Congregation Ohab Zedek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congregation Ohab Zedek |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Modern Orthodox Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership |
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| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 118 West 95th Street, Upper West Side, in Manhattan, New York City, New York 10025 |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Manhattan
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| Architecture | |
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| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style | Moorish Revival |
| Date established | 1873 (as a congregation) |
| Completed |
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Congregation Ohab Zedek, often called OZ, is a special Jewish community (called a congregation) that follows a type of Judaism called Modern Orthodox. Their main building is a synagogue, which is a Jewish house of worship. It is located at 118 West 95th Street in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, New York.
OZ is known for having many young people in its community. The congregation started in 1873. It moved to its current home in 1926. The main leaders of the synagogue are Rabbi Allen Schwartz (the Senior Rabbi) and Rabbi Jack Varon (the assistant Rabbi).
Contents
History of Ohab Zedek
Early Days on the Lower East Side
Congregation Ohab Zedek began in 1873 in a part of New York City called the Lower East Side. In 1881, the congregation built its first synagogue building at 70 Columbia Street.
A few years later, in 1886, the congregation sold that building. They then moved into a new synagogue at 172 Norfolk Street. This building was built in the Gothic Revival style, which looks like old European churches. This building is now known as the Angel Orensanz Center. It is very important because it is the oldest synagogue building still standing in New York City and the fourth oldest in the entire United States! Rabbi Philip Klein was the rabbi for this congregation from 1890 until he passed away in 1926.
Moving to 116th Street
Between 1906 and 1907, the congregation built a very large and impressive new synagogue on 116th Street. This area, Harlem, was becoming a popular neighborhood at the time. The design of this new building was influenced by the Gothic style of their previous home on Norfolk Street. The front of the building had a big arch-shaped window above a grand doorway. It mixed Gothic styles with Moorish Revival architecture elements.
A very famous singer named Yossele Rosenblatt was a cantor (a person who leads prayers with singing) at this synagogue from 1911 to 1926, and again in 1929.
In 1926, Ohab Zedek moved to its current building on West 95th Street. The 116th Street building was sold and later became the Baptist Temple Church. Over time, the Jewish decorations on the building were removed. Sadly, the building had a lot of damage and had to be torn down between late 2009 and early 2010.
The Current Home on West 95th Street
The synagogue building at 118 West 95th Street was built in 1926. It is famous for its Moorish Revival architecture style. This style often features arches, domes, and decorative patterns. The architect who designed it was Charles B. Myers. Inside, you can see amazing plasterwork in the Mudéjar style, which is a mix of Islamic and Christian art from Spain.
This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 18, 2017. This means it is recognized as an important historical place in the United States.
In the early 2000s, the congregation became well-known for attracting many young Orthodox Jewish adults to its services and events. In 2005, a member of the congregation, Chaim Steinberger, wrote a book about its history called First Hungarian Congregation Ohab Zedek.
Today, the senior Rabbi is Allen Schwartz, and the executive director is Chad Hopkovitz.
