Vintage Video Shows Erev Pesach on the Lower East Side Circa 1932

Erev Pesach, or the night before Passover, is one of the busiest shopping days in a Jewish neighborhood. Back on this day in 1932, the Lower East Side was bustling with activity as shoppers sought out matzoh and other foods kosher for passover.

Shoppers rush to pick up provisions at the kosher butcher, kosher for Passover wine shop, and free matzo down on Pike Street. Regarding the latter, the footage portrays the most easily recognizable location – the Pike Street Synagogue (0:40), designated a city landmark nearly twenty years ago to the day. We see a horde congregated to collect free matzo being doled.

Matt Coneybeare

Matt Coneybeare

Editor in Chief

Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.

Something wrong with this post? Let us know!

Brought To You By…