Remember Congregation Shaare Zedek’s story. It is one of resilience and reinvention. Established in 1837 by Polish immigrants, Congregation Shaare Zedek is the third oldest synagogue in New York City. Initially, they gathered downtown. The first location was at 42 Water Street. Later, they rented space at 472 Pearl Street.
In 1849 Shaare Zedek leased land from Congregation Ansche Chesed. This land was at 38 Henry Street. They built a mikveh and a school. Both secular and religious studies were taught. By the 1880s, more space was needed. Shaare Zedek enlarged its building. It bought the lot next door.
Around that time, Jews began settling uptown. In 1899, a second building was acquired in Harlem. It was for a splinter group. The address was 25 West 118th Street. The Henry Street site became too crowded. In 1911, it was sold. The two branches consolidated uptown by 1914.
Compromises were necessary. In Harlem, men and women sat together. The Harlem building held only 600 worshippers. Demographics changed. This wasn’t viewed kindly. In 1921, Shaare Zedek purchased its current site. It was on West 93rd Street for $100,000. The Harlem building was sold.
The original 93rd Street synagogue was designed by Sommerfeld and Steckler. Members debated building plans. A five-story structure was considered. It would have a Hebrew school, banquet hall, and gymnasium. There would even be a water pool. The estimated cost was $775,000. Ultimately, a $300,000 edifice was chosen. It was dedicated on April 15, 1923.
Over the years, Shaare Zedek has been home to great rabbis. These rabbis included Philip R. Alstat and Israel Goldfarb. Esteemed cantors also graced its services. David Roitman was one such cantor.
Financial problems arose. The upkeep of the building was costly. The Bayside Cemetery in Queens also posed a challenge. In October 2016, the synagogue signed a contract. It was with a developer. The building would be replaced. A 14-story condominium would take its place. Shaare Zedek would own three floors. The sale price was $34.3 million.
Residents tried to preserve the historic building. They filed a request with the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The building was not landmarked. In July 2017, the sale was approved. In October 2017, the congregation moved. They moved to a temporary location. It was at the Franciscan Center.
The redevelopment was completed in 2022. The congregation moved back. The new building included a synagogue and apartments. In July 2023, the apartments were sold. The Hadar Institute will move into the complex. It will be a tenant of the congregation.
Through every change Congregation Shaare Zedek adapted. It continues to serve its community. It remains a testament to faith.