Chapter Three: Temple Israel

In chapter three, we continue to tale of young Hunter Baron III and his family. Belle Baron does her best to scale the social ladder of Memphis society and leave her rural roots behind, but Memphis natives find her cold and unfriendly. Hunter's dad begins his career as a local politician, while turning his back on much of his legal heritage to become a public defender. Narrated by Ms. Zeporia Gray of RMP Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. *Explicit language warning* There is explicit language contained within this book. There is also racially and culturally offensive terminology and language used within of historical context by some of the characters contained within this book. This is used to portray the thoughts, actions and beliefs of the characters. This does not reflect the beliefs of the author, nor any of the other people involved in the production of this book. Want to follow along? Copies of the book in both kindle and paper-based formats are available at most on-line retailers including ⁠⁠Amazon.com⁠⁠ and Barnes & Noble. A limited amount of autographed copies are available at the ⁠⁠Novel bookstore⁠⁠ at 387 Perkins Extended in Memphis, TN . Chapter Notes: Temple Israel - Memphis This progressive synagogue has been an important ally to many in the Memphis community starting with Rabbi Bill Fineshriber, in 1915. He was an outspoken supporter of women's suffrage and equal rights for African Americans and encouraged his parishioners to do the same. This was also exemplified by the dynamic and well-known Rabbi Wax, who led the synagogue from 1954 to 1978. He was a civil rights activist and encouraged Temple members to participate in pursuing racial integration. Rabbi Wax was also instrumental in giving the Memphis sanitation workers a chance to be heard after the January 31st incident that resulted in the death of two African American city workers. His role in mediating the sanitation worker's strike as a leading member of the Memphis Ministers Association was more mixed, with Rabbi Wax telling his congregants that "This city shall witness a new spirit and the memory of this great prophet of our time shall be honored. There will be bigots and segregationists and the so-called respectable but unrighteous people who will resist. But in the scheme of history, God's will does prevail." To learn more about about Memphis, and important Memphians while following along, check out this week's links on Rabbi James A. Wax. "Remembering Rabbi James Wax" - Memphis Magazine (November 2022) "This week's profile; Rabbi James Wax" Memphis Public Library exhibit. Also see the James Wax archive collection. Facing history and ourselves, "Rabbi James A Wax". (2021) Rhodes College documentary interview from 1968 on Vimeo. "Righteous Among Men: Rabbi James A. Wax, A Life Dedicated to Social Justice" Smart City Memphis, 2023. If you liked the first three chapters, consider a paid monthly subscription for access to the rest of the Hunter Baron III saga and the Barons of Memphis. Subscribers will also be able to access content from the sequel, The Princes of Shelby County, which is still in production along with other writing by author, Marnie Gellhorn. We are glad you like the story, but unfortunately it costs money to write, record and publish books - so if you can subscribe to our paid podcast, (for around fifty cents an episode - much less than a cup of coffee!!!) we'd appreciate it. Please tell your friends to do the same.