JTS Unveils Newly Digitized Archive of Over 1,750 Rare Audio and Video Files

A Major Digitization Project Has Been Completed Thanks to the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC)

October 9, 2024 – New York, NY– JTS is excited to announce the completion of a comprehensive digitization project, making over 1,750 audio and video files from its archives available to the public for the first time. The newly revealed Jewish cultural and historical material is now publicly accessible through The JTS Library’s web portal, benefiting researchers, students, educators, and the global community.

This project was made possible by a generous grant of $142,549 from The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an affiliate of the National Archives.

“Completing this project marks a significant achievement for JTS,” said Naomi Steinberger, JTS Director of Library Services, who serves as the Project Director for this grant. “These newly uncovered recordings offer profound insights into Jewish life, both in America and across the globe, during the second half of the 20th century. We are deeply grateful to the NHPRC for their vital support.”

“The breadth and depth of these recordings demonstrates not only the extent of JTS’s commitment to preserving the past but also the magnitude of its dedication to furthering American democracy; Jewish culture, peoplehood, and scholarship; and the pursuit of justice,” said Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz, JTS Chancellor and Irving Lehrman Research Professor of American Jewish History. “We are truly grateful for the NHPRC’s support.”

Highlights of the Collection: The collection features interviews, speeches, and lectures from a range of influential figures, including Israeli Prime Ministers David Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir, Ambassador Abba Eban, and philosopher Martin Buber. It also includes notable speeches from leaders who participated in JTS events, such as civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and President Harry Truman.

Other prominent voices include Vice President Al Gore, Prime Minister Shimon Peres, U.S. Ambassador Stuart Eisenstadt, New York State Chief Judge Judith Kaye, Representative John Lewis, Israeli feminist Alice Shalvi, and celebrated authors like Philip Roth, Mitch Albom, and Amos Oz.

Special Focus on Jewish Scholarship: In addition to political and cultural leaders, the archive holds significant recordings from renowned Jewish scholars, religious leaders, and cultural icons. Highlights include digitized episodes of the “Eternal Light” national radio program and in-depth interviews with luminaries such as Louis Finkelstein, Molly Picon, Elie Wiesel, Chaim Potok, and Simon Wiesenthal. Also included are over 200 audio and video files documenting the works of theologian Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel.

A Look into JTS’s History: Visitors to the archive will have the unique opportunity to explore historical moments from JTS’s own institutional history, including commencements, convocations, inaugurations, dedications, and symposia.

This newly digitized archive stands as a landmark achievement in the preservation of Jewish cultural heritage, offering an unparalleled view into the lives and legacies of those who have left an indelible mark on Jewish and American history.