Inside the Bikur Cholim synagogue, when empty.

Inside the Bikur Cholim synagogue

Courtesy of UW Special Collections

Preserving Jewish History in Washington State

Celebrating heritage, sharing history, and building community across generations.

The Washington State Jewish Historical Society (WSJHS) began in 1968 as the Seattle Jewish Archives Project, a grassroots effort to collect and preserve the stories of local Jewish life. Partnering with the University of Washington Libraries, these archives became one of the premier resources for Jewish historical research in the region. In 1981, the organization became an independent nonprofit, expanding its mission to include exhibits, programs, and community projects that highlight the vibrant contributions of Jews across Washington State—past, present, and future.

Oral Histories

Oral histories capture lived experiences, preserving cultural memory from one generation to the next. Our collection honors diverse voices and celebrates the traditions, migrations, and resilience that shape Jewish life in Washington. Our digital archive ensures that Jewish voices are preserved and remain accessible, fostering connection, education, and a deeper understanding of Washington’s Jewish history. 

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Oral History Spotlight

Pastor Carey Anderson and Rabbi Daniel Weiner posed together following a joint MLK weekend celebration.

Pastor Carey Anderson and Rabbi Daniel Weiner posed together following a joint MLK weekend celebration

Courtesy of Pastor Carey Anderson

Rabbi Daniel Weiner and Pastor Carey Anderson

Rabbi Daniel Weiner and Pastor Carey Anderson discuss their collaborative interfaith work, which includes shared services. They discuss COVID-19 and the political landscape of the time.

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WSJHS Digital Museum

Exterior of Hoffman Cloak & Suit Company with crowd in front, Seattle, 1910

Exterior of Hoffman Cloak & Suit Company with crowd in front, Seattle, 1910

Courtesy of UW Special Collections

Washington State Jewish Archives

The collections of the Jewish Archives are physically housed in the Special Collections Division of the University of Washington Libraries. The Jewish Archives are a collaborative project between the UW Special Collections and WSJHS.

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Behor “Benny” Condiotti

Behor “Benny” Condiotti

Courtesy of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society

Discover Seattle’s Sephardic Story: A Guided Walking Tour

The Seattle Sephardic Walking Tour, offered by the Seattle Sephardic Network in partnership with the Washington State Jewish Historical Society, explores the rich history and culture of Seattle's Sephardic Jewish community. The tour features community members as guides who share their personal stories and experiences.

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24th Avenue Market exterior, 2401 Yesler Way, Seattle, 1934.

24th Avenue Market exterior, 2401 Yesler Way, Seattle, 1934

Courtesy of UW Special Collections

Shalom! Sefarad

Shalom! Sefarad is a collaborative project of WSJHS and the University of Washington León Center. This exhibit was created to introduce Seattle's Sephardic life continues to flourish in the diaspora more than 500 years after Jews were expelled from Spain

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Solomon "Sol" Chaiken (right) and Rachel Weber, engaged, with Rachel's siblings and unidentified woman (center), Maykop, Russia, approximately 1909-1910

Solomon "Sol" Chaiken (right) and Rachel Weber, engaged, with Rachel's siblings and unidentified woman (center), Maykop, Russia, approximately 1909-1910

Courtesy of UW Special Collections

Stories of Jewish Washingtonians

This collection showcases the lives and experiences of Jewish Washingtonians whose stories have significantly contributed to shaping the state's landscape. Each profile offers a personal window into the individual's life, delving into their family, work, resilience, creativity, and connections across generations. Explore these individual journeys to discover the diverse voices that make up Jewish Washington’s story.

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