From Exclusion to Influence: The Story of Jewish Life in Scarsdale
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Amelie Rothschild was the first woman on the Scarsdale School Board and the President of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale. Photo Credit: Scarsdale LibraryThough it’s commonplace to meet Jewish residents in Scarsdale today, there was a time when there were virtually none. While Jewish immigrants began arriving in New York City as early as 1690, very few settled in Scarsdale before 1900, and it was not until the 1950s that they arrived in significant numbers.
Who were some of Scarsdale’s earliest Jewish residents, and how did they come to live here? What factors contributed to the growth of the Jewish community, which made up roughly a third of the population by 1960? These questions were explored in a wide-ranging presentation on the history of Jews in Scarsdale by Village Historian Jordan Copeland, delivered to a packed audience at the Scarsdale Library on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Copeland began with an expansive overview of 3,000 years of Jewish migration, culminating in their arrival in the United States. He examined patterns of assimilation and advancement, noting how some families rose from peddlers and craftsmen to successful bankers within just three generations.
In Scarsdale, Jewish residents became active participants in civic life, joining organizations such as the Town Club, serving on the Village Board, and participating in the League of Women Voters. At the same time, they established their own religious institutions, schools, and synagogues. Excluded from some country clubs, they created their own spaces for recreation and community, including Sunningdale and Quaker Ridge Golf Club.
One of the most compelling parts of the talk focused on where Jewish families settled in Scarsdale—and why. Copeland explained that the high concentration of Jewish residents in Fox Meadow can be traced to 1924, when the 360-acre Butler family farm was sold to two Jewish brothers, the Jacobs, who subdivided the land and sold lots to both Jewish and non-Jewish buyers.
Just across Crane Road, however, a different story unfolded. The Crane Berkley development imposed restrictive covenants that prohibited the sale of homes to Jewish buyers, though they were permitted to rent during the summer months.
In another striking example, one of Scarsdale’s earliest Jewish families, Max and Judith Hayes Goldsmith, lived on a Drake Road estate called Upland. Max served as a Director of the Scarsdale National Bank and a Trustee of the Scarsdale Foundation, while Judith was a founder of the Scarsdale Woman’s Club. Yet when their estate was later sold to Walter Colette, he subdivided the property to create Sherbrooke Park—an area that was restricted to exclude Jewish residents.
Copeland also shared numerous stories about the evolving political leanings of Scarsdale residents, name changes among Jewish families, the Holly Ball controversy at Scarsdale Golf Club that made the front page of The New York Times, and even a dispute over a crèche in Boniface Circle that deadlocked the Supreme Court in a 4-4 vote.
His ultimate takeaway was forward-looking. Rather than dwell on past exclusion, Copeland encouraged the audience to draw lessons from history to build a more inclusive community—and to treat newcomers as they would like to be treated.
A gifted storyteller, Copeland spent a year researching original sources to uncover rich details about Jewish life in our Village in a Park. He plans to deliver the talk again soon, and it is well worth attending.
Tarrytown Lighthouse Reopens to Visitors
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After vandals damaged the iconic lighthouse in Tarrytown in June, 2025, the landmark was closed to visitors.
This week, County Executive Ken Jenkins announced that the site has re-opened.
He said, “The Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow is one of Westchester County’s most popular destinations. I’m excited to welcome the public back for tours now that the damage has been addressed so residents and visitors alike can learn more about the County’s history and experience this remarkable landmark firsthand. With new security measures in place, we can continue providing meaningful opportunities that connect our community to the stories and structures that have shaped Westchester for generations.”
The cast-iron “sparkplug” lighthouse was built in 1883 and remains a striking beacon along the Hudson River. Guests will have the opportunity to climb and explore five decks of the structure during curator-led tours that highlight its fascinating maritime history and architectural significance.
The structure was originally constructed in response to appeals from local steamship companies seeking assistance navigating the river’s dangerous shoals. For 68 years, it served as a vital guide for Hudson River shipping before being decommissioned in 1961 following the construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow is located in Kingsland Point Park off Palmer Avenue. The lighthouse is accessible via a 10-minute walk south along the Riverwalk Path. Parking fees may apply.
