Central Synagogue (Manhattan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Central Synagogue |
|
|---|---|
The synagogue on Lexington Avenue, in 2023
|
|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbis:
|
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 646–652 Lexington Avenue |
| Municipality | Midtown Manhattan, New York City |
| State | New York |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Manhattan
|
|
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Henry Fernbach |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style | Moorish Revival |
| Date established |
|
| Groundbreaking | December 14, 1870 |
| Completed | April 19, 1872 |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | East (main facade) |
| Capacity | 1,400 |
| Length | 140 ft (43 m) |
| Width | 93 ft (28 m) |
| Height (max) | 112 ft (34 m) |
| Materials | Brownstone, light stone |
The Central Synagogue is a beautiful and historic Reform Jewish place of worship. It is located at 652 Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The synagogue was built between 1870 and 1872. It was originally for a group called Ahawath Chesed. Today, it is home to a congregation formed in 1898 from two older synagogues: Shaar Hashomayim and Ahawath Chesed. Since 2014, Angela Buchdahl has been Central Synagogue's senior rabbi.
The building was designed by Henry Fernbach in the Moorish Revival style. This style uses designs inspired by buildings from Muslim countries. It is a New York City designated landmark and a National Historic Landmark. The synagogue has been updated several times, including a major rebuilding from 1998 to 2001 after a fire. Central Synagogue is known for its community programs and its collection of Jewish artifacts.
Contents
- A Look Back: Central Synagogue's Beginnings
- Central Synagogue: A Combined Community
- The Synagogue Building: A Closer Look
- Rabbis and Leaders
- Services and Community Programs
- Special Items and History
- Famous People
- See also
A Look Back: Central Synagogue's Beginnings
Central Synagogue's story began with two separate groups of Jewish people in the 1800s. These groups, Shaar Hashomayim and Ahawath Chesed, joined together in 1898. At that time, many Jewish immigrants from Germany were settling in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. This area was even called "Little Germany."
Shaar Hashomayim: Gates of Heaven
Shaar Hashomayim was started in 1839 by Jewish immigrants from Germany. Its name means "Gates of Heaven" in Hebrew. The first members met at 122 Attorney Street. They didn't have a rabbi at first; instead, knowledgeable members led the services. In 1845, they worked with other Jewish groups to create a Jewish cemetery.
The first rabbi, Max Lilienthal, joined in 1845 but left in 1847. After him, a hazzan (a cantor who leads prayers) guided the congregation. Shaar Hashomayim also helped with Jewish causes. For example, after a tough economic time in 1857, they helped give matzot (unleavened bread) to thousands of poor Jewish families.
Raphael Lasker became the senior rabbi in 1862. The congregation later moved to 15th Street. By the 1890s, they started using a prayer book with both English and Hebrew. Solomon Sonneschein was their last senior rabbi before they merged with Ahawath Chesed in 1898.
Ahawath Chesed: Love of Mercy
In 1846, German-speaking Jewish people from Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) started meeting. They called their group a "Bohemian club." Eighteen men decided to form a more formal group. They began meeting at a hotel on Ludlow Street. By 1848, they had saved enough money to buy a Torah scroll.
Founding and Early Years
Ahawath Chesed, meaning "Love of Mercy" in Hebrew, officially began on December 31, 1848. They rented space on Ridge Street in 1849. At first, it was an Orthodox congregation with services in German. They also bought land for a Jewish cemetery. The congregation grew quickly, so they moved to a house on Columbia Street in 1854.
By the 1860s, many members were talking during services. Also, the prayer books were only in Hebrew, which many couldn't understand. In 1864, Ahawath Chesed moved to a church building on Avenue C. This building was designed by Henry Fernbach. In 1865, the congregation decided to hire a more modern Reform rabbi. They also bought their first organ and hired a cantor named Samuel Weltsch. Adolph Huebsch became their rabbi in 1866 and started leading Reform services.
Under Rabbi Huebsch, the congregation adopted a new prayer book. He also started a school for the congregation's children. Ahawath Chesed continued to grow. Many wealthier Jewish families began moving away from the crowded Lower East Side.
