Jewish Studies Library opened at Queens College

Queens College celebrated the addition of the Simon and Roslyn Gold Jewish Studies Library during a dedication ceremony held on Monday, November 20.
The concept for the library was first created by Benny Kraut, the former director of the Center for Jewish Studies, and was made a reality with the help of Arthur Anderman and Harold Baron, both of whom are members of the Jewish Studies Center Executive Board of Directors. Councilmembers James Gennaro and Nettie Mayersohn contributed funding to the project.
Laurence Werfel, an architect with AIA, designed the library pro bono.
&#8220I couldn't be more proud and happy,” said Queens College President James Muyskens, who added that this is only the beginning for the center.
Simon and Roslyn Gold, residents of North Shore Towers in Floral Park, also made a financial contribution to create the new library, which is in the memory of their parents, Jacob and Rose Gold and Abraham and Esther Smith. The couple also donated many books from their personal collection of Judaica.
&#8220There is a broad breadth of readings and materials here,” said Mark W. Rosenblum, the director of the Jewish Studies Program who is also an associate professor of history and director of the Michael Harrington Center at Queens College. &#8220It includes some of the celebrations of the most triumphant moments in Jewish history but also some of the most disparaging and tragic. There are, weaved into this library, examples of humor across the board.”
During the ceremony, Simon Gold spoke about getting interested in books when his older siblings would take him to the public library. As he grew up, his interest in books continued.
&#8220I like Jewish books of all kinds,” said Gold, who described the donated books as the &#8220cream” of his collection. &#8220I started buying these books and I would sneak them in the house sometimes because the times weren't so well for me.”
While going to college, following serving overseas for three years, Gold met Roslyn. He said that there is significance between the library and his love for his wife.
&#8220There's a connection between those books and what they mean and the woman who is standing next to me,” he said. &#8220The founding of this library somehow fulfills that love story I think.”