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Jewish NYC: About

This research guide highlights Jewish history in New York through the rich collection of The New York Public Library.

Accessibility for Print Disabilities

For researchers with print disabilities, the Library has resources and services available upon request. The following services are available:

Digitization of Select Research Materials

Researchers who are homebound or have a print disability or visual impairment can explore many of our research collections online and request digitization of specific items of interest. To request the digitization service, email accessibility@nypl.org. Please note that you must be a patron of the Andrew Heiskell Library. This digitization service only includes material belonging to the research collections and does not apply to branch/circulating collections. 

Screen Readers and Enlargers 

Every public PC at all New York Public Library locations is equipped with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion softwares. 

Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library

The Andrew Heiskell Library offers popular reading materials in accessible audio and braille formats, as well as free membership to the Bookshare database of over one million accessible texts. It also offers individual coaching and a large variety of group workshops on topics related to accessible technology. Check the listings on our website, call 212-206-5400, or email talkingbooks@nypl.org for details. It also hosts many networking groups, resource fairs, writing workshops, accessible art workshops, book clubs, and other events. All are listed in the quarterly newsletter, available by email, website (text or audio), or over the phone.

For more information, see the Accessibility at NYPL page

About

This research guide provides an introduction to select resources on Jewish history and life in New York City.

New York City has long been a global center for Jewish communities. The city's Jewish population dates to 1654, and rose substantially through increased immigration by the time of the The New York Public Library's founding (1895), and by the Dorot Jewish Division's founding (1897). By 1920, the Jewish population reached a high point of 1,643,000, which was 29% of the city's entire population. 

Jewish New Yorkers have contributed much to the city, from the character and flavor of its neighborhoods to its arts and culture scene to work and activism. Jewish life reached new heights in the city with the founding of numerous community organizations and synagogues and the growth of educational opportunities.

Therefore, the New York Public Library's collection, and the Library's Dorot Jewish Division in particular, contain a wealth of sources for research on all things Jewish in New York City.

We encourage you to use this guide as a general starting point. Given the magnitude and complexity of the city's Jewish population and activities, the information here is not exhaustive. Please contact the Dorot Jewish Division at dorotjewish@nypl.org for additional assistance.

Contact Dorot Jewish Division

Dorot Jewish Division Reference Librarians's picture

 

Contact: Dorot Jewish Division Reference Librarians

 

476 Fifth Avenue (42nd St and Fifth Ave)
First Floor , Room 111
New York, NY 10018

(212) 930-0601

dorotjewish@nypl.org

Website

Subjects: Dorot Jewish DivisionJewish Studies