Volunteering at Eldridge Street
Volunteer docents play a crucial role in fulfilling the museum’s mission. They bring to life the history and architecture of the building for tens of thousands of visitors each year. Docents serve as the point of contact between the museum and the public, warmly welcoming visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
We are always looking for dynamic and enthusiastic volunteers to join our team!
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Docent
Conduct interactive, engaging tours for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, greet and orient visitors and share the history and story of the Eldridge Street Synagogue in a one-hour, interactive tour.
Educator
(K-12 programs)Conduct educational programs for visitors in grades K-12 of all backgrounds and abilities. Applicants with teaching experience will be given preference.
Requirements:
Volunteers should demonstrate excellent public speaking and listening skills, friendly and warm demeanor, cultural sensitivity in interpreting a Jewish sacred site for a broad audience, and an interest in Jewish culture, immigration history, and architecture.
Training:
New docents participate in an individualized training period of 4-6 weeks including orientation meeting, studying source material, shadowing current docents on tours and a test tour.
Time Commitment:
Volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of four days per month for a minimum of six months and to attend docent training workshops regularly.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Apply Online
If you are interested in volunteering, click here
Click here to learn more about internship opportunities for college students
Tell a Friend +Docent Stories
“The Eldridge Street Synagogue speaks to me. Our ancestors come, representing a link between past, present and future.” Barry Y
“I learn so much from the visitors about the Jewish and immigrant experience on the Lower East Side and elsewhere. My time at Eldridge Street enriches my life in many ways.” Roberta K
“I love sharing the beauty and history of this place with visitors who come from all over the world.” Miryam W
“I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to transport our visitors back into historical New York. I describe their new world, their problems, their triumphs, and the beautiful synagogue built for them to worship in.” Harriet B
This video of our docents sharing the story of Eldridge Street was filmed before the synagogue restoration was completed, so you'll see images of the building in its deteriorated state. We are grateful to our team of volunteers for bringing to life the history of East European Jewish immigrants and making the Museum at Eldridge Street a warm, inviting, and memorable place for all of our visitors.
