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In this episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad welcomes Rachel Cockerell, author of Melting Point, for a conversation about a little-known chapter in American and Jewish history: the Galveston Movement.
More than a century ago, 10,000 Russian Jews immigrated to Texas through a coordinated effort led in part by Rachel’s great-grandfather and inspired by Zionist thinker Israel Zangwill. Rachel shares the personal journey that led her to uncover this buried history and write Melting Point, which explores themes of migration, memory, and identity.
Together, Brad and Rachel examine how this movement reframes common narratives about Jewish immigration, the American frontier, and what it means to seek a homeland. They discuss the spiritual dimensions of migration, the complexity of assimilation, and the ongoing relevance of these themes in the context of current immigration debates.
This episode weaves together history, personal legacy, and timely questions about belonging, borders, and the meaning of “home” in America.
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