New York Public Library, Dorot Jewish Division

The Dorot Jewish Division was established in 1897 with funding from Jacob Schiff and the collection’s foundation was provided by holdings from the Astor and Lenox libraries and expanded by the acquisition of the private libraries of Leon Mandelstamm, Meyer Lehren, and Isaac Meyer. Other holdings originated with the Aguilar Free Library, a small public library system operated by a group of philanthropic Jews in the nineteenth century that merged with NYPL The New York Public Library in 1905. By the early 1900s, the Dorot Jewish Division already rivaled the oldest and best Jewish libraries in Europe. Abraham S. Freidus, Judaica cataloger of the Astor Library, was appointed the Division's first chief and presided over its rapid initial growth. The Division continued to grow by purchases, gifts of books, and contributions, such as a 1983 endowment from the estate of New York City realtor Jacob Perlow to support acquisitions, conservation, and public services. In 1986, the Dorot Foundation endowed the position of the Chief of the Division, and in 1987, the S. H. and Helen R. Scheuer Family Foundation made a substantial gift for renovation and new technology. Essential donations from the Nash Family Foundation were instrumental in expanding the Jewish Division's Special Collection. An expanded history can be read [here](https://www.nypl.org/blog/2022/11/14/celebrating-125-years-dorot-jewish-division). 

The collection includes precious rarities that date back to the 13th century and currently amounts to over 250,000 titles of books and periodicals, incunabula, unique archival materials and gorgeous medieval manuscripts, theater and music scores, posters, photographs, ephemera, as well as oral histories in all the Jewish languages. The collection evenly represents all the areas of Jewish scholarship and culture and is tasked with the mission to make these materials available to all people. 

Patrons are encouraged to [book an appointment](https://libcal.nypl.org/reserve/jws/111) to access materials in the Dorot Jewish Division. Same-day appointments can be made in person pending availability. Researchers are welcome to [book a virtual consultation](https://libcal.nypl.org/appointments/schwarzman?g=11316) with one of the librarians to discuss research plans and needs. You do not need to have a virtual consultation before your visit to the Dorot Jewish Division.