Immigration has had a profound effect on the Jewish community in Central Maryland. From the arrival of Eastern European immigrants in the late 19th century to the descendants of German Jews who moved to more affluent areas in the late 19th century, the Jewish population in Baltimore has seen a steady increase. This influx of immigrants has had a lasting impact on the culture and lifestyle of the Jewish community in Central Maryland. In 1826, Jews were granted political rights in Maryland, which removed many of the legal impediments that had previously prevented them from participating in the political, social, and economic life of the country.
As a port of entry for immigrants and a border city between North and South, Baltimore was well-positioned to reflect the evolution of American Jewish life. By 1930, the number of Jews in Baltimore had reached 70,000. The West Colfax neighborhood was home to many of these immigrants and was described by the press as having the epidemic under control. Here, Margaret Sanger, a visiting nurse, had a strong influence on the Lower East Side immigrant community.
The descendants of German Jews born in the United States began moving to more prosperous districts on the northwest side of the city in the late 19th century, where they tended to re-concentrate in predominantly Jewish enclaves. The Forverts (also known as Jewish Daily Forward and later Forward) was a Yiddish-language newspaper launched in 1897 by the Forward Association. It was dedicated to the cause of democratic socialism and became an essential element in the life of the Jewish immigrant community. Under Abraham Cahan's editorial direction from 1911 to 1953, it worked not only for trade unionism and socialism but also for the health, well-being, and integration of its community into American society and culture.
Solomon Jackson, originally from England, was the first Jewish printer in New York and published the First American Haggadah in 1837. Zacharie was involved in helping Abraham Lincoln secure the Jewish vote. In 1842, some German immigrants founded Har Sinai as a reformist counterpoint and built the first building specifically designed as a reformist temple in 1849. A variety of subgroups supported numerous organizations, activities, and newspapers but all remained relatively close within northwest Baltimore since most Jews still desired to live in Jewish neighborhoods. As immigrant communities grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, so did hospitals that catered to them, especially those located in areas with high concentrations of residential immigrants. Widely recognized as one of the main Jewish federations in America, The Association is known for its innovative programs, its effectiveness at raising funds, and its leaders who have played important roles at a national level. Immigration has had a lasting impact on Central Maryland's Jewish community. From political rights granted to Jews in 1826 to Margaret Sanger's influence on Lower East Side immigrants to Solomon Jackson's First American Haggadah to Zacharie's help with Abraham Lincoln's campaign, this influx of immigrants has shaped both culture and lifestyle for generations.
