For centuries, Baltimore has boasted one of the United States’ most vibrant Jewish communities. Numbering nearly 100,000, Baltimore’s Jewish population is one of the country’s largest. The city is also unusual in having the most religiously observant Jewish population in the US. Here are six facts about this amazing city and it’s vibrant, distinctive Jewish community.
Nearly Killed for Being a Jew
The first Jew to openly profess his faith in the area was nearly killed for doing so – and escaped only after Britain’s Prime Minister personally intervened.
Jacob Lumbrozo was born in Portugal and made his way to what was then the Palatinate of Maryland in 1657, settling in the small town that would eventually become Baltimore. A physician by trade, Dr. Lumbrozo quickly made his mark: he worked as a doctor, held a trading commission allowing him to do business with Native Americans, bought property and even served on a jury. After about a decade living in his new home, Dr. Lumbrozo was reported to authorities and arrested under the Toleration Act: a law passed in 1649 that made it a crime for anyone living in Maryland not to profess allegiance to the Christian faith.
Dr. Lumbrozo was thrown into prison and faced execution. Luckily, ten days later the Governor of Maryland, celebrating the new Prime Minister of Britain, Oliver Cromwell, who was a brutal dictator at home but nonetheless championed the rights of Jews, intervened on his behalf. Dr. Lumbrozo was freed and went on to continue working and living in the area until his death in 1665 or 1666.
Fighting the British in Baltimore
By the early 1800s several dozen Jewish families called Baltimore home, and they fought bravely for their city in its hour of need. During the War of 1812, 4,000 British troops landed at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, determined to march towards Baltimore and capture the city. Washington DC was already in the hands of the British, who’d burned the White House. It was imperative to the US that Baltimore not fall as well.
A band of 250 American volunteers met the British troops and succeeded in saving Baltimore. Several of the American troops were Baltimore Jews who served with distinction under Brig. Gen. John Stricker. The heavy fighting inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words for the Star-Spangled Banner, which later became the America’s national anthem.
Mendes Cohen
One of the Jewish soldiers who helped defend Baltimore was Mendes Cohen, who was originally from Richmond, Virginia. Military prowess was a family trait: his Uncle Jacob had immigrated to America a generation before and fought in the Revolutionary War. Mendes moved to Baltimore in 1807 and bought a house that later had an unusual distinction: it was the first home in the city to have lights powered by gas. During the War of 1812, when he heard that British soldiers were attacking nearby Fort McHenry, Cohen rushed into the fray and fought in the two-day battle, along with his brother and other Jews. Afterwards, he recorded that he and other soldiers “amused themselves by trying to find a tune for” Scott Key’s new song.
After the war, Mendes Cohen lived an immensely colorful life. He and his brother ran lotteries, raising money for many of the city’s public and private buildings. His oldest brother Jacob helped lobby for the 1826 law known as the “Jew Bill” which allowed Jews and other non-Christians to hold office in Maryland. In middle age, Mendes Cohen travelled the world, writing letters describing his many adventures. He was the first American citizen the Ottoman Empire allowed to visit the ancient land of Israel, and he documented the abuse of Jews by their Turkish overlords there. In Jerusalem, he noted, “The appearance of the synagogues is that of poverty as they are not allowed to build or add to their buildings without paying a large sum to the Turks.”
Growing Population
Baltimore’s Jewish population continued to grow and by the mid-1800s about 8,000 Jews called Baltimore home. By 1925, there were 65,000 Jews in the city. For years, Lombard Street was the main Jewish artery. The area boasted many synagogues, Jewish bookstores, kosher butchers and restaurants, and was called “Corned Beef Row” for its many Jewish eateries.
