Did you know Congregation Rodeph Sholom is one of the oldest synagogues in the United States? It stands here at 7 West 83rd Street. The Congregation Rodeph Sholom has a rich history dating back to 1842.
The story of Congregation Rodeph Sholom begins with German Jewish immigrants. They sought religious freedom and a sense of community. Eighty immigrants signed an agreement on Attorney Street to establish Congregation Rodeph Sholom. This was on the Lower East Side. They named it Rodeph Sholom meaning pursuer of peace in Hebrew.
Initially, Congregation Rodeph Sholom served as a center for worship. It also helped new immigrants. It provided education for the young. The congregation faced its first challenge early on. Rabbi Merzbacher left after two years. He disagreed with the congregation about women wearing sheitels.
In 1853, Congregation Rodeph Sholom moved to its first purpose-built synagogue. This was at 8 Clinton Street. The congregation quickly outgrew this space. A larger sanctuary was needed. Influential Rabbis like Rabbi Huebsch and Rabbi Aaron Wise preached here. Rabbi Aaron Wise was the father of Stephen S. Wise.
Under Rabbi Wise, Congregation Rodeph Sholom underwent significant change. In 1875, the congregation rededicated itself with Conservative services. This included a choir and organ. Some sermons were delivered in English instead of German.
A fire at the Clinton Street synagogue prompted another move. The congregation sought a larger space. There was also a change in demographics. Congregation Rodeph Sholom purchased the former Temple Beth-El. This was on Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street. The first service was held on September 4 1891.
At this location Congregation Rodeph Sholom established the Rodeph Sholom Sisterhood. They also formed the Women’s Association. These groups aided refugees and victims of the San Francisco earthquake.
After Rabbi Aaron Wise’s death, his son declined to succeed him. Rabbi Rudolph Grossman was appointed a year later. The congregation transitioned to a Reform congregation. It joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations in 1901. Men no longer had to wear hats. The second day of Rosh Hashanah was abandoned.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom decided to move again. Many congregants were living on the Upper West Side. The new location would allow for more communal and social work. Temple Emanu-El was building a large sanctuary nearby. This may have influenced the decision.
The Lexington Avenue site was sold in 1926. Congregation Rodeph Sholom chose West 83rd Street for its new home. Architect Charles B. Meyers designed the new sanctuary. He specialized in public buildings. He designed many New York City hospitals.
Meyers created a Romanesque style building with Byzantine elements. The facade is made of Indiana limestone. The building features two entrances and an arcade of windows. Above the windows is an inscription. It is from the book of Micah. It says Walk Humbly with Thy God. A Star of David is at the center.
Hundreds attended the cornerstone ceremony in 1929. The $2000000 edifice was completed in March 1930. The dedication coincided with the holiday of Purim. Rabbi Louis I Newman led the congregation.
The Rev Dr Nathan Krass praised the new sanctuary. He said it was built during a time of skepticism. He believed it showed great spiritual power. The construction continued despite the Great Depression.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom was active in social action. It was especially involved in the war effort during World War II. The congregation also founded a nursery school. In 1970, they established their Day School. It was the first Reform Jewish day school in the U.S.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom has had many notable members. This includes Camille Shira Angel. She was the first woman rabbi appointed in 1995. The building has welcomed many guest speakers. These include Stephen S Wise and Orson Welles.
In 2003, a rooftop chapel was added. This chapel houses the Holocaust Torah. It is a sacred scroll confiscated by Nazis. It was bequeathed to the congregation in memory of Holocaust survivors.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of its community. It remains a beacon of Jewish life in New York City. Its history is a testament to continuity and change. From its Orthodox beginnings to its current Reform identity, Congregation Rodeph Sholom has always been a place of connection and belonging.