Isadore Braveman Watch and Jewelry Repair

The origins of a Jewish community in Princeton corresponds to the arrival of Isadore and Sarah Braveman in 1926, whose home on Madison Street and watch repair/jewelry store on Witherspoon (later Nassau) Street became the center of Jewish life in the town. Like most Jews of this period, the Bravemans followed their family to Princeton. Sarah’s sister and brother-in-law had opened a dry goods store at 25 Witherspoon Street sometime around 1920.

“Mr. Braveman was the organizer, leader, conductor, instructor, cantor, savant, shofar blower, Torah reader, collector of alms for the poor, collector for UJA [the Princeton United Jewish Appeal, an organization to aid Jewish refugees and immigrants, was formed in 1939 in response to Kristallnacht] and the National Fund, preparer of children for their Bar Mitzvah, and a compassionate and dedicated person who gave of himself and Judaism.” – Julius Peskin, 1976. 

The Bravemans reflect a trend within the community. As resources and organizations became more established in Princeton, the Jewish community was able to center their religious lives in town.