The Yiddish Book Center's

Wexler Oral History Project

A growing collection of in-depth interviews with people of all ages and backgrounds, whose stories about the legacy and changing nature of Yiddish language and culture offer a rich and complex chronicle of Jewish identity.

Early Years of the Deli: Jack Lebewohl Describes the Original 2nd Ave Deli

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Jack Lebewohl, owner of 2nd Ave Deli in New York City, recalls how his brother opened up the deli, how important the deli was to him, and how the deli looked in its original state.

This is an excerpt from an oral history with Jack Lebewohl.

This excerpt is in English.

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This interview is part of the Yiddish and the Arts: musicians, actors, and artists series.

Other video highlights from this oral history

How My Father Being Blessed By The Rebbe When He was Drafted

2 min 14 sec

"Jewish Soul Food" The Food and the Feeling of The 2nd Avenue Deli in New York City

1 min 31 sec

The Jewish Broadway: Description of New York's 2nd Ave

1 min 37 sec

Jack Lebewohl Remembers His Brother and Founder of the 2nd Avenue Deli, Abe Lebewohl

4 min 10 sec

“More than Just a Restaurant”: Regular and Famous Customers of the 2nd Ave. Deli

2 min 32 sec

What Do I Like To Eat?: Jack Lebewohl on His Deli Favorites

59 sec

The Molly Picon Room

52 sec

More information about this oral history excerpt

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