Was it destiny or chance that brought a group of German refugees to Washington Heights? It led to the founding of K’hal Adath Jeshurun. Today we stand before Congregation Adath Yeshuron. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience.
Congregation Adath Yeshuron, often called “Breuer’s,” has a rich history. It began in 1939 with people fleeing Nazi Germany. Rabbi Dr. Joseph Breuer, a grandson of Samson Raphael Hirsch, became its first rabbi. He shaped the congregation’s path.
The community follows the traditions of the pre-war Frankfurt am Main Jewish community. This community was led by Samson Raphael Hirsch. His philosophy of Torah im Derech Eretz guides Congregation Adath Yeshuron. It blends religious observance with engagement in the modern world.
In its early days, the congregation met in various locations. They first gathered in the Republican Club of Washington Heights. They later moved to a hall on Bennett Avenue. A fire forced them to relocate again. Finally, in 1941, they bought a building at 90 Bennett Avenue. This served as both a synagogue and a school.
The current synagogue building at 85-93 Bennett Avenue was completed in 1952. It marked a new chapter for Congregation Adath Jeshuron. The building at 90 Bennett Avenue became a social hall. It is now known as the Dr. Raphael Moller Auditorium.
True to its roots, Congregation Adath Jeshuron offers a full range of services. These include a synagogue, an elementary school, and educational facilities. There is also a social hall and a high school. A Beth Midrash provides advanced religious study. The community also has a mikveh for ritual purification. Kashrut supervision ensures adherence to dietary laws. A Chevra kadisha manages funeral arrangements.
Over the years, prominent rabbis have led Congregation Adath Jeshuron. Rabbi Joseph Breuer guided it from 1939 to 1980. Rabbi Shimon Schwab joined in 1958. He served as senior rabbi from 1980 to 1995. Rabbi Zechariah Gelley joined in 1987. He served as senior rabbi from 1995 to 2018. Rabbi Yisroel Mantel became senior rabbi in 2018.
Congregation Adath Jeshuron maintains close ties to its past. It uses the Rödelheim Siddur Sfas Emes. This prayer book reflects its Western Ashkenazic heritage. The congregation also has affiliated synagogues in Monsey and Lakewood. These synagogues follow the customs of K’hal Adath Jeshurun.
The Yeshiva Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch is a vital part of the community. It was founded in 1944. The Rika Breuer Teachers Seminary was established in 1963. These institutions ensure the continuation of Jewish learning.
Congregation Adath Jeshuron stands as a beacon of Orthodox Judaism in New York City. It embodies the spirit of its founders. Their vision was to create a community rooted in tradition. It also embraces the challenges of the modern world. The story of Congregation Adath Jeshurun is one of faith. It is a testament to the enduring power of community. It preserves heritage across generations.