Building the Lexington Avenue Synagogue
In 1867, Ahawath Chesed's leaders started looking for a new, larger building. They couldn't find a good spot downtown. In 1870, they bought land at the corner of 55th Street and Lexington Avenue. Many members lived closer to Midtown by then. They also wanted their new synagogue to be as grand as other large temples.
Members loaned money for the building, and the congregation sold pews to raise more funds. They hired Henry Fernbach again to design the new synagogue. Some members thought the design was too fancy.
Rabbi Huebsch and another rabbi, Isaac Mayer Wise, laid the cornerstone on December 14, 1870. The congregation grew even more while the building was being constructed. Rabbi Huebsch dedicated the new synagogue on April 19, 1872. He called it "an American-Jewish house of worship." The building cost a lot of money, but it showed that Jewish people were becoming more accepted in the U.S.
Late 1800s: Changes and Growth
After moving to the new building, Ahawath Chesed started using a new prayer book that was more modern. The congregation also helped with charity work, like supporting Mount Sinai Hospital. Rabbi Huebsch expanded the synagogue's school and started a social group for young men. Ahawath Chesed joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), a group of Reform synagogues, in 1878. Rabbi Huebsch led the congregation until he passed away in 1884.
Alexander Kohut became the senior rabbi in 1885. His views were a bit more traditional, but members respected him. On February 28, 1886, the building caught fire. No one was hurt, but many stained-glass windows were damaged. The building was repaired after the fire. Rabbi Kohut, like Huebsch, gave sermons in German. However, more and more Jewish families were speaking English. By 1890, the synagogue's school began teaching in English. Rabbi Kohut also wanted to create a new siddur (prayer book). His wife, Rebekah, started a "sisterhood" group for women.
After Rabbi Kohut died in 1894, it took two years to find a new rabbi. They wanted someone who spoke both English and German. David Davidson became the senior rabbi in 1895. He tried holding English-only services on Friday nights, but they were stopped because fewer people came on Saturdays. Instead, he led services in both languages on Saturday mornings.
The Merger: Becoming One Congregation
Shaar Hashomayim had suggested merging with Ahawath Chesed before, but it didn't happen. In 1894, the idea came up again. The two groups finally merged on June 20, 1898. They formed the Ahawath Chesed Shaar Hashomayim congregation and used the Ahawath Chesed synagogue on Lexington Avenue. This merger brought more families together and helped raise money. Rabbi Davidson resigned in 1899, partly because he was against the merger. Since most worshippers now spoke English, the synagogue decided to keep its records in English.
Central Synagogue: A Combined Community
Early 1900s: New Leadership and Growth
After Rabbi Davidson left, the congregation searched for a new rabbi who spoke both German and English. They hired Isaac Moses in 1901. He was the last rabbi to preach in both languages, as the synagogue wanted to switch to English as its main language. In 1904, they started using the English-language Union Prayer Book.
In the early 1900s, some thought about moving the synagogue further uptown, like other Jewish congregations. But members decided to stay because the building had historical value and the new New York City Subway line would make it easy to reach. Central Synagogue helped with various charities, especially during World War I. The congregation's sisterhood even ran a kindergarten for children.
Nathan Krass and a Brief Merger
Rabbi Moses retired in 1917. Nathan Krass became the next senior rabbi in 1918. Around this time, the congregation started calling itself Central Synagogue or Central Temple. This new name was meant to attract more worshippers because of its location and its modern Reform approach. The congregation's membership doubled between 1918 and 1923. Rabbi Krass's speeches attracted both Jewish and non-Jewish people.
By the early 1920s, the synagogue building wasn't big enough for all the social events and classes. A member suggested building a new community house. Rabbi Krass resigned in 1923.
Central Synagogue then briefly merged with the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Their rabbi, Stephen S. Wise, led services at different locations, including Central Synagogue. They even built a new Synagogue House in 1924. However, the two congregations had different ideas about services, so they decided to split in May 1925.
