Resources and Projects
Resources for Long Island Jewish history
The following books and links are recommended for learning about the Long Island Jewish community
The Jews of Long Island 1705-1918
by Brad Kolodny
Seeking Sanctuary: 125 Years of Synagogues on Long Island
by Brad Kolodny
Jewish Community of Long Island
by Rhoda Miller and the Jewish Genealogy Society of Long Island
Jewish Communities of the Five Towns and the Rockaways
by The Jewish Heritage Society of the Five Towns
In Search of LI's Oldest Synagogue
by Brad Kolodny
Over 2,000 pages of records now available online
JHSLI is pleased to announce much of our archival material is now available to be viewed online. We are pleased to be working with Long Island University/CW Post on this project made possible by a grant from the Robert David Lion Gardner Foundation. The Jacob Hartmann Collection contains land deeds, tax papers, business transactions, maps and more pertaining to the Hartmann family who lived in Amityville beginning in 1877. Seven scrapbooks can be searched with articles, photographs, and other mementos that illuminate everyday life and special activities at Temple Beth El of North Bellmore from 1953-1963. View these records here.
LI Jewish History Museum open in East Hills
Jewish Historical Society of Long Island opened the LI Jewish History Museum on November 5, 2023. It is located at the Sid Jacobson JCC located at 300 Forest Drive in East Hills. Hours are Sat 11:15am - 2:15pm and Sun 3 - 6pm.
Historic marker erected in front of the first synagogue built on Long Island
This building, located at 152 Main Street in Setauket, was the first synagogue built on Long Island. It opened in 1896 for the congregation known as Agudas Achim, meaning association of brothers. On September 5, 2021 JHSLI partnered with North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the synagogue's opening by unveiling a historic marker in front of the building.