Surely many passersby wonder about the story behind Congregation Kehilath Yakov. This synagogue is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith and community.
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun abbreviated as KJ or CKJ, is a Modern Orthodox Jewish synagogue. It stands at 126 East 85th Street on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The synagogue’s story began in 1872.
Originally, it was known as Anshe Jeshurun. The congregation erected a neoclassical Romanesque building in 1902. This physical space became a center for Jewish life in the city.
Rabbi Moses Zevulun Margolies led the synagogue from 1906 until his death in 1936. His traditional approach balanced Mordecai Kaplan’s modern ideas. This balance shaped the congregation. The Ramaz School’s name honors Rabbi Margolies. He was the grandfather-in-law of Rabbi Joseph H. Lookstein. Lookstein succeeded Margolies as Senior Rabbi.
Lookstein had been the assistant Rabbi. He took on more leadership roles as Margolies suffered a long illness. Upon his grandfather’s death in 1936, Lookstein became Senior Rabbi. Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, Joseph’s son, later became Senior Rabbi in 1979. He had attended Ramaz School’s first class. Rabbi Elie Weinstock is another leader.
In 2011, a fire caused significant damage during renovations. The congregation temporarily moved to the 92nd Street Y. Nearly half the stained-glass windows were destroyed. Reconstruction restored the synagogue. A new education and fitness wing was added for the school. These improvements enhanced the connection between the school and synagogue. The redevelopment project won awards for its design.
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun maintains an extensive archive. It was donated to Yeshiva University before the fire. Almost 1500 synagogue bulletins are digitized and available online.
The congregation includes prominent members. Harry Fischel, George Rohr, and Steven Haft are among them. Author Lisa Birnbach and the Kushner family are also members. Ivanka Trump converted to Judaism before marrying Jared Kushner. Reggae singer Matisyahu attended services here.
Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz became senior rabbi in 2016. Rabbi Haskel Lookstein became Rabbi Emeritus. Today Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun continues to be a vibrant center. It serves the spiritual needs of its community. It embraces both tradition and modernity.