Congregation Edmond J. Safra
Named for the well-known Lebanese-born Jewish philanthropist, Edmond J. Safra, the synagogue opened its doors in 2003 and immediately became a center for celebrating the “legacy of giving” that Safra believed in so strongly. During his life, Safra had lamented the lack of a formal gathering space for Sephardic Jews (generally associated with Jews of Spanish or Portuguese descent but encompasses those of Middle Eastern origin, as well) on the Upper East Side. Thus, after his tragic death in 1999, his wife Lily had this Beaux-Arts style synagogue built in his name. Today, it is a prominent cultural and educational center for a vibrant community from various Middle Eastern backgrounds.