Initial
Jewish settlements in South Jersey emerged in the
mid-19th century and offered a safe haven for
people to re-create strong families and practice
religion freely, without fear of
government-sponsored violence. Looking for work,
German Jews first first migrated from their
community in Philadelphia to Trenton, and then
spread south to Wildwood. Although Jewish settlers
were mainly known as merchants and shop owners,
many towns also boast the development of the
Jewish farmer. While agriculture would eventually
be abandoned in favor of manufacturing , there
were many extremely successful and historically
significant Jewish farms that flourished in the
south. Now, of course, people of the Hebrew faith
are productive players in every walk of life.
Jewish South Jersey touches on the many contributions
made by Jewish people in the southern part of the
Garden State.
