New York, NY (May 14, 2026) — The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy is launching the Herz Heritage Trail—an innovative initiative to ensure preservation, promote awareness, engage new audiences, especially young people, and perpetuate Jewish history, memory, and pride on the Lower East Side—4:30PM on Sunday, 17 May at TriBeCa Synagogue (49 White Street).
This special event will feature remarks by Hon. Julie Menin (New York City Council Speaker), scholar of New York’s Jewish history Professor David E. Kaufman, and digital mapping pioneer Jason Guberman (Executive Director, Jewish Heritage Preservation). Celebrated Yiddish actor Allen Lewis Rickman will serve as the master of ceremonies.
In addition to inaugurating the Herz Heritage Trail, named for the late civic activist Roger Herz, this special event will honor the Bialystoker Synagogue and recognize Ami and Larissa Nahari.
About the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy (LESJC)
The LESJC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created in 1998 dedicated to exploring and maintaining the vibrancy of Jewish history in New York City. Our mission is to celebrate, preserve, and share the Jewish heritage of NYC neighborhoods, starting with the iconic Lower East Side, the cradle of
American Jewish civilization and symbol of success for hundreds of thousands of Jewish immigrants to the neighborhood who went on to make immense contributions to American life.
The Conservancy has raised in excess of $2,000,000 to preserve various structures on the Lower East Side, as well as secured the historic designations of synagogues and 32 city blocks as a New York State and National Register recognized Historic District.
Today, the Conservancy creates public and private tours as well as educational programming showcasing Jewish landmarks, history, and people to enlighten and inspire visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Our tours have received many TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards in recognition of being “in the top 10% worldwide.” LESJC tours are also consistently ranked amongst the best tours and attractions in New York City.
Media Inquiries:
Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy
447 Broadway, 2nd FL, No. 893
New York, NY 10013
212.374-4100