Gomez Mill
House Lecture Explores the History of the Jewish Doctor
Point of contact:
Dr. Ruth Abrahams (212) 294-8329
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(July 10, 2010) - Why do so many Jews seem to gravitate towards
the medical fields? The answer may come as a surprise. It has
nothing whatsoever to do, as the wags might expect, with the ambitions
of their Jewish mothers. Rather, it is a result of attitudes towards
life and health that began back in antiquity, along with the long
distance trading activities of the Jewish merchants of those days
and later centuries.
A fuller exploration of the topic will be offered at the Gomez
Mill House on Sunday, August 8 at 1 pm. The lecture will be
given by Andrée Aelion Brooks, a journalist and author
who has been studying the phenomenon in depth.
Ms. Brooks was formerly a contributing columnist and new writer
for the New York Times. She now specializes in writing and teaching
about the uncommon stories of Jewish history. Her work has won
many awards. Every summer she gives a lecture at the Mill House
and over the years, these have become popular annual events. More
information on Brooks can be found at her website, www.andreeaelionbrooks.com
The experiences of these doctors, many of whom were part of
kinship networks with those Jewish travelers and traders echo
the theme of the Gomez Mill House Historic Site, as it is named
after an international merchant of Jewish origin, Luis Moses Gomez.
Born in Spain, Gomez first participated in the lucrative Caribbean
trade. He then moved to New York City in the early days of the
colonies, and later bought land in Northern Orange and Southern
Ulster Counties to establish a trading post up the Hudson River.
“Sunday at the Mill House” is an ongoing program of
lectures and presentations on subjects related to the history
of the Gomez Mill House, the oldest historic house on the National
Register in Orange County. The program will be held under the
great tent on the lawn in front of the historic house. Light refreshments
will be served. There is a $5.00 charge to attend. For more information
call 845-236-3126. Or send an email to gomezmillhouse@juno.org.
