Discover The Jewish Highway: Historic Walking Tour from Williamsburg to Eldridge Street Synagogue

Journey from Williamsburg, Brooklyn to the Lower East Side of Manhattan on a special collaborative walking tour between the Museum at Eldridge Street and The Neighborhood: An Urban Center for Jewish Life!

This tour involves approximately 3 miles of walking over around 3 hours. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Over a century ago, throngs of Jewish immigrants moved east across the river to Williamsburg, Brooklyn for a welcome reprieve from the Lower East Side, which had quickly become the most densely-packed neighborhood in the world. The completion of the Williamsburg Bridge, which soon came to be known as "The Jewish Highway," connected the two neighborhoods for the first time, allowing residents to easily worship, play, work, and shop together.

Join educator and urban historian Bradley Shaw and Museum at Eldridge Street's Deputy Director for Education and Accessibility Scott Brevda on Sunday, November 16th at 1:00pm as we explore these two historic neighborhoods and the bridge that connects them.

Highlights:

• Meet at Beth Jacob Ohev Sholom, the first Orthodox congregation in Williamsburg
• Stop for a classic sweet treat before heading to the bridge
• Cross the historic Williamsburg Bridge and learn about its history and impact
• See the historical and modern locations of Essex Market, one of the original indoor markets in New York
• Grab a pickle from The Pickle Guys on the Lower East Side
• Stop by Seward Park, the first municipally-built free playground in the United States and designed especially for the neighborhood’s children, the first generation to grow up in such crowded conditions
• End at the Museum at Eldridge Street and see the fully restored Eldridge Street Synagogue, a National Historic Landmark built in 1887

Meet your guides, Brad and Scott, in front of Beth Jacob Ohev Sholom at 284 Rodney St, Brooklyn, NY 11211. Tickets must be purchased in advance of arrival.

This tour will end at the Museum at Eldridge Street.

Ticket Price (Includes Museum Admission): Walking Tour Ticket $36 Cool Culture Pass / SNAP Benefits $15

REGISTER HERE

This Museum at Eldridge Street Walking Tour is only available to small groups (35 people max). This tour is available to both individual ticket holders and families. By registering, you agree that the information you provide will be visible to both the Museum at Eldridge Street and The Neighborhood: An Urban Center for Jewish Life.

---

About the Museum at Eldridge Street: The Museum at Eldridge Street is housed in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a magnificent National Historic Landmark that has been meticulously restored. Opened in 1887, the synagogue is the first great house of worship built in America by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Today, it is the only remaining marker of the great wave of Jewish migration to the Lower East Side that is open to a broad public who wishes to visit Jewish New York. Exhibits, tours, public programs, and education initiatives tell the story of Jewish immigrant life, explore architecture and historic preservation, inspire reflection on cultural continuity, and foster collaboration and exchange between people of all faiths, heritages, and interests.

---

About The Neighborhood: An Urban Center for Jewish Life: At The Neighborhood, we’re gathering people together for inventive and unexpected Jewish arts, culture, and spirituality. We bring together Brooklyn energy with Jewish experience to spark meaning and joy. Check out our upcoming events here.

---

Image Credit: Jews praying on the bridge, New Years Day," 1909. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Call Number: LOT 10892; "New East River bridge (Williamsburg Bridge) from Brooklyn, New York," 1900–1906. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Call Number: LC-D4-3289; "Jewish New Year—praying on the bridge," 1909. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Call Number: LC-B2- 2283-16.