Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois

bridges to an american city

A Guide to Chicago Landsmanshaften, 1870 to 1990 by Sidney Sorkin (1993)

Newly arrived Jewish immigrants to the United States created Landsmanshaften (mutual aid organizations named after their cities, towns and villages of origin). Landsmanshaften sent funds overseas to help their families and communities. They held many social events. They also purchased burial sections and sold plots to their members. Landsmanshaften recreated the small, familial Jewish community and provided a safe, new home within a home.

The late Chicago educator Sidney Sorkin (who was a member of JGSI) researched these organizations for his book Bridges to an American City: A Guide to Chicago Landsmanshaften 1870-1993.

The collection includes two sets of names: 2571 names of individuals and 1520 names of members from ten Landsmanshaften.

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