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, also known as OZ, is a special Jewish place of worship called a synagogue. It's located in New York City, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. This synagogue follows Modern Orthodox Judaism, which is a branch of the Jewish faith.
OZ is known for having a lively community, especially with many young people. It was started in 1873. The synagogue moved to its current building in 1926. Today, Rabbi Allen Schwartz is the Senior Rabbi, and Rabbi Jack Varon is the assistant Rabbi.
Contents
A Look at Ohab Zedek's History
Congregation Ohab Zedek has a long and interesting history. It moved several times before finding its current home.
Early Days on the Lower East Side
The congregation began in 1873 in an area of New York City called the Lower East Side. Their first synagogue building was built in 1881 on Columbia Street.
In 1886, they moved to a new building on Norfolk Street. This building was designed in the Gothic Revival style. It is now known as the Angel Orensanz Center. This building is the oldest surviving synagogue building in New York. It's also the fourth-oldest in the entire United States! Rabbi Philip Klein was the rabbi here from 1890 until he passed away in 1926.
Moving to 116th Street
Between 1906 and 1907, Ohab Zedek built a very grand new synagogue on 116th Street. This area, Harlem, was becoming very popular. The design of this new building was influenced by the Gothic style of their previous home. It had a large, arched window and a fancy doorway. It also showed some elements of Moorish Revival architecture.
A very famous singer named Yossele Rosenblatt was a cantor (a person who leads prayers with music) at this synagogue from 1911 to 1926, and again in 1929.
In 1926, OZ moved to its current building on West 95th Street. The 116th Street building was sold and later became a church. Sadly, due to serious damage, the 116th Street building was taken down slowly in 2009 and 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 beautiful Moorish Revival architecture. This style often includes arches and detailed patterns, similar to buildings found in Spain and North Africa.
The architect who designed it was Charles B. Myers. Inside, you can see amazing plasterwork in the Mudéjar style. This style combines Islamic and Christian art forms. Because of its special design and history, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 18, 2017.
In the early 2000s, Congregation Ohab Zedek became well-known for attracting many young Orthodox Jewish people. They came for the services and programs offered there. In 2005, a book about the synagogue's history was published. It was called First Hungarian Congregation Ohab Zedek and was written by Chaim Steinberger, a member of the congregation.
