How about a synagogue that followed fashion not once but twice? Ansche Chesed is such a place. This congregation has a rich history of movement and reinvention. It stands on West End Avenue and 100th Street now. Ansche Chesed is a Conservative synagogue with a fascinating story.
Founded in 1828, Ansche Chesed began with German, Dutch, and Polish Jews. They split from Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Early meetings occurred at various locations. By 1850, they built a home on Norfolk Street. This building is now the Angel Orensanz Center.
Interestingly, Ansche Chesed was once the largest congregation in the United States. The congregation merged briefly in 1874. They joined with Congregation Adas Jeshurun to form Congregation Beth-El. However, the more traditional members reconstituted Ansche Chesed. They moved near Lexington Avenue and 113th Street.
In 1908, Ansche Chesed followed the upper-middle-class to Harlem. They erected a Greek Revival temple at Seventh Avenue and 114th Street. This move cost $200,000. Edward Shire designed the building. It featured limestone and brick. The temple seated 1,200. It also included classrooms and a glass-walled rooftop garden.
Then in 1928, Ansche Chesed moved again. This time, they went to the Upper West Side. Their current Byzantine Revival building opened at West End Avenue and 100th Street. Edward I. Shire was again the architect. The cost was $1.3 million.
Did you know the previous Harlem location was sold to the Catholic Archdiocese? It became the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Milagrosa. Later, it was sold to Mt. Neboh Baptist Church. Ansche Chesed’s heritage can still be seen there. Look for the Hebrew year 5668 and carved luchos.
The West End building could seat 1,600. It also had social event space for 500. Like the Harlem location, it included a rooftop garden. The stock market crash hit Ansche Chesed hard. The United Synagogue of America took control in 1975.
Today, Ansche Chesed thrives. It has multiple minyanim. These include the Sanctuary Service, Minyan Ma’at, and Minyan Rimonim. The Sanctuary Service continues the historical congregation. Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky delivers Torah comments. Cantor Natasha J. Hirschhorn leads the music.
Ansche Chesed also runs a Hebrew School. It offers many educational programs. A Social Action Committee oversees community outreach. The synagogue even hosts a homeless shelter.
Ansche Chesed’s journey reflects the changing landscape of New York City. From its humble beginnings to its present-day vibrancy, it remains a testament to faith and community. As you leave, remember Ansche Chesed’s story. It is a story of movement, adaptation, and enduring spirit.