Temple Emanu-El

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.

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.

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.