The first Jewish immigrants to Manhattan arrived in 1654, during Dutch colonial times. The small group of 23 men, women, & children were allowed to stay, but with considerable restrictions. Their immediate concern was how to earn a living when many occupations were closed to them. During the Dutch and British periods, groups of Jews arrived from a variety of countries. The process of their making Manhattan a home involved creating a place to pray, providing kosher food, keeping their children within the faith, and balancing the interests of Sephardic and Ashkenazi residents.