Hello Everyone.

I just had a couple of thoughts on the proposed name change which I raised at the last board meeting. I feel it is time to change the name and focus of our society and the reasons are listed below.

• Since COVID the world of genealogical societies has changed, and membership is down nationwide. Those that are thriving are doing so because they are adapting. Changing the name and focus would enable us to grow and have a larger presence in Utah. Adding Historical to our name would show that but more importantly if we focus our society toward preserving Utah’s Jewish history, which would still include genealogy, we would be more welcoming toward a larger group.
• Nationwide, Jewish Historical Societies are growing and making a difference. I welcome everyone to visit the website of The Dallas Jewish Historical Society (djhs.org) to see the incredible things they are doing. Visit their Oral History Project and see how they are documenting family history. I am a member, and I am constantly impressed by the society.
• We would also be able to work closer with groups such as the Utah Historical Society (history.utah.gov), University of Utah History department, BYU history department and so forth.
• We would not have to do monthly meetings, we could also have ongoing projects to document Utah Jewish history, however, when we have meetings, we could draw on a larger selection of speakers. We could have unlimited opportunities.
• We would open ourselves to a potentially new membership base. Societies around the country that have a historical focus are attracting younger members.

I would hope that by making these changes, we could grow and prosper as a society.

All my best

Todd