[T1S1] Respondent provides background information; parents Milton and Clara Cowan; mother born in Belarus, father born in Cleveland, Ohio; gives name of brother. Respondent married to Teri Anne Thomas, born in Seattle, Washington; three daughters; describes grandparents: born in Europe, their immigration to America: 1890's, notes grandparents met and married in Cleveland, Ohio; provides family genealogy. Respondent comments on father's profession in Cleveland: taught chemistry for 42 years; died 1990 at age 87; mother mathematics teacher; now residing in assisted living facility. Respondent describes early years in Cleveland Heights, Ohio; attended Fairfax Elementary school, played in band and orchestra; touches on religious life: parents Reform, paternal grandparents, Orthodox, maternal grandparents, Conservative; attended holiday services with grandparents: one day in Orthodox synagogue, one day in Conservative synagogue; attended Hebrew school 7 days a week; family musical: mother played piano, Respondent played trumpet. Respondent describes religious observances and ritual customs at family events: mother used 2 sets of dishes for Passover; reflects on Bar Mitzvah: 1947, had special training, received trumpet as gift from parents; comments on influence of Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver and Rabbi Barnett Brickner.
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