Congregation Shearith Israel - The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue

Congregation Shearith Israel - The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue North America's First Jewish Congregation. Established in 1654. Visit us at shearithisrael.org.

Congregation Shearith Israel, the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, was founded in 1654 by 23 Jews of Spanish and Portuguese descent. It was the first Jewish congregation to be established in North America. Today, Jews of all backgrounds make up our welcoming, traditional community.

Invitation to a special opportunity:Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, at 10:00 AM, Join our Sexton, Z. Edinger for a guided tou...
06/01/2026

Invitation to a special opportunity:

Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, at 10:00 AM, Join our Sexton, Z. Edinger for a guided tour of our historic Chatham Square Cemetery (55 St. James Place, Lower Manhattan).

Learn about New York's early Jewish community, Jewish patriots of the American Revolution, burial practices in colonial New York, and the growth of New York City.

This is a rare opportunity to visit a historic NY cemetery that is ordinarily closed to the public and open only by appointment. The tour is free and open to all. The tour will begin at 10:00 AM and conclude at approximately 10:40 AM. Donations to Congregation Shearith Israel are appreciated in lieu of registration fees. https://shearithisrael.shulcloud.com/form/donation

Here are a few more photos from today's Memorial Day ceremony.
05/25/2026

Here are a few more photos from today's Memorial Day ceremony.

Some photos from today's Memorial Day Ceremony at the Chatham Square Cemetery. We had a wonderful turnout despite the c...
05/25/2026

Some photos from today's Memorial Day Ceremony at the Chatham Square Cemetery. We had a wonderful turnout despite the cloudy and wet weather. Thanks to all who came and participated. Special thanks to our speakers, Joshua Obstfeld and Capt. Mikhael Smits; to our color guard from the Veteran Corps of Artillery in the State of New York (VCASNY) and the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York (SRNY) and to Mr. Michael Miller trumpeter for the USCG Auxiliary Band. If you have photos from today's ceremony please share them with us!

Mo`adim leSimha!
05/21/2026

Mo`adim leSimha!

TONIGHT - Don't miss it!
05/21/2026

TONIGHT - Don't miss it!

This Memorial Day, join us for one of New York City’s most unique and meaningful traditions.At the historic Chatham Squa...
05/15/2026

This Memorial Day, join us for one of New York City’s most unique and meaningful traditions.

At the historic Chatham Square Cemetery — hidden in the heart of Chinatown — we will gather to honor the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces, decorate the graves of 18 patriots of the American Revolution, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

With a color guard, field music, historic surroundings, and reflections on more than 250 years of Jewish life in America, this ceremony is both moving and distinctively "Shearith Israel": a chance to connect with the city’s deep history in a truly special setting.

Veterans are especially encouraged to attend.

📍 Chatham Square Cemetery
55 St. James Place, New York City
🗓 Monday, May 25
⏰ 10:30 AM

All are welcome.

This Shabbat we mark the anniversary of the consecration of our West 70th Street Synagogue, dedicated on Lag LaOmer (May...
05/08/2026

This Shabbat we mark the anniversary of the consecration of our West 70th Street Synagogue, dedicated on Lag LaOmer (May 19), 1897. In honor of the occasion, special melodies and prayers will be used throughout the service, including Todot El, with the Hehal remaining open for much of the service and the Torah scrolls dressed in festive coverings.

Often, the rimonim donated by David A. Nieto or those presented by Rebecca Mitchell King for the synagogue’s 1897 consecration would be used on this Shabbat. This shabbat also coincides with Parashat Behar–Bechukotai, which contains the verse: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.” In honor of that theme, we will instead use our own “Liberty Bells,” engraved with the Hebrew words: וקראתם דרור בארץ לכל ישביה.

Join us this Shabbat as we celebrate our magnificent synagogue building, our enduring heritage, and the blessings of liberty.

The right topic at the right place at the right time.
05/08/2026

The right topic at the right place at the right time.

Make sure to sign up your kids (ages 6-15) to join Jake and Baruch-Lev for a guided Hol HaMoed tour of the ancient Egypt...
04/01/2026

Make sure to sign up your kids (ages 6-15) to join Jake and Baruch-Lev for a guided Hol HaMoed tour of the ancient Egyptian section of the Met. 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱! Register here: https://shearithisrael.shulcloud.com/form/youth-outing-pesah-5786

Address

2 W 70th Street
New York, NY
10023

Telephone

(212) 873-0300

Website

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