Myer Myers

Myer Myers (1723–1795) was a pioneering Jewish-American silversmith and merchant who achieved significant prominence in colonial New York. Born into a Sephardic Jewish family, Myers established himself as a master craftsman, creating fine silver goods that were highly sought after by wealthy New Yorkers and prominent families. Beyond his artisanal work, he was an active merchant and community leader, serving as parnas (president) of Congregation Shearith Israel, the first Jewish synagogue in North America. Myers' work exemplified the high quality of colonial American craftsmanship and demonstrated the cultural contributions of Jewish immigrants during the founding era. His pieces, now housed in major museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, represent both exceptional artistry and an important chapter in American Jewish history. Myers' legacy endures as a testament to the religious freedom and economic opportunity that attracted Jewish settlers to colonial America.