“The Schagen Letter”

Four centuries ago, Manhattan was sold by its indigenous Lenape inhabitants to Dutch colonialists for a mere twenty-four dollars, as documented in the renowned Schagen Letter on display at the New York Historical Society. While today it's challenging to find a meal in Manhattan for under twenty-four dollars, this transaction laid the groundwork for the modern city of New York.

Yet, for the Lenape people, this was not a genuine sale but rather an imposition of colonial dominance, stripping them of their ancestral rights. Adjacent to the Schagen Letter, visitors can find a contemporary letter from Lenape leaders (slide four), discrediting the Schagen sale. They assert that this transaction does not define them and that their intrinsic bond with “Manahahtáanung” remains unbreakable.

Take a moment to honor the ancestors and history of New York by viewing the Schagen letter at the New York Historical Society until the exhibit closes on July 14th!

RBG Collars: Photographs by Elinor Carucci

In honor of Women’s History Month, we seize this perfect opportunity to celebrate the enduring legacy of one of the legal field's most influential and remarkable figures, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As the first Jewish woman and the second woman to grace the Supreme Court bench, she has undeniably earned her moniker, "the notorious R.B.G."

The Jewish museum and photographer Elinor Carucci pay tribute to Justice Ginsburg through a captivating display of her iconic collars worn throughout her tenure on the Supreme Court. Justice Ginsburg adorned these collars not merely to introduce a much-needed "feminine touch" to the Court, but also to convey messages through her attire. While some choices may have been random, many were deliberate, symbolizing various facets of her identity, values, and positions on significant issues. For instance, her "majority collar" (bottom left on slide one) often accompanied her delivery of majority opinions, yet it also graced the occasion of the first gay wedding she officiated prior to the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges legalizing same-sex marriage. 

 Justice Ginsburg's legacy transcends the legal field; she stands as a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere.  Don't miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable tribute at the Jewish Museum before it concludes on May 27th, 2024!

Spring has (Cherry) Blossomed!

Every year, mother nature welcomes spring with the most beautiful cherry blossom trees. These trees are known for their gorgeous flowering and are often celebrated through the ancient tradition of “hanami” in Japan where many take time to sit and observe the beautiful flowers on the cherry blossom tree.

Luckily for us, we were able to indulge in hanami and get a sneak peek of the newly blossomed trees in Central Park, with the help of Central Park’s cherry blossom tracker.  You can also experience the beauty of cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and use the Brooklyn Botanical Garden’s cherry blossom tracker to see when and where the blooming trees are. It's still early in the season, so you still have time to enjoy your own hanami and catch this wonderful spring welcome!