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.

Join us tonight for the unique Shearith Israel Tisha B'Ab experience, culminating in Rabbi Soloveichik's annual lecture.
07/22/2026

Join us tonight for the unique Shearith Israel Tisha B'Ab experience, culminating in Rabbi Soloveichik's annual lecture.

The documents shown here are from Shearith Israel's 1790 constitution. Adopted shortly after the ratification of the Uni...
07/03/2026

The documents shown here are from Shearith Israel's 1790 constitution. Adopted shortly after the ratification of the United States Constitution, it reflects a remarkable moment when our ancient congregation reshaped its internal governance in the language and spirit of the new American republic.

As historians such as Jonathan D. Sarna and Jacob Rader Marcus have noted, this constitution illustrates how American Jews quickly absorbed the political ideas of the American Revolution. Consciously echoing the American Constitution in both language and ideas: “We the people” becomes “We the Members of Shearith Israel,” and it goes on to declare that “in a state happily constituted upon the principles of equal liberty, civil and religious,” directly invoking the ideals of the new United States. Rather than relying solely on inherited communal ("kehila") authority, the congregation describes itself as a voluntary society whose members agree to adopt rules and institutions for their common good.

Changes in New York law governing religious societies later required the congregation to adopt a new constitution in 1805. That document—though amended over time—remains the constitutional framework under which the congregation still operates today. Nevertheless, the 1790 constitution stands as one of the earliest expressions of how Jewish religious communities in the United States embraced—and helped embody—the nation’s principles of liberty, self-government, and religious freedom.

Wishing all a happy Independence Day and Shabbat Shalom!

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.

Address

2 W 70th Street
New York, NY
10023

Telephone

(212) 873-0300

Website

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