The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy

Join us as we explore America's most famous immigrant neighborhood with walking tours of the historic Jewish Lower East Side.

The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to the historic preservation of the Lower East Side’s sacred sites. The Conservancy has formed relationships with the leaders of all of these sacred sites. It is these professional relationships that open doors for our visitors. They can experience the spectacular sacred sites of the Lower East Side from the inside out! A portion of the proceeds of each tour is returned to the sacred sites visited on that tour, contributing to their restoration and conservation.

The Conservancy takes great pride in being a full service organization. What that means for our visitors is that we take the time to customize your tour and make your experience as enjoyable and memorable as possible. On your request, we will recommend restaurants, hotel accommodations, shopping venues, and transportation routes.

From its inception in 1998, the Conservancy has worked collaboratively with a broad spectrum of the Lower East Side’s cultural, social, historic, religious, architectural, programmatic, and business resources. The Conservancy’s local partners include the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, the Lower East Side Business Improvement District, The Educational Alliance, Henry Street Settlement, The Museum at Eldridge Street, the Angel Orensanz Cultural Foundation and Center for the Arts, 6th Street Community Center, and virtually all of the historic synagogues on the Lower East Side from East 14th Street. These collaborations have provided value-added for our visitors and partners.  

But the Conservancy’s collaborations extend beyond the boundaries of the Lower East Side. They include the Center for Jewish History on 16th Street; the New York Landmarks Conservancy; 1199 Bread and Roses Gallery; Museum of Jewish Heritage; Anti-Defamation League; UJA-Federation of New York; Community Synagogue, and many other renowned organizations.

Mission Statement:

The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy (LESJC) is a non-profit organization [501 (c) 3], created in 1998, dedicated to exploring and maintaining the vibrancy of Jewish history in New York City.

Our mission is to celebrate, preserve, and share the Jewish heritage of NYC neighborhoods, starting with the iconic Lower East Side, the cradle of American Jewish civilization.

Our primary endeavors are to provide public, private, and educational programming - showcasing Jewish landmarks, history, and people - to enlighten and inspire residents and visitors of all ages, cultures, traditions, and faiths.

Through our efforts, many sacred sites have been designated as historic landmarks, and have been listed on New York State and National Registers. In 2000, the Conservancy assisted in designating a 32 – block area as a historic district.  Having preserved these sites, the Conservancy’s mission is to share this heritage through our touring programs.

Who We Have Hosted

We have hosted visitors from around the world and a diversity of groups who have toured the Lower East Side. For more than a decade, participants on our tours have included families, synagogues, schools, colleges, women’s groups, Jewish community centers, Christian educational organizations, and many others.

Nationally, the LESJC has hosted groups from Texas, Florida, California, Maine, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, and other states. Internationally, groups from Israel, Canada, New Zealand, England, Brazil, Germany, Australia, Switzerland and other countries have come on our tours.