Mid-20th Century: Jonah Wise's Leadership
Jonah Wise became Central Synagogue's rabbi in September 1925. The congregation bought a building at 35 East 62nd Street to use as a community house. This building housed the Women's Organization and later the Temple Brotherhood. Central Synagogue also joined the Association of Reform Congregations in 1927.
Before and During World War II
The congregation faced challenges in the 1930s, with fewer new members joining. Despite this, Central Synagogue expanded its charity work. Rabbi Wise helped Jewish people in Europe during a difficult time. The Women's Organization also ran a job center for unemployed women. In 1934, a weekly radio show called The Message of Israel started broadcasting from Central Synagogue.
During the 1930s and 1940s, the synagogue helped Jewish refugees from Europe. The interior of the synagogue was repainted in 1937. A group of German Jewish refugees even started their own congregation, Congregation Habonim, at Central Synagogue in 1939. Central's Sisterhood raised money to support the Allies of World War II during the early 1940s.
After World War II: Renovations and Growth
David J. Seligson joined Central Synagogue in 1945. In 1946, the congregation celebrated Ahawath Chesed's 100th anniversary. Rabbi Wise planned a renovation to attract new members. The renovation, designed by Ely Jacques Kahn, changed some original features. Many stained-glass windows were replaced with more modern designs. The building was formally rededicated in March 1949.
In the 1950s, Central Synagogue started attracting new members again. By 1954, it had 900 families. Rabbi Wise led the congregation for 34 years until he passed away in 1959.
Late 20th Century: Community Focus
Seligson and Zimmerman Leadership
After Rabbi Wise's death, David Seligson became the senior rabbi. The congregation decided to expand and rename the community house for Rabbi Wise. By the early 1960s, the congregation had over 1,000 families. In 1964, they bought land for a new community house at 125 East 55th Street. This new community house was dedicated in September 1967.
Central Synagogue also started a nursery school in 1968. In 1970, they celebrated the Lexington Avenue synagogue's 100th anniversary. Rabbi Seligson stepped down in 1972, and Sheldon Zimmerman became the senior rabbi.
The Folksbiene theater company moved to Central Synagogue in 1973. Rabbi Zimmerman encouraged the congregation to support Israel. Central Synagogue was the first synagogue in Manhattan to allow Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. They also partnered with local churches to help feed homeless people. The staff planned to make the synagogue accessible for people with disabilities, but it took a while to make the changes.
In the 1980s, the congregation sold "air rights" over nearby buildings. This helped raise money for the synagogue. Rabbi Zimmerman resigned in 1985, and Stanley M. Davids became the senior rabbi in 1986. The congregation grew again, reaching 1,300 or 1,400 families by the late 1980s. Central Synagogue started holding bar and bat mitzvahs for adults in 1988. The main entrance doors were restored that same year.
Modern Era: Rebuilding and Online Reach
Peter J. Rubinstein became Central Synagogue's senior rabbi in 1991. He encouraged the congregation to support Israel and started programs to help people who were hungry, homeless, or had HIV/AIDS.
1990s Restorations and Fire
A renovation of the synagogue's outside began in 1995. The congregation raised millions of dollars for this work. In 1998, they temporarily moved services to their community house so the main building's roof and air conditioning could be renovated. At this time, Central Synagogue had 1,400 families and was almost full.
.jpg)
On August 28, 1998, the synagogue caught fire during the renovation. The inside was badly damaged by water from firefighters, and the roof collapsed. Luckily, the synagogue's Torah scrolls and important drawings had been moved. Many other artifacts survived. Almost 50 institutions offered temporary space, and people from all over the world offered to help rebuild. The Israeli prime minister even donated a mezuzah. The congregation held High Holy Days services at the Park Avenue Armory.
The congregation decided to restore the synagogue to its original look. Hugh Hardy was chosen to lead the restoration in 1999. Workers used old archives and even World War II photos to recreate the roof. The bimah (or altar) and sound equipment were also updated. Over 700 workers spent a lot of time on the renovation.
