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The concept for a synagogue dedicated to the LBGT community was born in 1973. It has had a long and rich history since then, culminating in the opening of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in April 2016. After forty-three years of wandering in Manhattan – and gathering thousands of supporters along the … read more
Adereth El is considered to be the oldest synagogue in New York that is still operating out of its original location. German Jewish immigrants founded the congregation in 1857, and the building was constructed in 1863. To this day, Orthodox Jews attend services on a daily basis. Until his passing in … read more
In 1887, this building opened as the Children’s Aid Society Tompkins Square Lodging House for Boys and Industrial School. This was one of a series of buildings where the Children’s Aid Society worked to shelter and educate destitute children in order to help them live successful lives. In 1925, the building … read more
Every year of my childhood, my parents would take my brothers and me into Manhattan to watch the Thanksgiving Parade. We would meet friends and relatives and congregate on the steps of what we referred to as the Spanish Portuguese Temple. This synagogue held a special meaning to us as my aunt and uncle … read more
Congregation Rodeph Sholom was preparing for its 175th birthday when I visited in 2016. The guard at the front desk was kind enough to allow me in and notified Barbara Zakin, the director, that I was interested in learning more about their magnificent temple. I was grateful that she immediately came … read more
This additional space in the church of Saint Paul and Saint Andrew of B’nai Jeshurun, whose main sanctuary is on 88th Street, is used to host some services.
B’nai Jeshurun is the second oldest congregation in New York City, after Shearith Israel. I spoke to the current rabbi, Jose Rolando “Roly” Matalon, who shared his knowledge of the origin … read more
Though Ohav Sholom may not be as old as some of the surrounding synagogues that can trace their roots back to the nineteenth century, it has a rich history. German Jews founded the synagogue in 1940, in the very beginning stages of World War II, before the United States entered the fight. The founders … read more
After walking down the 65th Street sidewalk, and going through the imposing bronze doors, I found myself in a place of worship, a place of connection, and a place of significant history. Moreover, it is a synagogue that stands as evidence of religious and cultural movements, technological and artistic … read more
Note: Congregation Shaare Zedek has moved to a new temporary location at the Franciscan Community Center as of 2018.
Although it is unclear exactly what date the congregation was founded, Congregation Shaare Zedek’s members pinpoint … read more
