Straight White American Jesus A Jewish Holy Land in Texas? Immigration, Assimilation, and Making Land Holy with Rachel Cockerell
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Jul 7, 2025 Rachel Cockerell, author of *Melting Point*, uncovers the intriguing history of the Galveston Movement, where 10,000 Russian Jews sought refuge in Texas over a century ago. She shares her personal journey of uncovering these hidden narratives, emphasizing their quest for identity and belonging in a foreign land. The discussion dives into the complexities of assimilation, the spiritual aspect of migration, and how this little-known chapter challenges contemporary views on immigration and the meaning of 'home' in America.
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Accidental Discovery of Family History
- Rachel Cockrell discovered her great-grandfather's role in the Jewish migration to Texas by accident while researching her family history.
- This led her to write Melting Point, blending family memoir with history of the Galveston Movement.
Complexities of Assimilation
- Rachel grew up with minimal connection to her Jewish heritage, illustrating the complex nature of assimilation.
- Her book explores the nuanced theme of assimilation without concluding if it is good or bad.
Maintaining Immigrant Stories Actively
- Brad Onishi relates to Rachel’s story through his mixed-race family experience managing assimilation.
- He reflects on the importance of actively maintaining family immigration stories to keep cultural identity alive.
