In 2021, Dr. Lawrence J. Kanter made by the largest single philanthropic gift in the society’s history. Dr. Kanter has been a long-time member of the society, as well as an active contributor to Jewish life in the Jacksonville area where he has worked and lived for more than 30 years. His gift will support lectures and research grants through the society, as well as the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans and the Department of Jewish Studies at Tulane University, Larry’s alma mater, to whom he gave similar gifts recognizing our joint desire to impact the future of southern Jewish scholarship.
The inaugural Dr. Kanter lecture was given in October 2021 by Dr. Steve Whitfield during the society's annual conference, presented virtually. A recording of the lecture can be viewed here:
The second Kanter lecture was given in October 2022 by Dr. Michael Cohen during the society's annual conference in Charleston, SC. A recording of the lecture can be viewed here: