5 Jewish things to do in New York City

The Jewish population in New York City is the largest in the world outside of Israel. There are 1.5 million Jews in the New York metropolitan area alone, making up 13 percent of the city’s entire population. Jews have immigrated to New York City since the first settlement in Dutch New Amsterdam in 1654. The large Jewish population has had a significant impact on the culture of New York City. The Jewish Museum of NYC This world class museum is located on New York City’s Museum Mile. The Jewish Museum is a place of art and Jewish culture for people of all backgrounds to enjoy. This museum was founded in 1904, and was the first institution of its kind in the United States and one of the oldest Jewish museums in the world. This museum has a unique collection of almost 30,000 works of art, historical objects, and media showcasing Jewish life and culture over more than 4,000 years. The exhibition history takes you through a deep exploration of Jewish culture and identity, and includes some of the most seminal exhibitions of the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum's education programs offer talks, lectures, performances and hands on art marking to serve a wide range of audiences. This art museum is a representation of the diversity of Jewish culture and identity. THe museums exhibitions and public programs provide guidance for cross-cultural dialogue that creates empathy, mutual understanding and respect. The programs at the museum include family orientated events and activities, such as concerts, arts and crafts programs, and gallery tours. The museum features permanent exhibits, such as Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey, which explores how the Jewish experience has evolved over time. Temporary exhibits at the museum cover everything from fine art to pop culture, all with a Jewish background. Website: thejewishmuseum.org/about The Museum at Eldridge Street This museum is housed in a synagogue building built in 1887. The museum offers tours of the historic building as well as exhibits, programs, and tours around the neighbourhood that focus on Jewish American history and culture. There is a great section for the kids where they can participate in Preservation Detections, they use binoculars, a magnifying glass and other tools to discover the hidden secrets of the museum building. Every June the annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival celebrates the neighbourhood's delicious traditional cuisine. Website: www.eldridgestreet.org/ The Jewish Children’s Museum This museum is located in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn and offers multi-media, hands-on exhibits to educate kids about Jewish traditions, rituals, history and life. There is a Gallery of Games where the kids are immersed in having fun but learning about different subjects in a safe environment. You can even book a kids birthday party with entertainment and catering included. Website: www.jcm.museum/ The Lower East Side If museums aren’t quite your taste than perhaps a stroll around the Lower East side shtetl (small town). This area provided homes and a sense of community as Jewish immigrants adjusted to their new country and surroundings. There are walking tours available to explore the neighbourhood's Jewish past. These tours can be either public or private depending on your preference. Otherwise you can wander the streets by yourself and find the Jewish history literally written in stone as you walk. As you pace the streets observe how many buildings have Yiddish inscriptions or other signs that they were once synagogues. There are also some deli’s still in operation in the area where you can sample the cuisine Including pickles from the barrel, knishes, or takeaway from Russ & Daughters appetizing shop. walking tours: www.nycjewishtours.org/ Russ & Daughters: www.russanddaughters.com/ Jewish Delis of NYC Speaking of food, Jewish eateries, hotdogs, knishes, cold cuts and so much more once dotted New York but today they are a fading breed. There are some restaurants still available on the Lower East side including Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East and 2nd Ave Deli in Murray Hill. These places are still offering traditional deli menus if you want an authentic experience. Otherwise there is Liebman’s Delicatessen in the Riverdale section and Loeser’s Deli in nearby Kingsbridge where they have been serving up pastrami on rye since 1953 and 1961! Katz’s Delicatessen: katzsdelicatessen.com/ 2nd Ave Deli: 2ndavedeli.com/ Liebman’s Delicatessen: liebmansdeli.com/ Loeser’s Deli: www.facebook.com/loesersdeli/ We love hearing from our community and welcome you to share your own experiences and thoughts on these places if you have been yourself or planning a holiday in New York City. Help our community grow by suggesting any places you recommend in the comments or by adding a new Jwall post on the New York City Travel Page.