Autobiography of Rabbi Jimmy Kessler. James Lee (Jimmy) Kessler is a native Houstonian and a graduate of San Jacinto Senior High School, and the University of Texas from which he received a BA in Zoology in 1967. Rabbi Kessler received his ordination from the Hebrew Union College Ð Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati in 1972. In 1972 he wrote a MasterÕs Thesis on the Mexican Inquisition. In addition, he earned the first doctorate in Texas Jewish History and an honorary doctorate from HUC-JIR. Rabbi Kessler has written three books, Henry Cohen, a Frontier Rabbi, Congregation BÕnai Israel, History of a BOI, Songs for the Soul, and edited Deep in the Heart: The Lives and Legends of Texas Jews. In addition, he was written numerous midrash and folktales.