Temple Emanu-El, New York City
Temple Emanu-El in New York City is the world's largest synagogue, accommodating 2,500 worshippers (more than New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral).
The Emanu-El congregation is the first Reform congregation to be established in New York City. Their temple was built in 1928-29 of limestone and designed in the Romanesque style with Byzantine influences.
Many of New York's most prominent and wealthy families are members of this Reform congregation. The building has Moorish and art deco ornamentation, and its sanctuary is covered with mosaics. The decoration as a whole symbolizes the mingling of Eastern and Western cultures.
The temple houses the free Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum, which details the congregation's history and Jewish life. The small but interesting collection includes Hanukkah lamps from the 14th to the 20th centuries, and three galleries tell the story of the congregation from 1845 to the present.
Temple Emanu-El also hosts lectures, films, music, symposiums, and other events; call or e-mail for the current schedule.
| Address: | 1 E. 65th St, at Fifth Ave, New York, New York, USA |
| Phone: | 212/744-1400 |
| E-mail: | info@emanuelnyc.org |
| Subway: | N, R to Fifth Ave.; 6 to 68th St |
| Hours: | Daily 10am-5pm |
| Services: | Sun-Thurs 5:30pm; Fri 5:15pm; Sat 10:30am |
| Cost: | Free |
| Tours: | Saturdays at noon |
- Official Website of Temple Emanu-El
- Temple Emanu-El – Medieval New York
Sources: Frommer's New York City 2005, Fodor's New York City 2005 and Temple Emanu-El. Photo: Jewish Buffalo.