Corn Beef Row
As the largely immigrant population became more established, much of Baltimore’s Jewish life migrated to the northwestern part of the city. The city has continued to attract Jews with its vibrant Jewish neighborhoods and amenities. Between 1999 and 2010, the number of Jewish households in the area grew by 16%. Tamar Livingstone, a social worker who moved to Baltimore with her family from Chicago in 2018, explained to Aish.com that the community is growing by leaps and bounds, with Jewish families moving into Baltimore from all over the country. “We love it here. Even though it’s so large, it still has a small-town feel.”
It’s easier to keep kosher in Baltimore than in many cities. Seven Mile Market in the Baltimore suburb of Pikesville is the largest kosher grocery store in the entire United States. With over 55,000 square feet of retail space, it includes an in-store optometrist, kosher meat counters, fish, extensive dry goods and a floral section. Oriole Park Camden Yards, home to the Baltimore Orioles, boasts kosher snack food for fans and even hosts Jewish afternoon and evening services during games for fans who don’t want to miss praying with a minyan.
Lev Avraham Rosenstock, a member of Baltimore's Tiferes Yisroel, confirms that Baltimore's Jewish community is "growing by leaps and bouonds" and estimates that the number of large synagogues in the city has doubled or tripled in the past 20 years. Tiferes Yisroel illustrates what makes Baltimore so special: members come from all walks of life, united in their passion for Jewish growth.
"There's a big sense of achdus, unity, in Baltimore that is unique and welcoming," Mr. Rosenstock told Aish.com.
World-Class Yeshiva
Rabbi Ruderman, zt"l
Baltimore is home to one of the world’s foremost “yeshivot”, or Jewish talmudic schools: Ner Yisrael. Rabbi Sheftel Neuberger, Menahel (Principal) of the yeshiva, explained to Aish.com what makes Ner Israel special: “we try to infuse each of our (students) with a sense of responsibility for their community.
Founded in 1933 by Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Ruderman, an eminent Torah scholar from Russia, Ner Israel started with a class of just six students. Rabbi Ruderman named his school Ner Israel, or “candle of Israel” after the Jewish scholar Rabbi Israel Salanter, who stressed the ethical nature of Judaism, emphasizing the crucial Jewish value of being kind and caring to all.
Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Weinberg, 1923-1999
After the death of Rabbi Ruderman, his formidable son-in-law, Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg, zt"l, became the Rosh Yeshiva. Today, Ner Israel encompasses three schools – an accredited college/yeshiva, a high school, and kollel, an advanced school for higher study – and educates about 800 students. Students flock to Ner Israel from around the world. Following the Iranian Revolution in 1978, dozens of Persian Jews fled to Baltimore and enrolled in the school. Ner Israel also runs programs for South American Jews: students come from Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Chile, Panama and elsewhere. Recently, Rabbi Neuberger explains, the yeshiva has run a boys’ summer camp for Jewish youth from Venezuela, giving them a taste of Baltimore’s rich Jewish community. “Many of the boys come back to study in the yeshiva," Rabbi Neuberger notes.
Ner Israel has shaped Baltimore. “A good number of the younger rabbis, many teachers and principals and the lay leadership of Baltimore’s schools have a connection with Ner Israel. We work very hard to keep everyone together. We have a special community and it continues to grow,” Rabbi Neuberger explains. Ner Israel has consulted with Jewish schools across the country and in Canada, helping yeshivas and Jewish study programs get off the ground in Toronto, Atlanta, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dallas and elsewhere.
Inner-City Children Visiting Israel
For the past 20 years, hundreds of inner-city children from Baltimore have had the opportunity to visit Israel on the highly selective Elijah Cummings Youth Program. Founded by Rep. Cummings, a long-time congressman from Baltimore, the two-year long program pairs intensive education with a month-long visit to the Jewish state.
Congressman Elijah Cummings
“Our Fellows lead their generation by gaining first-hand cross-cultural knowledge and skill. Our efforts are infused with the desire to further historic African-American and Jewish bonds,” the program’s website explains. Fellows receive intensive tutoring in political and social subjects, then embark on a trip to Israel where they get to know Israeli students; after they come home, Fellows complete a final community service requirement back in Baltimore.
