Mike Witman
Director of Lifelong Learning
This past Sunday, our seventh-grade Religious School students braved the cold and explored the dynamic and vibrant Jewish history of the Lower East Side. Our fantastic tour guide, Jonathan Goldstein of Cicerone Travel, explained why so many Jewish immigrants settled in the Lower East Side in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Students learned that this neighborhood became the heart of Jewish life because it offered affordable living, community support, and job opportunities for families starting over in a new country. We also talked about how Temple Emanu-El began on the Lower East Side—in a rented room on the corner of Grand and Clinton Streets— right where Jewish immigrants first built their community.
Along the way, we visited important historic sites like the old Forward newspaper building, and learned how the Forward helped new immigrants find jobs and adjust to life in America. We saw the Jarmulowsky Bank Building and learned how its namesake and builder, Sender Jamulowsky, funded the voyage of so many Jews to get to America and have a chance to live the American dream.
We spotted “ghosts” of Jewish history all over just by looking up. We saw many Stars of David and other Jewish symbols carved into old buildings that no longer house Jewish institutions. Of course, we also enjoyed some classic Lower East Side treats: rugelach from Michaeli Bakery and classic pickles from The Pickle Guys.
I’m so happy that so many of our students were able to join us. I learned new things right alongside the students and I have lived here for many years. These trips play an important role in showing our students that the Jewish story is dynamic, exciting, and complex. I look forward to taking our seventh-grade students, and all of our students, on further trips to help them expand their understanding of Jewish history locally and around the world.
