The Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest (JHSMW) is located at the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus in Whippany, New Jersey. The areas covered by the Society are Morris, Essex, Sussex and northern portion of Union Counties New Jersey
JHSMW Collections
Meyer Ellenstein, in the dark trunks in foreground, was Newark's first and only Jewish mayor. His term was from 1933-1941. As a young man he was an amateur boxer and is seen "sparring" with well-known boxer, Max Baer. The JHSMW has a rare collection of photographs of Ellenstein donated to its archives by Martin Kesselhaut.
The inventory of JHSMW Collections can be accessed 
The Finding Aids and Container Lists can be accessed
Lippel school of dancing
An eye-catching collection of photographs of dance recitals featuring "Lippel Kutie Kids" held at Newark's Loew's State Theater in the 1920s and 1930s represent the history of the second oldest dancing school in the United States, Lippel School of Dancing. The Lippel School was founded in 1894 by David Lippel and closed in 1991. The first studio was located in The Hill section of Newark, New Jersey, home to numbers of Jewish families who insisted that their children attend dancing school to "learn the social graces". An interview with Freda Lippel Fried, whose father founded the dance studio, is in the October 10, 1991 issue of the "MetroWest Jewish News". Did you attend Lippel School of Dancing? If so, contact executive director, Linda Forgosh, 973-929-2994 or e-mail lforgosh@jhsmw.org
still wanted: photographs of metrowest families
The JHSMW continues to gather photographs of MetroWest families in anticipation of next year's May celebration of Jewish Heritage Month. To submit a photograph and paragraph about your family's contributions to MetroWest Jewish life contact curator, Linda Forgosh 973-929-2994 or email lforgosh@jhsmw.org
weequahic memoirs:
the slide program
Perfect for:
• Older groups who may not be as mobile
•Llibrary & Book groups who are reading Philip Roth novels
• Class Reunions & Alumni Events
• History Buffs
An honorarium to the Jewish Historical Society is required.
This book features photographs from the Society's "Weequahic Memoirs" exhibition. Each photo has a caption and identifies individuals where possible and features a brief but thorough introduction of the history of the neighborhood.
Cost: $25.00 - Checks payable to "JHSMW"
Shipping and handling are an additional $7.00
Please contact Irene Segal at (973) 929-2703 or email: isegal@jhsmw.org
SAVE THE DATE!
JHS PREPARES SYNAGOGUE EXHIBIT
Members of the JHS' Synagogue Historian's Committee include (left to right) Jean Rich, Bob Singer, JHS president Howard Kiesel, Linda Forgosh, Linda Willner and Mark Gordon. Not featured is Rabbi Shalom Lubin. The group is responsible for selecting and gathering the history of synagogues in New Jersey for a traveling exhibit and "coffee table" book. The group is looking for photographs of families or individuals connected to the founding of a New Jersey synagogue. For information contact Linda Forgosh 973-929-2994 or emaillforgosh@jhsmw.org.
JHS LASTING IMPRESSIONS AWARD
GIVEN TO NORBERT GAELEN
Norbert (L) being greeted by friends at JHS Gala
The Jewish Historical Society's 2011 Lasting Impressions Award was given to Short Hills resident, Norbert Gaelen at its annual gala held on May 17th at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. It was a wonderful affair attended by over 125 members of the Jewish community of MetroWest. The guest speaker was Steven Adubato, well known writer, columnist and broadcaster. Look at the photo album of just a few of those in attendance by clicking the link below.
Lasting Impressions Gala Photos
NEW COLLECTIONS ADDED TO THE JHS ARCHIVES
Warren Grover
The Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest is proud to add the papers of Warren Grover, board member and Past President of our Society, to its permanent collections.
The Warren Grover Collection features all research materials related to his landmark publication, Nazis in Newark.
Nazis in Newark tells the story of how Newark's Nazis unsuccessfully tried to convert the city and surrounding area’s sizeable German American population to their cause. The book documents the local Jewish resistance to these efforts led by several groups, including the Minutemen, which was a group comprised of Jewish toughs and the non-sectarian anti-Nazi league which sought to weaken Nazi Germany by imposing a boycott on the sale of its goods in the Newark area.
To access the Finding Aid and the Container List, please click on the links below:
FINDING AID
CONTAINER LIST
Nat Arno, c. 1930
Cory Booker receiving Lasting Impressions Award from Howard Kiesel, JHSMW President
help from washington
gives history society a digital boost
Catalog records for JHSMW collections will be gradually added to the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) via the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC) program at the Library of Congress. For instructions on how to search for these records click
The Jewish Historical Society operates in accordance with ADA standards
The Jewish Historical Society is a recipient of a general operating support grant from the