Congregation Sherith Israel

Hidden in plain sight on the Upper West Side, Congregation Sherith Israel whispers tales of resilience and faith. Here, at 2 West 70th Street, stands the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. Congregation Sherith Israel, also known as the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, has witnessed the evolving tapestry of American Jewish life since 1654. Imagine a small group of refugees, twenty-three souls fleeing religious persecution in Dutch Brazil. They arrived in New Amsterdam, seeking refuge. Their leader, Peter Stuyvesant, initially resisted their presence. Yet, these determined individuals persevered, securing the right to settle and plant the seeds of a vibrant community. Congregation Sherith Israel’s journey began. They initially worshipped in private homes, a testament to their unwavering faith in the face of adversity. It wasn’t until 1730 that they built their first synagogue on Mill Street, a physical embodiment of their growing presence. This Mill Street synagogue even had access to a nearby spring, used as a mikveh for ritual baths. The congregation didn’t stop there. Over the centuries, Congregation Sherith Israel occupied four more synagogue buildings, each a reflection of the community’s growth and enduring spirit. Their present Neoclassical building, completed in 1897, stands as a beacon of their rich history. Congregation Sherith Israel played a pivotal role in shaping American Judaism. Rabbi Henry Pereira Mendes, a prominent figure at Sherith Israel, co-founded the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1886. This institution’s first classes were held within the synagogue’s walls. Rabbi Mendes also spearheaded the creation of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, a testament to the congregation’s influence on Orthodox Judaism. Congregation Sherith Israel’s legacy extends beyond its physical walls. It embodies the spirit of resilience, the strength of faith, and the enduring power of community. It’s a story etched in the heart of New York City. A story that continues to unfold.