2000s and Today
By 2001, Central Synagogue was one of the largest Jewish congregations in the United States. The synagogue building was rededicated on September 9, 2001, just before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The project cost nearly $40 million. It won awards for its restoration. A new organ, the Gabe M. Wiener Memorial Organ, was dedicated in 2002, replacing the one lost in the fire.
After the September 11 attacks, the synagogue added more security. By 2007, the synagogue had reached its capacity of 2,000 families. Free online livestreams of services began in 2008, making it a "mega-shul" (a very large synagogue). Central Synagogue expanded its music programs and school and created programs for younger Jewish people.
In 2013, Rabbi Rubinstein announced he would retire. Angela Warnick Buchdahl became the senior rabbi in 2014. She was the first woman and the first Asian-American to hold this position. Besides in-person members, tens of thousands of people watch services online. The Jewish Broadcasting Service began broadcasting some of Central's services.
In the 2010s, the city allowed Central Synagogue to sell its "air rights" to buildings further away. This helped the synagogue get money for needed repairs. In 2019, when a nearby mosque was damaged by fire, Central Synagogue invited the Islamic Society to hold services in their building.
In March 2020, Central Synagogue temporarily closed its building due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Services were held online for several months. During this time, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur livestreams had hundreds of thousands of viewers worldwide. In-person services slowly returned by 2021.
The Synagogue Building: A Closer Look
.jpg)
The Central Synagogue building at 652 Lexington Avenue was designed by Henry Fernbach. It is the only synagogue building he designed that is still standing. The building mixes Egyptian, Moorish, and Spanish styles. This design hints at the long history of Jewish people in Muslim countries. It is one of the oldest synagogues in the United States that has been used continuously. It is also the only 19th-century synagogue left in Midtown Manhattan.
The building is 100 feet wide on Lexington Avenue and 140 feet long on 55th Street. The current streetlights outside are replicas from 1989. The area around the synagogue used to have homes but now has many office buildings.
Outside the Synagogue
The outside of Central Synagogue looks similar to other famous synagogues, like the Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest. It is made of dark brownstone from New Jersey, with lighter stone from Ohio for decoration. Most synagogues face east towards Jerusalem, but Central Synagogue faces west. This is because the congregation wanted the main entrance on Lexington Avenue.
The Facade and Towers
The front of the synagogue on Lexington Avenue has three main sections. The middle section has a large entrance with three arches. There are also side entrances that lead to the aisles and the upper gallery. Above the main entrance is a beautiful geometric rose window.
On 55th Street, there is a wheelchair ramp leading to the basement. Both the north (55th Street) and south sides have six tall stained glass windows. These windows have circular windows above them. One stained-glass window is dedicated to the firefighters who saved it during the 1998 fire. Most of the windows are replicas of the originals, as many were destroyed in the fire.
The building is famous for its two tall, octagonal towers, which are 112 feet high. The tops of these towers are shaped like "onions" and are decorated with shiny 23-karat gold leaf from Germany. They also have gold stars. The very top parts are made of fiberglass and look like the original metal decorations.
The Roof
The roof is made of gray and red slate shingles. The modern roof, built in 1999, is a very close copy of the original roof from the 1870s. It has over 30,000 shingles. The new roof also has extra layers for protection and modern ventilators. A skylight at the back of the roof lights up the bimah inside.
Inside the Synagogue
After the 1998 fire, the inside of the building was restored to its original style. Workers used 69 different colors, including shades of red, blue, brown, and gold. They used over 5,000 stencils to create more than 200 different patterns on the walls. The interior has beautiful woodwork, plasterwork, and floor tiles. The synagogue has 70,000 tiles, with 30,000 new ones made by the same English company that made the originals.
Vestibule and Sanctuary
The steps on Lexington Avenue lead to a small entrance area called the vestibule. This area was lowered during the 2001 renovation, making it feel like you are "rising up into the sanctuary" as you enter.
