Archival collections can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming. Despite first appearances they are not just collections of files thrown together, but each archive is carefully organized. To negotiate these collections, we have created "Finding Aids", which provide detailed descriptions of the contents of the archival collections.

The Finding Aid is made up of:

1. the actual table of contents on the left and
2. the description in the main frame. The description can be made up of several parts such as: background information on the organization or individuals discussed in the archive, related material, historical notes, restrictions, and a detailed description of the contents.

Below are links to our electronic Finding Aids:

Abraham and Irma Lopes Cardozo, Papers, 1934-2003.
4.8 linear feet, Call number: ASF AR-8, File size: 117kB

The papers of Rev Abraham Lopez and Mrs. Irma Robles Cardozo Archives contain various materials reflecting the customs and habits of Sephardic Jews, and are particularly concerned with Hazanut and Sephardic philanthropic activities. The collection is made up primarily of brochures, off-prints, photocopies, and newspaper clippings related to their involvement in Congregation Shearith Israel (where Rev. Cardozo served for many years as Hazan) and a variety of charitable organizations in which Mrs. Cardozo took part. The collection is mostly in English, although some materials are in Hebrew, and some are in Dutch. The collection is in English, Dutch, and Hebrew.

This collection contains the office records of the American Sephardi Federation. Documents focus on the daily functioning, annual conventions, finances, events, and activities of the ASF. The records consist mainly of correspondence, but also include memorandums, reports, financial records, and other organizational documents, as well as newspaper clippings, publications, and photographic media.

The records of the CSJCA document the creation, functioning, and activities of the Community in the fields of social service, religious education, philanthropy and many others. The materials include correspondence, minutes of meetings, annual reports, budgets, publications and clippings, membership lists, financial papers and ledgers, and a few photographs.

The records in this subgroup belong to the Records of the Central Sephardic Jewish Community of America, and document activities of the Community's Women's Division. The materials include correspondence, minutes of meetings, annual reports, budgets, records related to planning of annual events, publications and clippings, membership lists, financial papers, and photographs.

The papers of Walter P. Zenner contain various materials reflecting the customs and habits of Sephardic Jews, particularly those with their roots in Syria. The collection contains transcripts of interviews from anthropological research carried out in Israel, USA, and Britain. It also holds a number of off-prints, photocopies, and newspaper clippings.

The Records of the Quincentennial Foundation contain the agenda of the office set up in order to coordinate activities related to the celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the coming of Jewish people to the Ottoman Empire in 1492. The Quincentennial Foundation supported a number of cultural and educational events and attempted to disseminate knowledge about the Jewish people in Turkey. In order to effectively target a broad audience the Foundation cooperated with a public relations agency and the correspondence with this company constitutes a great deal of the collection. Most of the documents is correspondence and various reports. The collection is in English, although there are a few items in Turkish as well.

Records in this collection display the activities of the Union of Sephardic Congregations under the Presidencies of Dr. David de Sola Pool and Dr. Solomon Gaon. Much material is available on the preparation and distribution of Sephardic prayer books produced by the Union. Other topics featured in this collection include information on national and international Sephardic communities, the Union's relief efforts for refugees and disadvantaged communities, and employment of Sephardic rabbis and cantors.

The records of the World Sephardi Federation (WSF) reflect the activities of the WSF that primarily addressed the educational and social needs of the Sephardim both in Israel and the Diaspora. The collection is comprised mainly of memos, reports, correspondence, and newspaper clippings that document both the cultural traditions of the Sephardim in the Diaspora and their political and social standing in contemporary Israel. The collection is mostly in English, memos and reports are also in French, and some of the correspondence is occasionally in Spanish. The newspaper articles and clippings are in Hebrew or English.