Memorial Day through Labor Day
Celebrate the Jewish immigrant experience by noshing and navigating your way through New York City’s Lower East Side!
At each of our nine participating locations, you’ll find a PJ Library book connected to that spot’s story—look for the book in the window or on display inside. Can you find them all? Snap a photo and tag or DM @pjlibraryinnewyork when you spot a book!
Get your own kid-friendly printable scavenger hunt map! Download Now
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Written by Joanne Oppenheim and Illustrated by Jon Davis
When a rival knish shop opens across the street, Benny’s family bakery is thrown into a price war. But soon, both sides realize there’s room for more than one kind of knish on Rivington Street.
Find It:
Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery
Why This Location?
A true Lower East Side icon, Yonah Schimmel’s represents the Jewish food traditions—and friendly rivalries—that inspired this story.
PJ Library Pointer
Go for both the new and the tried and true. Our favorites are the classic kasha knish and the slightly spicy jalapeño and cheddar cheese knish.
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Written by Lisa Greenwald and Illustrated by Galia Bernstein
Bubbe’s famous matzo ball soup isn’t just delicious and comforting –Ellie’s pretty sure it's also magical. But will Ellie’s wishes over the soup pot be enough to save her family’s deli?
Find It:
Katz’s Delicatessen
Why This Location?
Both Katz’s Delicatessen and Ellie’s Deli celebrate Jewish deli culture, family traditions and keeping a beloved neighborhood deli thriving.
PJ Library Pointer
Hold onto your entry ticket and don’t lose it or you’ll have to pay a fee.
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Written by Michael Leventhal and Illustrated by Laura Catalaan
Back in Spain, Benjamin’s grandfather was known as the Chocolate King thanks to his amazing hot chocolate. Now in France, no one knows hot chocolate—until a delicious accident changes everything.
Find It:
Economy Candy
Why This Location?
Both Economy Candy and The Chocolate King celebrate the rich history and tradition of candy-making.
PJ Library Pointer
Take advantage of the vintage candies that your kids may not have seen before.
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Written by Aubrey Davis and Illustrated by Dusan Petricic
While working in his grandfather’s bakery, Benny learns the joys of giving, receiving, caring, and gratitude.
Find It:
Davidovich Bakery Shop
Why This Location?
Just like Benny’s grandfather, Gene Davidovich continues the tradition of hand-rolled bagels at his bakery, honoring cultural heritage and dedication to quality.
PJ Library Pointer
The rainbow bagels are sure to be a hit with your littles.
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Written by Elsa Okon Rael and Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
In the early 1900s on the Lower East Side, seven-year-old Zeesie learns lessons of community, generosity, and courage from her Jewish immigrant neighborhood.
Find It:
The Tenement Museum
Why This Location?
Just like Zeesie’s world, the Tenement Museum brings to life the stories of Jewish immigrants on the Lower East Side—and the homes, traditions, and resilience they carried with them.
PJ Library Pointer
Contact the Museum for a private family-friendly tour experience.
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Written by Sydney Taylor and Illustrated by Helen John
Five young sisters experience Jewish life in New York City in the early 1900s, finding adventure in activities like library visits and dusting the front room.
Find It:
The Pickle Guys
Why This Location?
Like All-of-a-Kind Family, The Pickle Guys celebrates enduring Jewish traditions on the Lower East Side—where pickle barrels and close-knit families were part of everyday life.
PJ Library Pointer
The Pickle Guys don’t just pickle pickles—try their pickled watermelon and onions for the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
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Written by Elsa Okon Rael and Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
Zeesie is a little afraid of her serious grandfather, Zaydeh, until Simchat Torah comes around, revealing his joyful side.
Find It:
The Museum at Eldridge Street
Why This Location?
The Museum at Eldridge Street, housed in a historic synagogue, celebrates the same Jewish traditions and family stories that come to life in Zeesie’s tale.
PJ Library Pointer
Arrive before 2:00 pm to catch the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows.
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Written by Pamela Mayer and Illustrated by Deborah Melmon
Sophie has two grandmas, Bubbe and Nai Nai, each with their own family recipe for chicken soup. She soon realizes the soups are very similar, despite each having its own delicious flavor.
Find It:
Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
Why This Location?
Both Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup and Buddha Bodai blend cultural traditions through food.
PJ Library Pointer
Experience a unique blend of flavors with the Vegetarian Chicken and Corn Soup.
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Written by Linda Glaser and Illustrated by Claire A. Nivola
Deeply moved by the struggles of new immigrants, Emma Lazarus penned The New Colossus, giving Lady Liberty her famous voice of welcome. This book tells Emma’s story.
Find It:
The Center for Jewish History
Why This Location?
The Center for Jewish History preserves stories of Jewish immigrants, just like those Lazarus championed in her poetry.
PJ Library Pointer
Check out Ruth’s Bookstore, CJH’s gift shop that opened earlier this year.
On the Upper West Side? You can also search for a PJ Library book at these three locations!
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Written by Alan Silberberg and Illustrated by Alan Silberberg
From Apples to Zhug, meet a tasty Jewish food for every letter of the alphabet. This zany book will get you excited to try dishes from Jewish communities all around the world.
Find It:
Zabar's (2245 Broadway)
Why This Location?
Both Zabar’s and P is for Pastrami celebrate the flavors, traditions, and lively spirit of Jewish food culture, honoring the immigrant roots and iconic deli staples that have become part of New York’s story.
PJ Library Pointer
Start downstairs with a bagel, smoked fish, and chocolate rugelach, and then go upstairs to discover a whole world of kitchen tools and home treasures.
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Written by Debbie Levy and Illustrated by Sonja Wimmer
Young Flory’s ancestors fled Spain generations ago, carrying a key to their old home and their Sephardic music. When Flory grows up, she must leave her home too, but the music of her ancestry follows her wherever she goes.
Find It:
Congregation Shearith Israel (2 West 70th St.)
Why This Location?
Both Congregation Shearith Israel and The Key from Spain honor the enduring legacy of Sephardic Jews, preserving the traditions, history, and resilience carried from Spain to new Jewish communities across generations.
PJ Library Pointer
Free synagogue tours are given monthly on the second Wednesday of the month (except on observed Jewish and Federal holidays).
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Written by Carla Heymsfeld and Illustrated by Vlad Guzner
Everyone loves light, fluffy matzah balls. But Frieda Pinsky’s matzah balls are a little too light!
Find It:
Barney Greengrass (541 Amsterdam Ave.)
Why This Location?
Barney Greengrass and The Matzah Ball Fairy each celebrate the warmth, comfort, and food traditions at the heart of Jewish family life, honoring the classic dishes and neighborhood gathering places that connect generations.
PJ Library Pointer
Go straight for the smoked fish and a bagel with cream cheese, it’s what they’re famous for. It’s a classic New York Jewish deli, so it may feel busy and bustling, but that’s part of the experience!