Family is the foundation of society. Throughout the ages, in different cultures, the concept of family has taken many forms. For Greek Jews, living in the traditional, conservative world of pre-WWII Jewish Greece, families were close knit with marriages often arranged from within the community. As the Jews began to emigrate, the traditional values of family were carried with them as they packed their baggage to journey to the New World.

Certainly, for those who settled in the New York Metropolitan area, whether they be Sephardim or Romaniote, “family” would give them the basics, enabling them to plant their roots, preserve their culture and traditions, establish their synagogues and make their way in this strange New World.

Pioneers, early arrivals from Greece, welcomed their extended family as the migrations continued, offering them a warm bed, familiar foods and a safe harbor from which they could venture forth and seek their fortune.

With the birth of children, the family would continue.

"The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing." – Unknown

Truly, Greek Jews were blessed with the love of family.

“In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.” – Alex Haley

Our families continue to be the cement, the mortar that reinforces this bridge to the future.

THE BOARD OF KEHILA KEDOSHA JANINA PRESENTS “DIKOI MAS, LOS MUESTROS”

AN EXHIBIT ON GREEK JEWISH FAMILIES

NOVEMBER 14, 2010-NOVEMBER 1, 2011

View preview of exhibit.