Cecile Lena Kantrowitz Israel begins this interview by explaining her Russian heritage and Jewish upbringing, her father's career as a Hebrew teacher and cantor, and tracing her roots to Baal Shem Tov. She discusses her education at Classical High School, her mother’s liberated beliefs, and why she chose to attend Pembroke College. Regarding her education at Pembroke, Israel describes her first days, joining Phi Beta Kappa, and being a student of languages. She discusses founding the Debating Club and going against the grain by not doing homework and by rejecting certain dress codes. Israel closes by sharing her failed elopement with her husband, using the Brown library, and looking up to the Pembroke deans as role models.
Interview
Recorded on Jun 1, 1990
Interviewed by Susan Friedland
Topics: 1930s, Academics, Clothing and Fashion, Dating, Family , Race Relations, Religion, Sexism, Social Life, Student Activities, Jewish Students