Come celebrate Jewish-American Heritage Month at the Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Ave., on Tuesday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m. with Brad Kolodny and discover how Jewish communities were established and developed east of New York City, from Great Neck to Greenport and Cedarhurst to Sag Harbor.

Author Brad Kolodny spent six years researching how, when, and why Jewish families settled and thrived there.

Kolodny has photographed more than 600 synagogues in 13 countries over the last 30+ years, including every synagogue building from Great Neck to Montauk.  He worked for The New York Times since 1996, is president of the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island, and an active member at Midway Jewish Center in Syosset.

Kolodny’s second book, “The Jews of Long Island 1705-1918″ published by SUNY Press, was released in March 2022.  He has archival material, including census records, newspaper accounts, never-before-published photos, and personal family histories that illuminate Jewish life and experiences during these formative years.

With over 4,400 names of people who lived in Nassau and Suffolk counties prior to the end of World War I, “The Jews of Long Island” is a fascinating history of those who laid the foundation for what has become the fourth-largest Jewish community in the United States today.

Kolodny is the president and founder of the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island, and the author of “Seeking Sanctuary: 125 Years of Synagogues on Long Island.” Learn more about him at https://synagogueslongisland.wixsite.com/synagoguesofli

Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.  Registration is required.  Great Neck Library members and residents have priority seating.  Non-residents are welcome as walk-ins, as space allows.

For more information, please contact the Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.