Over 200 students have completed the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel, including CNN anchor Victor Blackwell, who participated in 2017, and said it “made me a better man, made me a better journalist, and... gave me some of the most formative experiences and longest friendships of my life.”
Downtown Resurgence
In recent years, the area of downtown Baltimore that was once known as “Corned Beef Row” and was home to the bulk of the city’s Jews has seen a resurgence. Most of Baltimore’s Jewish community moved to the northwest corner of the city and to the nearby suburb of Pikesville just over the border of Baltimore. Now, Jews are beginning to move back into downtown, as well.
Jewish students, young professionals and empty nesters have been filling the area, and demand for Jewish amenities in central Baltimore is growing. The downtown area has two kosher eateries, including one that opened recently. A new downtown eruv is even in the works. In April 2019, Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young signed a proclamation declaring "The Downtown Eruv District", which will make it easier for observant Jews to once again call central Baltimore home.
Photo used in the graphic is from the Baltimore Jewish Times, featuring Jewish community leaders meeting with Baltimore City police commissioner. (L-R) Ron Rosenbluth, Shomrim; Abba Poliakoff, president, Baltimore Jewish Council.
(26) Ernest Hendrickson MD, August 7, 2019 3:31 AM
Salute to world’s best.
If ever there was a blessed talented group of great people the Jewish people are the first. In so many fields of endeavor. The top of the intellectual, the Nobel Prizes they have no peer! An incredible record of achievement.
(25) Wendell, August 4, 2019 7:33 PM
Elijah Cummings Youth Program for Jews et al
I wonder if the author checked to see if the money for these expensive trips to Israel sponsored by Elijah (and most of folks can never afford) actually came from the Federal Funds we taxpayers poured into Baltimore to supposedly improve the terrible conditions in the rat-filled sectors of that city. Makes me wonder where Cummings' priorities really lie.
(24) Michael Cohen, August 4, 2019 5:45 PM
The truth
Yeah I have some Jewish friends who are FROM Baltimore and I’ve been there several times. It’s funny how this article failed to mention the fact that since 2009 Baltimore has been called “bodymore” or “murderland.” To say that Baltimore is in desperate need is not an exaggeration. Likewise to conclude as President Trump and those of us who see have that Cummings has miserably failed the people of Baltimore is not an exaggeration. Sure some young people have gone to Israel but no thanks for that goes to pro bds Cummings. Every election cycle African Americans who live in squalor are told by the left that things are getting better thanks to them. Apparently that same lie is trying to be feed to Jews. Thankfully more people are seeing and accepting the truth.
(23) Anonymous, August 4, 2019 2:29 PM
Beautiful description of Baltimore- Market does not have an optometrist working in the store!A few years ago, there was an optical boutique inside the store!
As a wife and mother of 2 outstanding professional optometrists in Baltimore for over 40 years in practice, I find it offensive to write that their is an optometrist in a grocery store!
(22) Anonymous, August 3, 2019 4:38 PM
Cromwell was not Prime Minister.
I do not mean to be pedantic. However, this particular mistake is very ironic. The prime minister is the chief minister of the king. To this day, though elected in modern England, the prime minister still technically serves the monarch.
Cromwell, rather famously, had a major role in having Charles I executed - after Cromwell led the parliamentary against the royalists in the English Civil War.
His title, after he took over as head of state, was Lord Protector.
(21) Ruth, August 2, 2019 7:17 PM
The Szolds?
Interesting article. But there was no mention of Henrietta Szold and her father.
(20) Raymond, August 2, 2019 2:46 PM
Chana Leah, Come Home
This issue involving Baltimore with all of its violence toward our Jewish people is personally very painful for me to read about. My younger sister lives there. I am so worried about her safety. Sadly for me, though, her nature has changed. We used to have such a close relationship (or so I thought), but now she has cut off all communication with me. Oddly enough, she has far more understanding for the violent elements in that city, than she does toward me. I have long maintained that she made a huge mistake in moving there in the first place. I hope I am proven wrong, but meanwhile, in spite of her hatred toward me, I wish she would move back to Los Angeles, where things are not nearly as bad as they are there.
