Hebrew National Orphan Home, Jewish orphanage in Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York, United States
The Hebrew National Orphan Home was a facility housed at 57 East 7th Street that provided shelter and care for Jewish boys on Manhattan's Lower East Side. The building contained sleeping quarters, classrooms, and training areas where children learned practical skills alongside their studies.
The home was established in 1912 to serve orphaned Jewish boys and expanded to a larger location in Yonkers in 1920 as needs grew. It underwent organizational changes in later decades, eventually becoming part of a broader Jewish child welfare network.
This facility served as an important community institution for Jewish families on the Lower East Side, offering both shelter and religious education to vulnerable children. The home helped prepare young people with practical skills while maintaining connection to their cultural traditions.
The orphanage's archival records are accessible through the American Jewish Historical Society for anyone researching family histories or admission details. Visitors can explore the location today as part of a walking tour through the history of social services in the Lower East Side.
The home specifically served only boys, distinguishing it from other orphanages that housed children of both genders in the same facilities. This focused approach allowed for specialized vocational training tailored to the needs of young males during the early 20th century.
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