Alvin and Elain Mintzes Judaica Collection

Alvin and Elain Mintzes Judaica Collection

 

Alvin and Elaine Mintzes were lifelong Baltimore residents, with Elaine growing up in Park Heights near the Baltimore Hebrew University. Because of Towson’s connection to BHU, Alvin and Elaine donated a significant collection of Judaica to the Special Collections that is representative of Jewish life and culture as a legacy gift. Ornate menorahs (a candelabra with eight stems used to celebrate Hanukkah), mezuzahs (a small scroll inscribed with specific verses from the Torah, housed in a small case to be hung on doorposts), scrolls, alongside sculptures, paintings, and copper etchings are among some of the items donated. These objects are diverse in both material and cultural significance and are available for research purposes to students.  

View the Full Collection

Within this collection you will find menorahs (a candelabra with eight stems used to celebrate Hanukkah), mezuzahs (a small scroll inscribed with specific verses from the Torah, housed in a small case to be hung on doorposts), pieces of Judaica for celebrating various holidays, a large assortment of Alvin and Elaine's collected artwork from over the years, and numerous objects that are representative of the Mintzes' many philanthropic endeavors. 

Context is everything, and when these objects are viewed through certain lenses, they can tell different stories. 

 

These two online exhibitions highlight some of the pieces from the Mintzes' collection, and teach us more about the Jewish faith and community from the intimate perspective of Alvin and Elaine's personal household practices.

Digging Deeper...

Charity vs. Resposibility: Tzedakah and its Importance to the Jewish Community

Some hidden text

Religious Texts and their Purposes

This collection page and the two associated exhibits were created by Nicole Nasteff, Spring 2026 intern for the Department of Special Collections and University Archives.