Agudath Israel of America announced the launch of a new online archive, https://agudaharchive.org/, which highlights the treasure trove of the Agudath Israel archives. This archive serves as a repository of Orthodox Jewish history in America and is housed at their headquarters in New York City.
The initial version of the website contains over 3,000 audio and video recordings from Agudah events dating back to 1966, as well as all issues of the Jewish Observer and Dos Yiddishe Vort. The archive is both searchable and user-friendly, allowing users to browse through curated collections or search for specific keywords via its advanced search feature. Registered members can favorite files or create their own private collections.
“The treasures to be found here are astonishing,” said Rabbi Labish Becker, Executive Director of Agudath Israel of America and head of the Archives Department. “There are recordings from Siyumei Hashas, conventions, Yemei Iyun, Yarchei Kallahs, and so many other pivotal Agudah events.” Speakers featured in these recordings include members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, senior roshei yeshiva and rabbonim, major askonim, and lay leaders, both past and present.
Agudath Israel expresses its gratitude to Rabbi Moshe Kolodny, the founder of the archives, who dedicated decades to building the archives into the magnificent collection it is today. Special thanks also go to Mr. Yossi Aszknazy, who spent thousands of hours digitizing the thousands of recordings currently available on the site.
The archive website was sponsored in memory of Benny Levy by Sheryl Levy and family. May the learning and inspiration from these resources be in his memory.
The digitization of the archives is ongoing. Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Cohen generously sponsored the digitization of many of the archive’s documents, which will be featured in a future version of the website.
Those interested in viewing the archives or creating an account should visit https://agudaharchive.org/. For further questions about the Agudath Israel of America Archive or the Archives website, please email [email protected].