How to Explore New York Temples and Synagogues

The Bialystoker Synagogue

If you’re planning a visit to New York City, or if you live there, try spending a couple of days exploring some of the city’s historic and architecturally grand synagogues and temples. You can worship at these sites and even take tours.

Things You'll Need

• A street map and subway map of New York City
• Websites of synagogues to check ahead about services and tours

Instructions

1. 

   Visit Central Synagogue in midtown Manhattan, a national landmark constructed in 1872. The synagogue recently completed a $40 million restoration after a devastating fire in 1998. Easily recognized by its gilded domes, the interior of the synagogue is well known for its Moorish details and architecture. Free tours are given every Wednesday at 12:45 p.m. Reservations are not necessary, unless you are with a group. Call the Events Office at [phone], ext. 3003, to arrange group tours and fees. Central Synagogue is at 652 Lexington Avenue at 55th Street (see Resources below for the website link).

2. 

   See the architectural splendor of Temple Emanu-El on the Upper East Side, the largest Jewish house of worship in the world. Located at 840 Fifth Ave. at East 65th Street, Temple Emanu-El features a striking façade and an entrance of three sets of bronze doors. The sanctuary is open to the public, and tours can be arranged Sundays through Fridays by calling [phone]. Tours are also given at noon on Saturdays, following morning services (see Resources below for the website link).

3. Be sure to visit the Herbert and Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica while at Temple Emanu-El. The museum features three galleries of Jewish art, rare religious ornaments and memorabilia. The Museum also sponsors lectures and exhibitions (see Resources below for the website link).

4. 

   Visit the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue on the Lower East Side, which opened in 1887 and was the first large house of worship built in the U.S. by Eastern European Jews. Although you can’t worship there because the synagogue no longer operates, you can attend events and tour the restored site. Tours are Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., every half hour. No need for advance reservations unless you’re in a group of more than 10. Tickets are $12 adults, and $8 seniors and children (see Resources below for the website link).

5. See the Bialystoker Synagogue, a landmark place of worship that played a significant role in the Underground Railroad when it hid runaway slaves in the synagogue attic. Founded by Jews who came from Bialystok, Poland, this Orthodox synagogue is located at 7-11 Willett Street on the Lower East Side. You can arrange to tour the synagogue by calling [phone] or by emailing [e-mail] (see Resources below for the website link).

Tips & Warnings

• All of these synagogues have websites that are chock full of information about services and special events. It’s best to check ahead before visiting (see Resources below for the website links).