UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In the quiet of Penn State University Libraries’ Eberly Family Special Collections Library, Joshua Reiff performed a kind of historical rescue mission.
Armed with archival tape and acid-free folders, the graduating senior meticulously pieced together the story of the Kehillat Israel Synagogue of Shenandoah, a now-defunct but once vibrant Jewish community that flourished in the heart of Pennsylvania's coal region in Schuylkill County from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.
Reiff, an anthropology major with minors in history, in classics and ancient Mediterranean studies and in Jewish studies, spent months spearheading the archival processing of the Kehillat Israel Synagogue records donated by Janice and Jerry Malett in 2025. The project required more than just filing papers — it was a mission of stabilization and rescue.
“These aren't just papers; they're the pulse of a community that once was,” said Reiff, who compiled the collection’s guide as his final Jewish Studies Program project prior to graduating this month.
Under the supervision of Robyn Dyke, processing specialist for Eberly Family Special Collections Library, Reiff meticulously organized a mountain of materials — from handwritten Yiddish ledger books to black-and-white photographs of synagogue life.
“When we began, none of the materials were properly labeled, preserved or housed in archival enclosures,” Dyke said, noting that the collection, though relatively small in volume, required extensive stabilization, identification and re-housing to save it from physical damage.
The collection arrived at Penn State in disarray. Donated by Janice Mallet of the Shenandoah Jewish Society, the artifacts — stored in boxes in her home — offered a window into small-town Jewish life in rural America: hundreds of pages of Yiddish and English ledgers, meeting minutes, poetry and photographs. None of the materials were labeled, fragile items were tucked into non-archival boxes and significant artifacts — including an embroidered Torah mantel and a framed etching — were facing the slow creep of degradation. Mallet knew the collection had historical and cultural value, Reiff said, but hadn’t known what to do with it.
Working with Dyke, Reiff transformed the chaotic collection into a professional research resource. He navigated unfamiliar library systems to create a formal finding aid and stabilized the collection into archival-grade enclosures that historians and descendants of the Shenandoah community can now easily access.
As the project unfolded, Dyke introduced Reiff to the archival processing practices of Special Collections, photographing the collection, noting preservation issues, performing contextual research and re-housing. As the items moved from decaying boxes to acid-free enclosures, the project served as a reminder of the fragility of local history and the tenacity of individuals whose passion it is to preserve it.
Something else happened as well — and just as important, according to Dyke.
"This kind of engagement strengthens collaboration across departments while providing students with valuable, career‑shaping learning opportunities. The process deepens subject‑area knowledge and provides students with the opportunity to experience different roles within the library and gain hands‑on exposure to archival practice," Dyke said. “This collaboration was mutually enriching — I learned a great deal from Josh. He was always willing to answer my questions, our conversations enhanced my understanding of Jewish culture, and the exchange exemplifies one of my favorite aspects of my work: continually learning about subjects I previously knew little about.”
In addition, his contributions provided essential support for processing this collection, she said. Given limited staffing and competing departmental priorities, Dyke said the collection might not have been completed as quickly without Reiff’s assistance.
“The experience was truly a ‘win‑win’ situation,” she said.
“Definitely this is the most hands-on experience I’ve had,” Reiff said about the project. “Before this experience, I thought maybe the Special Collections archives were scary and inaccessible and now I’m considering a path in archival work for my future! I’m not sure exactly where my career will lead me, but this experience has reinforced the path that I was already on, and I can include on my resume that I have some really great experience with old stuff!”
Rob Jones, assistant director of Jewish studies and assistant research professor of Jewish studies and of classics and ancient Mediterranean studies, confirmed that hands-on, collaborative experiences are invaluable for students in the Jewish studies program.
“We place strong emphasis on preparing our student for their future careers, and not only did Josh learn more about an important and fascinating Jewish community, but through this project he developed skills that will continue bear fruit long after graduation,” Jones said. “We encourage all of our students to pursue these types of experiences.”
Jones recommended Reiff for the Kehillat Israel archive project because of his unique background in history, anthropology and Jewish studies.
“I knew Josh had the skills, passion and dedication for this project, as well as a deep interest in Jewish life and history," he said. "Future students and researchers will be able to benefit from his project for many years to come.”
Reiff echoed the sentiment.
“Archival collections are the memory of our society,” Reiff said. "Through this project, the memory of Kehillat Israel — once at risk of being lost to time and poor storage — is now etched into the permanent record of the commonwealth. That's the job of a historian: to allow access to the past. My job is to make sure these memories don’t fade away into the dust of history.”
The Kehillat Israel Synagogue records (Collection 10177) are accessible to the public through the Special Collections’ archival portal, providing a roadmap for descendants and historians to trace the legacy of Shenandoah’s Jewish pioneers, and preserving their rich history.
For information about the Eberly Family Special Collections Library, its collections, exhibits or research opportunities, please email spcollections@psu.edu or call 814-865-1793.