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Family History and the Myths of Jewish Migration: David Blumenfeld’s Journey From Courland to Minnesota — and His Return
Join us on April 27 for an evening of learning about the myths of Jewish migration, as viewed through the life story of David Blumenfeld, whose papers are archived in the Upper Midwest Jewish Archives. Guests will enjoy presentations by two of Blumenfeld’s family members, Professor Deborah Hertz and Frederick Hertz, with introductory remarks by Robert Hertz. Blumenfeld’s original manuscripts and his self-published books will be on display.
Following the trail of his father and accompanied by his mother and siblings, 20-year-old David Blumenfeld left his comfortable Jewish community of Courland (now western Latvia) in 1884, settling in Minnesota, where he remained for the duration of his life. While achieving financial security as a successful clothing merchant, David devoted much of his time to writing novels, poetry and historical manuscripts about Jewish society and religion. In his sixties he penned an novelized family story, which was lost upon his death but rediscovered more than fifty years later. Entitled “Diary,” it tells the story of David’s life and community in Courland, their journey to America, and his struggle to become rich in what he called the “Continent of Glory.”
His great-granddaughter, Professor Deborah Hertz (University of California, San Diego), will discuss the recurring myths of Jewish emigration, the underlying motivations for the journey by David and his family, and what David’s story tells us about the community and family conditions that propelled so many Jews in the nineteenth century to seek their freedom and fortune in the United States.
David’s great-grandson Frederick Hertz will describe how the discovery of the Diary motivated David’s descendants to travel to his hometown and share his narrative with the town’s historian. In ways that David never could have imagined, his writing has resulted in a comprehensive museum exhibit on nineteenth-century Jewish life in his ancestral town, opening doors to Jewish history in a country still struggling with its complicity in the killing of most all of the Jews in World War II.
Event registration
This event is free and open to all. Please register if you plan to attend.
Event program
- 3:30-4 p.m.: Doors open; early arrivals welcome to view papers and books from the Blumenfeld archives
- 4–4:45 p.m.: Program with introductory remarks by Robert Hertz, illustrated lectures by Professor Deborah Hertz and Frederick Hertz
- 4:45-5 p.m.: Q&A
- 5-6 p.m.: Reception with Blumenfeld archives viewing time
About the speakers
Deborah Hertz holds the Wouk Chair in Modern Jewish Studies and is Professor of History at University of California at San Diego. She is the author of How Jews Became Germans: The History of Conversion and Assimilation in Berlin and Jewish High Society in Old Regime Berlin.
Prior to his recent retirement, Frederick Hertz practiced real property and family law and mediation in Oakland, California. He has taught at St. Mary’s University and Golden Gate Law School, and is the author of Making it Legal: A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnership & Civil Unions and Legal Affairs: Essential Advice for Same-Sex Couples.
Robert Hertz recently retired from a long career in the insurance business, and now resides in the family home in St. Paul.
Thank you to our co-sponsors
This event is brought to you by the Upper Midwest Jewish Archives, the Center for Jewish Studies, and the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest.
Event details
What: Family History and the Myths of Jewish Migration: David Blumenfeld’s Journey From Courland to Minnesota — and His Return
When: Monday, April 27, 2026 | 3:30-6 pm. | Doors open at 3:30 p.m. | Program begins at 4 p.m. | Reception at 5 p.m.
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library | Directions and parking (Lot 86)