Public tours will resume on Saturday April 4. These curator-led tours are free; but registration is required. Here is the link to sign up:
550 Runners Participate in the 56th Annual 15K and 4 Mile Race in Scarsdale
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Runners take off for the 15K race.On Sunday, March 22, hundreds of runners arrived at Scarsdale High School early in the morning to participate in the 56th annual 15K and 4 mile races. The 4 mile race began at 9:15 with 377 participants and the first finisher, 
Randolfo Portillo came in first in the 4 Mile race with a time of 22:33.Randolfo Portillo, ran through the finish line, with a winning time of 22 minutes and 33 seconds. The second and third place finishers were not too far behind, with times of 23 minutes, and 27 minutes. The top female runner in the 4 mile race was Scarsdale's Lizzie Hurshman.
Shortly after the start of the 4 mile race, 173 runners took off to complete their 15 kilometer journey through Scarsdale. After 57 minutes, Daniel Kenefick took first place and crossed the finish line. Just behind them were the second and third finishers with times of 59 minutes. The top female in the race was Scarsdale's Alyssa Simm.
It was a great community event with lots of people cheering the runners on along the course at the finish line at the high school.
See the list of the winners below.
Daniel Kenefick finished first in the 15k race.
Rabid Coyote Bites Three People and Six Dogs in Eastchester-Bronxville
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Though we are often told that coyotes are not dangerous or aggressive, a report last week gave us cause for pause.
According to the Westchester County Department of Health a coyote attacked six dogs and three people on March 9, near Siwanoy Country Club and Twin Lakes Park in Eastchester and Bronxville. Eastchester Police ultimately shot the animal and found it had tested positive for rabies.
The animal charged a man who was walking his dog on California Road and ultimately ran onto the golf course at Siwanoy Country Club.
Here’s information from the county:
“Health officials note that unusual behavior is often the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may appear aggressive or unusually tame, lose its fear of people, act irritable or excitable, or appear lethargic. Other possible signs include staggering or frothing at the mouth. Residents should never approach or attempt to handle a wild or stray animal. Any animal behaving strangely should be reported to local authorities.
Keeping pets vaccinated against rabies is also essential. New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “To avoid rabies, residents should steer clear of wild animals and strays and teach children never to approach or handle animals they do not know, even if they appear young, injured or friendly. Children should be told to report any bite or scratch immediately. It is also important to keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date and take steps to discourage wild animals from visiting your yard.”
Amler added that residents should bat-proof their homes, keep trash cans tightly sealed, and avoid leaving pet food or water outside, which can attract wildlife.
For more information about rabies prevention, visit westchestergov.com/health or call the Rabies Infoline at (914) 813-5010.
Scarsdale Library Asks You to Complete Survey on Resident Needs and Library Priorities
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Scarsdale Public Library is currently embarking on a broad-based strategic planning process. This blueprint will help to guide our services, programs, and other priorities over the coming years.
The end goal of this strategic plan is for the Library to serve our community as fully and effectively as possible. That means that your input into the process is important and valued – even if you don't consider yourself a regular user of the Scarsdale Public Library.
As a means to that end, residents are invited to take this online survey: It includes just 14 core questions and, on average, takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. It will remain open from Monday, March 9 through Monday, April 6, and will be available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
As a thank you for your input, participants will have the opportunity to enter in our raffle to win a $25 gift card to the Boleria Brazilian Bakery.
Please help develop the Strategic Plan for the Scarsdale Public Library by participating in this survey. In order to better serve library patrons and Scarsdale residents, your input on a variety of library topics is needed. Your responses will help greatly in planning the future of the library.
The survey was developed by, and is being conducted for the library, by the independent Library Strategies Consulting Group (LSCG). All responses are directed to LSCG. Your individual responses are confidential, and only aggregate responses will be reported to the library.
Thank you for taking the time to assist in planning the future of your library.!
About the Library
The Scarsdale Public Library strives to encourage the joy of reading, the exploration of ideas, and the pursuit of lifelong learning for the children and adults of our community. With services available for visitors of all ages, we welcome everyone to learn, explore, and connect with us.
