Kehila Kedosha Janina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kehila Kedosha Janina |
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Kehila Kedosha Janina synagogue in 2007
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Rite | Romaniote |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Lay led |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 280 Broome Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Lower Manhattan
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Sydney Daub |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style |
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| Date established | 1906 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1927 |
| Specifications | |
| Width | 20 feet (6.1 m) |
| Materials | Brick; stone |
Kehila Kedosha Janina (which means "Holy Community of Janina") is a special synagogue in New York City. It's located at 280 Broome Street in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. This synagogue is unique because it's the only one in the entire Western Hemisphere that follows the Romaniote rite of Judaism.
Romaniote traditions are very old, going back almost 2,000 years in the Eastern Mediterranean. They are different from both Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish customs. The building itself was constructed between 1925 and 1927. It was designed by an architect named Sydney Daub. The style mixes Classical Revival and Moorish Revival elements.
This synagogue is considered an important historical place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 30, 1999. It was also named a New York City Landmark on May 11, 2004. In 2006, it had a big restoration project led by architect Leonard Colchamiro, whose family helped start the community.
Contents
History of Kehila Kedosha Janina
The Kehila Kedosha Janina synagogue has a long and interesting history. It is the only Romaniote synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. The group of people who formed the congregation started in 1906. These were Jewish immigrants from Ioannina, a city in Greece. However, the actual synagogue building wasn't built until 1927.
Early Years and Growth
The years between 1927 and Second World War were a very busy time for the Romaniote community in the Lower East Side. The synagogue had three rabbis, and during important Jewish holidays, like the High Holidays, the building was often so full that people had to stand. This shows how large and active the community was back then.
Changes After World War II
After the Second World War, many members of the congregation started to move away. They moved to other parts of Manhattan, like Harlem, or to different areas of New York City, such as the Bronx and Brooklyn. Today, these other Romaniote communities are no longer active.
Current Activities and Community
Even though the community has become smaller since its busiest days before the war, services are still held regularly. They have services on shabbat (the Jewish day of rest) and during other Jewish holidays. The synagogue keeps a list of 5,000 people who are connected to it. However, it can sometimes be difficult to gather enough people for a minyan (the minimum number of adults needed for a public worship service) on Shabbat.
The synagogue also welcomes visitors. Guided tours are offered every Sunday. You can also arrange a special visit if you want to learn more about this unique place.
Remembering the Past
The Janina Landsmanshaft (a group of immigrants from the same town) has a special burial plot at Wellwood Cemetery. Here, there is a memorial that honors the Jewish people from Ioannina who were killed during the Shoah (another name for the Holocaust).
Building Layout and Features
The design of Kehila Kedosha Janina is a bit different from typical Romaniote synagogues. Most Romaniote synagogues are built to run from east to west. However, this synagogue runs from north to south. The Ehal, which is where the Torah scrolls are kept, is on the north side of the building.
Inside the Sanctuary
In most Romaniote synagogues, the bimah (the platform where the Torah is read) is usually placed on the west wall. But in Kehila Kedosha Janina, the bimah is in the center of the main worship area. Another unique feature is the internal staircase that leads to the women's balcony.
Separate Seating and Museum
Like all Orthodox synagogues, men and women sit separately during services. This is a common practice in Orthodox Jewish tradition. The women's gallery is located on the second floor. This area also has a museum.
The museum is filled with interesting items, displays, and Judaica (Jewish ceremonial art and objects). These exhibits teach visitors about Jewish life in Greece and the history of Greek Jews. There is also a gift shop where you can find unique items. The displayed items are kept in cases along the walls and near the staircase.
See also
- List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan below 14th Street
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Manhattan below 14th Street
- Kehila Kedosha Yashan Synagogue
- Yanina Synagogue