(19) Judy Boroschek, August 2, 2019 11:44 AM
This was a great article - full of specifics across a variety of topics from study, to amenities and foods, to locations of people even to an eruv. Thanks!!
(18) Anonymous, August 2, 2019 11:02 AM
Glad to have left
We lived in Baltimore for many years. While the people were the most accepting, loving, caring, generous people around, I am so grateful that we left. My kids were petrified to leave our house. We had a big beautiful yard that they never played in because they were too frightened of the unsavory characters walking by (rightfully so!) They were scared to walk half a block to a friend's house to play on Shabbos. I had to scan my surroundings before stepping out of my car and walking the few feet to the door of my house. And we lived in a nicer area, not directly adjacent to the slums as other frum people do. I carried mace in my hand when I went walking for exercise. The local JCC regularly held self-defense classes for frum women. Our home and our neighbors' homes on our street were burglarized. Every time we went out of town, I approached our home with trepidation to see if our house had been broken into or if our other car was gone. It was a very constant anxious existence. Now we live somewhere were my kids can play outside, ride their bikes without fear of someone grabbing it from them, sometimes we even forget to lock our door...I miss the wonderful yidden there but feel sorry for them.
(17) Elliott Berlin, August 2, 2019 10:53 AM
Rabbi Noah Weinberg learned in Ner Israel
I remember the farewell Melaveh Malka held in the Yeshiva when Noah, an older bachur left the Yeshiva for Eretz Yisroel. We all accompanied him to the train station, singing B'simcha setzetyu ,etc. on the platform.
(16) Denise Harvey, August 2, 2019 3:23 AM
If the Jews think Baltimore is Vibrant they've ignore crime statistics
The overall crime rate in Baltimore is 153% higher than the national average. For every 100,000 people, there are 19.06 daily crimes that occur in Baltimore. Baltimore is safer than 2% of the cities in the United States. In Baltimore you have a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Doesn't sound like a vibrant exciting place to me
(15) Anonymous, August 2, 2019 3:20 AM
I moved to Baltimore with my family about 5years ago. For a Frum family there is pretty much anything and everything you could want. And a LOT left to be desired. A lot of crime directed at Jews. Carjackings, muggings, thefts, breakins and more in the Frum areas. Last year was so bad that a mobile police unit had to be brought in and even that was only partially effective. Politicians are corrupt. Downtown is atrocious— drug addicts and violent crime is abundant. Let’s just say I work in the field of addiction and among the hundreds of patients I have met I can’t recall one that had favorable things to say about the city.
(14) Anonymous, August 2, 2019 3:19 AM
Who pays for the trips to Israel?
The article didn't specify who pays for the trips to Israel. Is it Elijah Cummings, out of his personal congressional salary? Is this a "non-profit charity foundation," run by Mr. Cummings? If so, what proportion of donations taken in actually go to funding the trips? Where does the rest of the money go??? Is that an illegal question?
"Chesed le'Umim Chatas." Look it up. Don't allow the few photogenic Grants to obscure the untold suffering of millions in the inner city. Where is Mr. Cummings and his "Foundation" when thousands are gunned down, fall victim to overdose, or live in poverty and squalor in the inner city? It's not a racist question...
(13) Les, August 2, 2019 3:13 AM
Why
Why then do the Jews of Baltimore not have enough influence to make it a place of safety and righteousness but the murder capital of the USA. Could it be we squander for the likes of men like E.C.
Yisroel, August 13, 2019 5:38 AM
I’m not sure what you mean but a lot has been squandered
It is mind boggling that Elijah Cummings district was given $15.7 billion in the last two years. A typical district has 747,000 residents. That means that the Federal Government has given $21,000 to every man, woman and child in his congressional district. That is $84,000 for a family of four! Where did that money get spent?
