Culture

Even within the Jewish population in Kew Gardens there exists divisive issues as new groups approach and replace others. Kew Gardens has joined many other neighborhoods of New York City as it has seen an insurgence of Orthodox Jews in the past few decades. While the local Anshe Sholom Jewish Center has seen a decrease in its family populations such that their cultural family celebrations have become scarce, Orthodox Jews have become an extremely significant part of the population. ¹ While this group has since blended well into the community and their traditions have merged with one mixed culture, the Orthodox Jews coming from the Soviet Union had initially been burdened with a significant culture shock.²

The effect of this increase culturally can best be exemplified by the local businesses–many delis and markets boast Kosher approvals and standards. Additionally, while we were attempting to interview a local laundromat owner, we were politely refused because, as he put it, it was the Sabbath and they were much busier then. That indicated that there are a significant number of Orthodox Jews in the community and that they are observant-they are getting their best clothes clean in respect for Shabbat.

While the Jewish population is likely the most influential section of the community, the neighborhood is also quite diverse. While their presence in culture is not readily experienced by a visitor, this can easily be seen in the variety of foods restaurants in the community. The neighborhood’s community website advertises local eateries boasting an assortment of different styles: Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Peruvian, Mexican, and Spanish.³

The amalgam of these varied cultures has produced what resident Vicky describes as a physical “time capsule” that contains a culture that is remarkably “family-friendly.”

As far as societal issues brewing in the area unrelated to culture, Kew Gardens does not boast anything especially intense. However, the community has spent the last few years working to save the stores on the Lefferts Boulevard Bridge, which are considered to be the heart of the community,` from being demolished while the MTA would have rehabilitated the bridge. See the History section for more information.