Temple Emanu-El, New York City
Facade of Temple Emanu-el in New York City. Photo
Shaun Che.
View of the interior, looking towards the front. Photo
Joshua Bousel.
Detail of ark and menorah. Photo
Joshua Bousel.
Counter-facade at the back of the synagogue. Photo
Joshua Bousel.
Location map and aerial view of Temple Emanu-El. For a larger interactive view, see our New York City Map.
Completed in 1929, Temple Emanu-El in New York City is the world's largest synagogue. It accommodates 2,500 worshippers - more than St. Patrick's Cathedral.
History
The Emanu-El congregation is the first Reform congregation to be established in New York City, founded in 1845. Their current temple was built in 1928-29 and remains active today. Many of New York's most prominent and wealthy families are members of this Reform congregation.
What to See
Made of limestone, Temple Emanu-el is designed in the Romanesque architectural style with Byzantine influences. Its ornamentation includes Moorish and Art Deco elements and its sanctuary is covered with mosaics. The building as a whole symbolizes the mingling of Eastern and Western cultures.
The temple houses the free Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum, which details the history of the congregation and local Jewish life. The small but interesting collection includes Hanukkah lamps dating from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
Temple Emanu-El also hosts lectures, films, music, symposiums, and other events; call or e-mail for the current schedule.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Temple Emanu-El |
| Location: | New York City, New York, USA |
| Categories: | Synagogues; Museums |
| Faith: | Judaism |
| Denomination: | Reform |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1928-29 |
| Architecture: | Neo-Romanesque, Neo-Byzantine |
| Features: | Largest |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 40.768167° N, 73.969654° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | 1 E 65th St at Fifth Ave, New York City, New York |
| Phone: | 212-744-1400 |
| Website: | www.emanuelnyc.org |
| E-mail: | info@emanuelnyc.org |
| Tours: | Saturdays at noon |
| Cost: | Free |
| Services: | Sun-Thu 5:30pm; Fri 5:15pm; Sat 10:30am |
Travel Resources for New York City
- New York City Map - our detailed interactive map of New York City, plus hand-picked links to more
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- New York City Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on New York City tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Temple Emanu-El - official website
- Frommer's New York City
- Fodor's New York City
- Temple Emanu-El – Medieval New York
Article last updated: 06/06/2009.
