A New Beginning: The Jews of Historic Lowell, Massachusetts explores the experiences of Jews in Lowell from the mid-19th century to the present. Using in-depth case studies over generations of representative Jewish families, this book examines the settlement patterns of Jews, their occupational roles from mill workers to pedlars to entrepreneurs, as well as the founding of synagogues and self-help organizations.

It also documents the adjustment of Jews to the industrial city of Lowell, as well as to the larger society. Striving to maintain their cultural and religious identity, Jews sought acceptance from the wider society.