Manhattan Jewish History

History of Jews in Manhattan

Jews in US and NY History

The Jewish population of New York has been instrumental in almost every stage of our nation's development.
22 August 1654

First known jewish immigrant

The Peartree, a West Indies Company ship, arrives carrying Jacob Barsimson, the first known Jewish immigrant to New Amsterdam.
September 1654

23 jews arrive in New York

New York recieves her first group of Jewish immigrants. These 23 people were fleeing the Spanish and Portugal inquisition which had seen the forced conversion of over 100,000 Jews.
1654

First synagogue is opened

Shearith Israel was established.
1655

Leaving dutch brazil

A group of Jews feeling Dutch Brazil, on their way back to Holland encountered Pirates. They were thus forced to reroute to New Amsterdam, without passports; after being denied at several Spanish ports. Upon arrival they were unable to pay for their journey and several were imprisoned. Several Jewish stockholders of the East India Company protested, and eventually they were allowed to settle.
1845

temple Emanu-el opens

Founded in 1845, Temple Emanu-El on 5th Avenue in Manhattan's Upper East Side is the oldest Reform Jewish congregation in New York City, which developed into the largest and most prestigious Reform congregation in the country.
1848

bnai brith started

German Jews in New York established Bnai Brith, the first major secular organization.
1849

anshe chesed synagogue opens

The Angel Orensanz Center, originally Anshe Chesed Synagogue, was established. It remains the longest standing synagogue in the United States.
1861-1865

civil war

An estimated 10,000 Jews serve during the Civil War, with 9 Jewish generals, and 21 Jewish colonels. Judah P. Benjamin, a non-observant Jew, served as Secretary of State and acting Secretary of War of the Confederacy.
September 18, 1862

first jewish us army chaplain

The U.S. Army appoints its first chaplain. Jacob Frankel of Philadelphia's Congregation Rodeph Shalom.
Early 1900's

the bagel

The bagel is brought to New York where the recipe was fiercley guarded by Bagel Bakers Local 338.
1880-1924

the great wave

The Great Wave brought 2.5 Million European Jews to New York, 75% of whom settled in the Lower East Side.
1920

1.5 million jews in new york

Jewish population of New York City reaches 1.5 Million.
1940

1.9 million jews in new york

Jewish population of New York City reaches 1.9 Million.
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