About this Event
Author Talk - Nathan Straus: Macy's Magnate, International Humanitarian, and Builder of Pre-State Israel
Nathan Straus (1848–1931) encompassed worlds. He rose from his Jewish German immigrant family’s ruin in Civil War Georgia to become co-owner of Macy’s and Abraham & Straus department stores. He helped build American Zionism and cofounded the American Jewish Congress movement. His public service led to a nomination for New York City mayor. Independent Scholar Andrew Fisher has written the first comprehensive biography of Straus, which details each of these lives but argues that his most historic achievements lay elsewhere—in philanthropy.
Inspired by both his Jewish values and no-nonsense pragmatism, Straus designed, funded, and oversaw four Progressive philanthropic initiatives. The greatest—his demonstration and advocacy campaigns for milk pasteurization—saved the lives of countless thousands of infants in New York City and, ultimately, across much of America and western Europe. Straus also founded America’s first TB preventorium for at-risk children: a model for the forty-five more that followed. Partnering with Hadassah, he brought American public health innovations to Mandate Palestine. He provided vast relief for New York City’s jobless in the severe 1890s depression. In all, Straus’s humanitarianism won the acclaim of American presidents and world leaders and the gratitude of millions. We can learn from him today.
ANDREW FISHER, an independent scholar, is the retired founding executive director of the Lavelle Fund for the Blind. A New Jersey resident, he has 35 years of experience in New York City charitable foundations and is a winner of Helen Keller International’s Humanitarian Award.
DOROT is a non-profit social service agency that provides life-enhancing programs and services for adults 60 and older to help them live independently as valued members of the community.
ACCESSIBILITY
Our building is ADA accessible and the auditorium is equipped with a hearing loop. Additionally, we have 4 assisted listening devices that can be borrowed for programs on a first-come first-served basis. Please reach out to [email protected] with any accessibility questions or requests.
PROTOCOLS FOR ATTENDING IN-PERSON PROGRAMS AT DOROT
DOROT has no general vaccination or mask requirements in place for older adults and volunteers participating in programs at this time.
Vaccination
For the safety of our community, DOROT strongly recommends that everyone be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, and annually against the flu. DOROT requires all employees to be fully vaccinated.
Masks
Masking is optional for older adults, volunteers and staff in DOROT’s onsite or community programs.
Individuals who have had direct exposure to COVID-19 in the last 10 days or have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and are in days 6-10 of infection, may participate in in-person programs only if they have no symptoms.
When Individuals Should Not Participate in DOROT’s In-Person Activities
The DOROT community’s wellbeing continues to be our top priority. Older adults, volunteers and DOROT staff should cancel their plans to come to DOROT or participate in any in-person scheduled activity, if they:
1. Have tested positive in the past 5 days for COVID-19.
2. Are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or other illnesses or are generally not feeling well.
DOROT continuously seeks the guidance of medical professionals and authorities and will adapt our protocols as the public health environment changes.
If you test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours of participating in a program at DOROT, please reach out to your DOROT program contact. This is for informational purposes only. You may return in person programs after a 5-days and no longer symptomatic.
Thank you for helping us maintain the wellbeing of our DOROT community.
Event venue & nearby stays
Dorot, 171 West 85th Street, New York, United States
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