The New York Public Library Commemorates 125 Years of the Dorot Jewish Division in New Online Exhibition and Flash Display

125 Years of the Dorot Jewish Division Provides an Immersive Digital Journey Through the Dorot Division’s Treasures

The New York Public Library’s Dorot Jewish Division proudly announces the launch of an online and in-person flash exhibition, which opened yesterday February 16, that invites audiences to delve into the rich tapestry of Jewish history, culture, and heritage that can be found in its world-renowned collections. 125 Years of the Dorot Jewish Division is accessible to scholars, students, and the general public worldwide, providing a digital showcase serving as a dynamic gateway to the Division’s unparalleled collection of artifacts and archival treasures.

Established in 1897, the Dorot Jewish Division stands as the oldest publicly accessible collection of Jewish materials in the United States.This exhibition was funded by a grant received by the Library from the David Berg Foundation in honor of the milestone 125th anniversary, which the Library celebrated in 2022.

Featuring meticulously curated materials, the online exhibition boasts a diverse array of over 100 items sourced from the Division’s expansive collections. From rare manuscripts and early printed books to materials describing the meeting of tradition and modernity in the 18th and 19th centuries; vital documents that bear witness to the tragedies of the 20th century and the resilience of Jewish communities; and items that offer insight into Jewish life in New York and the United States.

Complementing the online exhibition is a flash display, on view from February 17th to April 3, featuring select artifacts which offer glimpses into Jewish life around the world, from the Renaissance to modernity. 

“The Dorot Jewish Division’s online exhibition provides a captivating platform for exploration and discovery,” said Dr. Lyudmila Sholokhova, curator of the Dorot Jewish Division. “We are thrilled to make these invaluable resources freely accessible to audiences around the globe, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish heritage.”

Boasting over 250,000 items spanning nearly 80 of Jewish civilization, the Division’s collections are revered for their depth, scope, and scholarly significance and greatly complemented by the relevant materials found in other divisions across The New York  Public Library. 

Since its inception, the Division has served as a beacon of knowledge and scholarship, aiding researchers, educators, and cultural enthusiasts in their exploration of Jewish history and culture. From the compilers of modern Jewish encyclopedias to students embarking on academic pursuits, the Dorot Jewish Division remains a vital resource for understanding the richness and diversity of Jewish heritage.

“125 Years of the Dorot Division” reaffirms the Division’s commitment to preserving and promoting Jewish culture for generations to come. As the exhibition opens its digital doors to audiences worldwide, it invites individuals of all backgrounds to embark on a transformative journey through the annals of Jewish history.

125 Years of the Dorot Jewish Division is made possible by the generosity of The David Berg Foundation.

Support for The New York Public Library’s Exhibitions Program has been provided by Celeste Bartos, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos and Adam Bartos Exhibitions Fund, and Jonathan Altman. 

About The New York Public Library

For over 125 years, The New York Public Library has been a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With over 90 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. The New York Public Library receives approximately 16 million visits through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.