The David Berg Rare Book Room at the Center for Jewish History offers a glimpse into Jewish literary history spanning six centuries. The room houses rare books, first editions, illuminated manuscripts, and letters that can be paged in the Lillian Goldman Reading Room upon request.

Supported by a generous grant from the The David Berg Foundation,the room stands as a testament to David Berg's commitment to supporting Jewish, educational, and law-related charities. David Berg was the youngest son in a struggling immigrant family who came to Ellis Island from Russia in 1904. He became a real estate lawyer and established the foundation in 1994, which supports major cultural institutions globally.

The room displays materials in 23 different languages, celebrating Jewish history and culture from the Center’s esteemed Partners including the American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum, and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.

Note: Occasional changes are made to the showcases surrounding the David Berg Rare Book Room to accommodate different exhibitions, reflecting the dynamic nature of this shared space among the Center's Partners.