I am sure that with responsible leaders, that amount of money could have made a huge change in the city. At the very least, could it not be cleaned up?
I have called the city 4 times in four months to pick up an abandoned vehicle that people sometimes use for who knows what. It has still not been picked up!
Baruch HaShem, the city does have a wonderful Jewish community. But that is because of our extensive educational institutions like Ner Israel (1933) Talmudical Academy (the first US Day school outside of New York, Est. 1917) Bais Yaakov (1944) etc. etc. and Shuls and mikvehs, despite the corruption that surrounds us.
(12) Anonymous, August 2, 2019 12:56 AM
Kosher restaurants?
My kids live in Baltimore and don’t know of any kosher restaurants. Where are they? And they haven’t found any Jewish life in downtown Baltimore. There are the 2 historic shuls but not for young people.
Laura, August 2, 2019 3:01 AM
An Internet search of “Kosher Restaurants Baltimore” just found six places to enjoy.
(11) Anonymous, August 1, 2019 6:00 PM
Grandfather many generations in Baltimore as a Shomer Shabbos jew
The grandfather of Reb Yitzchok Soloveichik, of Yerushalayim, a Godol of our present generations was born and bred in Baltimore. Mr. Marks's family came to the United States over before the Civil war and kept Torah and mitzvos throughout the time.
(10) Hessel Meilech, August 1, 2019 5:24 PM
Why Cromwell was friendly with the Jews
Oliver Cromwell was very very friendly with the Mendes family in Europe.
Therefore borrowed money from them on behalf of the Government.
See Gracia Mendes Nasi
(9) Yehudit bat Keren, August 1, 2019 5:00 PM
Sounds great.
I’m happy to hear that there is a renewal of Jewish life going on in Baltimore, with its long history of Jewish presence and contributions. I wish that for every city and town, and that we be viewed favorably by all. My Dad worked for a Jewish company based in Baltimore, so that makes it a bit personal. Nonetheless, many large cities that have been more focused on expansion and increasing their tax base have neglected infrastructure and crime. My large hometown’s most exclusive old neighborhood is infested with rats. I know - I lived there. I also know that only one mayor in the last 40 years has been a proponent of updating the century plus old infrastructure, which is not only old but inadequate to handle the growth of new high rises throughout the midtown and nearby areas. The current mayor has such little regard for the safety and welfare of some citizens that she told police not to respond to crimes in more affluent areas as quickly as others. My understanding is that Baltimore is not much different. That Elijah Cummings sends youths to Israel is admirable., but this is after “Fellows receive intensive tutoring in political and social subjects...” What exactly is being taught? If it is his brand of political and social subjects, I must worry. After reading a “journalist” from CNN loved the experience, I have to be alarmed. Jewish resurgence is great. The horrible state of the city is independent of that, IMHO. My comments come from the heart, and no offense is meant.
(8) Sara Yoheved Rigler, August 1, 2019 4:39 PM
Fascinating article
Thank you to Yvette Alt Miller for researching and writing this fascinating article, which opened my eyes to a little-known segment of American Jewish history. Especially the part about Dr. Lombrozo was powerful and significant.
(7) Nalinaksha Mutsuddi, August 1, 2019 3:58 PM
Informative
Very informative article.Thanks
(6) Anonymous, August 1, 2019 3:25 PM
Baltimore has more than Jews as their citizens.
Dear Sirs:
I agree that those events of folks going to Israel is a great thing. I assure you that my support for Israel and Jews does not waver. What I do know is relatives living and working in Baltimore (Law Enforcement) know where the dirt is and corruption is and has been. These are not media talking points as some present to unsuspecting public. Eljjah Cummings is responsible for many ills in Baltimore and surrounding areas in Md. He needs to be accountable and step down from leadership in the house and position as a Representative of the House. For the good of the country. Many others are friends of Jews in the Govt and citizenry of Md. and the USA.
