

The Tulsa Jewish community is well known locally and throughout the Jewish “world” as caring, cohesive community, strong in its Zionist roots and outstanding in its philanthropic endeavors for Jewish needs in Tulsa, in Israel and throughout the world.  Over 70% of the families are affiliated with local synagogues or the Jewish Community Center, an affiliation rate which is double the national rate.

Jewish Federation of Tulsa

The success of the Jewish Federation derives from an engaged Board of Directors, dedicated staff, generous donors, and an abundance of committed volunteers.

Their work is guided by these core values:

• Kehila – Community
  Fostering a connected and collaborative Jewish community, characterized by respect, empathy, and understanding.
• Tzedek – Justice
  Continuously improving the quality of life of all Tulsans, as well as our partners in Israel and abroad, through philanthropic giving of our resources and time.
• L’Dor V’dor – From Generation to Generation
  Sustaining the culture, traditions, and collective memory of the Jewish people, through innovative intergenerational programming that is meaningful, educational, and fun. 

The Jewish Federation of Tulsa is the umbrella agency for the Tulsa Jewish community and serves as the central organization of Jewish communities .…historically rooted in centuries of tradition and adapted to the patterns and practicalities of  American society.  The Tamar Regional Council has formed an alliance with this dedicated and highly respected organization with a view to connecting: People to people, Communities with communities and Business to business.

The federation meets a broad range of needs- cultural, religious, educational, family welfare, leisure, care of the aged and interfaith relations, at home and abroad.

The Federation studies trends, assesses new needs and identifies and priorities of the Jewish community. It funds local Jewish organizations and programs, operate leadership developments and recruits volunteers.

Here at the lowest place on earth, we are proud of our new connection across the ocean and look forward to hosting delegations of all ages here at Tamar.

Two flags together

Article by Tamar Council, translated and posted in Tulsa