J. Levine Books and Judaica
| File:J Levine Books logo.jpg | |
| File:J Levine Building.jpg Headquarters at 5 West 30th Street. | |
| Founded | Vilkomir, Lithuania (1890) New York City (1905) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Hirsch Landy |
| Headquarters | 5 West 30th Street, New York, New York , |
| Products | Judaica, books |
| Owner | Daniel Levine |
| Website | levinejudaica |
J. Levine Books and Judaica is a family-owned independent bookstore situated in Midtown Manhattan. As a fifth-generation enterprise, it ranks among the longest-established Judaica retailers in the United States, having been founded in 1905.
History
The origins of the company trace back to 1890 in Vilkomir, Lithuania, where Hirsch Landy, a sofer, began selling Torah scrolls he handcrafted. Upon relocating to the United States in 1905, Landy resumed his trade by operating a pushcart on the Lower East Side. In 1920, Joseph Levine, his son-in-law, formally incorporated the business and broadened its offerings to include synagogue vestments. The enterprise was later managed by Joseph's sons—Harold, Melvin, and Seymour Levine.
The business eventually moved to its present Midtown Manhattan address, where it provides an array of products such as books, menorahs, and diverse Judaica items. Their inventory also features gifts along with children's toys and games that are especially sought after during the Hanukkah season.
Like many traditional bookstores, J. Levine experienced a decline in sales during the early 2000s amid the rise of online retailers like Amazon.com. According to Seymour’s son Daniel Levine, who represents the fourth generation of ownership, sales fell by 18 percent between 2000 and 2005. To counter this downturn, the company enhanced its digital presence, resulting in a subsequent 20 percent increase in revenue.
After more than 130 years of continuous operation as a physical Judaica retailer, the Manhattan storefront closed in 2019. Nevertheless, the business maintains an active online store and continues to offer Torah rentals as well as a retail Ketubah service by appointment within Manhattan.
References
External links
Bibliography
- Articles with short description
- Pages with broken file links
- Jewish American literature
- Jewish organizations based in New York City
- Jews and Judaism in Manhattan
- Retail companies established in 1905
- Bookstores in Manhattan
- 1905 establishments in New York City
- Independent bookstores in New York City
- Bookstores established in the 20th century