Youngstown’s Jewish History
The first Jews that can be identified settled in the village of Youngstown in 1837. Gradually, the number of Jewish residents in and around Youngstown grew, and by 1867 there was a substantial community. The Jewish community in Sharon, Pennsylvania began with a significant colony of Jews in 1868. These early settlers chose to live in the downtown area.

In 1900, Youngstown was a sprawling, somewhat dirty, steel mill town, with cobblestone streets and trolley cars. It was a rather remote but bustling little community, with a few long-established Jewish families. During this period, the Jewish Community established its infrastructure with Jewish Organizations and the Jewish Federation. The Jewish population continually grew steadily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Jewish community remains strong and vital with strong Jewish institutions and education.

While Jewish life is increasingly expensive the Youngstown Area offers amazingly affordable place for Jewish life to flourish.