The main worship area, the sanctuary, is designed like a Gothic church. It has two side aisles and a central nave. Wooden pillars separate the nave from the aisles. The back of the nave holds the bimah, which used to be a raised platform. In 2001, the bimah was made movable so it could slide closer to the pews.
Above the entrance is the organ gallery. The current organ, the Gabe M. Wiener Memorial Organ, was dedicated in 2002. It has 4,345 pipes! A smaller organ is near the bimah. The Torah ark, which holds the Torah scrolls, is at the back of the sanctuary. It is 38 feet high and covered in gold.
Central Synagogue can seat 1,400 people. It has a balcony, which is unusual for a Reform synagogue. Unlike Orthodox synagogues where balconies separate genders, Central Synagogue's balcony is used by everyone. Microphones and cameras are hidden in the balcony for live broadcasts of services. Some of the pews can be moved. The ceiling is bright blue with eight-pointed gold stars. Twelve large chandeliers light up the main area. The roof above the sanctuary is supported by large wooden beams.
Other Areas
The basement of the synagogue was expanded during the 1998–2001 renovation. The floor was lowered, and stronger steel columns were added. Classrooms and a multipurpose room were built in the basement. This area is simpler in design compared to the main sanctuary.
Rabbis and Leaders
_(cropped).jpg)
Since 2014, Angela Buchdahl has been Central Synagogue's senior rabbi. Other rabbis include Maurice A. Salth, Ari S. Lorge, and Daniel S. Ross. Some rabbis lead specific programs, like adult education or youth programs. The staff also includes senior cantor Daniel Mutlu and cantor Jenna Pearsall.
Central Synagogue has also had many lay presidents, who are not rabbis but help manage the synagogue. All the presidents were men until the 1980s. As of 2024, Shonni Silverberg is Central's president.
Services and Community Programs
Central Synagogue holds many weekly services, including morning prayers and two Shabbat services (on Friday and Saturday). Since the 2010s, some services have been broadcast online for people to watch from home. The synagogue charges membership fees, but they can be waived for families who can't afford them.
Over the years, Central Synagogue has had many groups and committees. In the past, the Central Synagogue Brotherhood sponsored Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts programs. They also offered adult education and services for people who are blind. These programs continue today. As of 2024, Central Synagogue has a nursery for young children and a religious school. They also offer tours of the synagogue once a week.
Community Houses
Central Synagogue's first community house opened in 1927. It had offices, a library, and classrooms for 300 religious-school students. It hosted events for the Temple Brotherhood and the Women's Organization.
Today, Central Synagogue uses the Phyllis and Lee Coffey Community House. This nine-story building was completed in 1967. It has a 450-seat sanctuary, an auditorium, meeting rooms, and 16 classrooms. It also holds the synagogue's collection of artifacts, its religious school, and a gift shop. When it opened, the community house was used by the Boy and Girl Scouts, groups for blind and deaf people, and the American Red Cross.
Special Items and History
Central Synagogue has a collection of important Jewish artifacts. This includes a Torah scroll from the Czech town of Lipnik, which was printed in the early 1800s. Since 1967, this Torah has been on loan to Central. Before the 1998 fire, the synagogue also had two brass menorahs from the 1700s. In the mid-20th century, the congregation owned three shofars (ancient musical horns).
Famous People
Many well-known people have been members of Central Synagogue or had events there.
- Bill Ackman, a hedge fund manager
- David Belasco, a theater producer
- Jacob K. Javits, a U.S. senator
- Evelyn Lauder, a businesswoman and philanthropist
- Ronald Lauder, a businessman
- Neri Oxman, a designer and professor
- Richard Ravitch, a transportation executive
- Julia Richman, an educator
- A. M. Rosenthal, a journalist
- Jonathan Tisch, a businessman
The synagogue has also hosted memorial services for important figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and first responders who died in the September 11 attacks. It has also been the location for weddings, including those of Jonathan Tisch and TV anchor Maria Bartiromo.
See also
In Spanish: Sinagoga Central para niños
