The LESJC strives to connect the past to the present, and to the future by visiting historic synagogues on walking tours. We believe that showcasing this iconic neighborhood enables our visitors to gain a greater appreciation of the American Jewish immigrant journey. It is now almost 21 glorious years that The Conservancy has proudly been providing quality walking tours dedicated to preserving, sharing and celebrating the Jewish heritage of the Lower East Side and other New York City neighborhoods. Our passion has brought us this far, and we would like you to join us in celebrating this happy occasion. We are hosting a Wine & Cheese event (dietary laws observed) on the afternoon of March 24th, honoring Laurie Tobias- Cohen, our former Executive Director, for her dedicated service and leadership of 16 years.
A 28-year veteran in the field of Jewish Communal Service, Laurie Tobias-Cohen was appointed Executive Director of the LESJC in 2002, where she promoted the mission of the Conservancy with community rabbis and lay leadership, establishing strong working relationships that continue to the present. She created the LESJC’s touring corps, cultivating a group of Conservancy guides, specially trained to present the history of the living, Jewish Lower East Side. Working with board members and professionals in cultural heritage tourism, Laurie expanded the variety of Conservancy touring programs, so in addition to the Lower East Side, itineraries also include other Jewish neighborhoods in NYC, such as the East Village, Williamsburg, Upper West Side, Jewish Harlem and Washington Heights. In 2008, when the LESJC was awarded a major grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Laurie worked closely with historian and preservationist Joyce Mendelsohn to develop our wonderful, unique field-based curriculum entitled – A Day in The Life of an Immigrant Child.
Ms. Cohen was also instrumental in the formation of our Kling & Niman Family Visitor Center (which was located at 400 Grand Street, now the site of Trader Joe’s) which hosted art exhibitions, such as photographs by the famed Rebecca Lepkoff.
Rabbi Zvi Romm
As a special treat, before we raise a glass to toast Laurie, Zvi Romm, the rabbi of the historic Bialystoker Synagogue since 2002, will be providing a 45-minute tour of this magnificent synagogue, covered in marvelous murals and Tiffany inspired stained glass. He also serves as an instructor of Talmud at Yeshiva University's Isaac Breuer College and is the Administrator of the Manhattan Beth Din for Conversions
With your help, The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy can continue to provide enriching Jewish cultural and historical experiences to thousands more visitors.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WORK! If you have ever enjoyed one of our tours, show us your appreciation NOW, as your help is critical to ensure our future! Your donation will help us preserve the heritage that we are so very proud to showcase! Tragically, we lost one of our sacred synagogues to a fire a few years ago. We aid in the conservation of these historic structures by bringing attention to their condition, hopefully inspiring preservation efforts. By supporting the LESJC, you are helping to sustain these sacred sites.
NO, I AM UNABLE TO JOIN YOU ON MARCH 24, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE LESJC SO THAT YOU CAN CONTINUE TO PROVIDE WONDERFUL TOURS AND EVENTS FOR ANOTHER GLORIOUS 20 YEARS. (HIT NO TO MAKE A DONATION)
NO, I AM UNABLE TO JOIN YOU ON MARCH 24, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION IN HONOR OF LAURIE TOBIAS COHEN FOR ALL HER YEARS OF DEDICATION. (HIT NO TO MAKE A DONATION)
We must learn, remember, and tell the stories for those generations after us.
We sincerely hope that you can join us at this special event, and look forward to seeing you there.
To participate in Rabbi Romm’s tour, please meet at 1:00PM in front of the Bialystoker Synagogue 7-11 Bialystoker Place/Willett Street (between Grand and Delancey Streets)
PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS BY MARCH 18