Reena Sigman Friedman

Dr. Reena Sigman Friedman is Associate Professor of Modern Jewish History at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, as well as Adjunct Professor of Jewish History at Grantz College. She is the author of These Are Our Children: Jewish Orphanages in the United States, 1880–1925, several encyclopedia entries, and numerous scholarly articles. Dr. Friedman lectures widely on topics relating to various aspects of American Jewish history.

Articles by this author

Hebrew Benevolent and Orphan Asylum Society Report, 1893

Orphanages in the United States

In the mid-nineteenth century, Jewish philanthropists founded many orphanages in cities with significant Jewish populations, aiming to provide elementary education, vocational training, and religious instruction for dependent children they feared would be raised in non-Jewish asylums. Women were often at the forefront of these institutions as founders, managers, and staff members.
Interior of the Clara de Hirsch Home for Working Girls

Clara De Hirsch Home for Working Girls

The Clara de Hirsch Home for Working Girls was established in May 1897 to provide housing, occupational training, and community to mostly poor and immigrant young women in New York City.

The exterior of a gymnasium with a curved roof

Cedar Knolls School for Girls

Founded in 1911 by the women of the New York Jewish Protectory and Aid Society, the Cedar Knolls School for Girls aimed to provide assistance to young and so-called delinquent Jewish women through education and vocational training.

Donate

Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women.

donate now

Listen to Our Podcast

Can We Talk? 120th episode graphic: Joan Rivers illustration with thought bubble that says "120 episodes? I'm kvelling!"
Episode 120: Until 120!

Get JWA in your inbox

Read the latest from JWA from your inbox.

sign up now

How to cite this page

Jewish Women's Archive. "Reena Sigman Friedman." (Viewed on November 23, 2024) <https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/author/friedman-reena>.