Sincerely,
WM
(5) Anonymous, August 1, 2019 3:17 PM
WIf Baltimore is so great why have leadrs created a volunteer patrol of neighborhoods
Baltimore is a very unsafe city even for Jews. The religious community that doesn't live far from the dirty, infested, crime ridden area has created a volunteer patrol to safeguard our neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods are prey to thieves, beatings, and some rodents too. Everyone knows corruption is widespread in Baltimore City government. There is little accountability and many siphon off millions of dollars that land in their pockets. Unfortunately, some of our religious leaders shut their eyes and have their hands out. No one dares to walk at night and murders occur at a rate of 2-3 a day. The drug trade is rife and even has claimed the lives of some religious children. Billions of dollars have not been spent on Baltimore, but instead has been pocketed by government (city and state) to keep the drug trade going.
(4) Anonymous, August 1, 2019 3:15 PM
Informative !
I’m speechless (unusual); I learned a lot (not only about Jewish population of Baltimore, it’s history and the educational opportunities that
Elijah Cummings is providing for inner city youth!!
Anonymous, August 2, 2019 2:47 PM
A few "good" deeds...
Just because Rep. Cummings sends kids to Israel, doesn't mean that everything he does is so righteous. Baltimore is everything Ms. Miller said AND everything President Trump has said. Unfortunately, you can't clean up Baltimore by sending a few kids to Israel to keep the Jews happy, but it does keep a politician in office. Baltimore has been run with the same politics, policies and corruption for over 50 years. The problems could have and should have been dealt with when the city was given $16 BILLION from the federal government during the current administration. If we continue to ignore the problems and lash out at any real criticism, we will all G-d forbid, be swallowed up by the rats.
(3) Fred Shoken, August 1, 2019 2:29 PM
Your Forgotten to Mention ...
Rabbi Zelig Pliskin of Aish HaTorah grew up in Baltimore.
(2) Paula, July 31, 2019 10:57 PM
Baltimore is not all neglected
I guess this article serves as an antidote to Trump's assertion of Baltimore being dirty and rat infested. No doubt there is a different side to every story, but this article just portrays the area where the Jewish people live. Other sites did show neglect and crumbling houses and infrastructure. It would be interesting to find out how the 16 billion given to the region was spent.
Raymond, August 1, 2019 2:45 PM
Donald Was Right
Donald's comments did not refer to the Jewish areas of Baltimore, which are undoubtedly in far better condition than the more rat-infested, ghetto areas of that city.
Grw, August 1, 2019 2:47 PM
Where do you get your numbers from?
I live in Baltimore. We have our problems, but so does every place. I've raised 10 children here, and now many of them are raising their children here I'm just curious where your 16 billion number comes from and over how many years and mayorial administrations? I especially love the part in the article about Rep. Elijah Cummings sponsorship of an Israel program. He is truly a mensch.
Anonymous, August 2, 2019 2:55 PM
See reply to #4 "good" deeds
The $16 billion was JUST in the last two years during the current administration. The "good" deed of sending some kids to Israel does not make a mensch. It makes for good politics in a city with a large Jewish population. Focusing on the people who have no hope living in the dilapidated sections of Baltimore is just not as exciting for the "leadership." If they truly tried to help those neighborhoods, rehabilitate the homes, the people, offer programs to truly address crime and drug addiction, it would have a better effect on the whole city and it's inhabitants. But it doesn't happen when the number one focus is remaining in power.
(1) Rachel, July 31, 2019 8:13 PM
Thank you
With Baltimore recently maligned in press, it is great that you are showing all the good reasons to live there!
Anonymous, August 2, 2019 2:57 PM
Read the comments
Ms. Miller is correct and the President is also correct. Unfortunately by continuously ignoring the problems for the last 50 years of one party rule and endless corruption, those of us in Baltimore may G-d forbid all be swallowed up by the rats.