Central Synagogue

The Central Synagogue, also called Congregation Ahavath Chesed, is the main place of worship for the Jewish community in the Upper Midtown neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It holds the distinction of being the oldest building continuously used as a synagogue in New York City.

The Central Synagogue was built in 1872 in the Moorish Revival style. It was designed by Selesian-born Henry Fernbach, the first prominent Jewish architect in America. Fernbach based his design on the Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary.

There were some opposition to the design of the synagogue when it was constructed, with the criticism coming from those who felt that its outlandish design would inspire envy and go against conformity. Nevertheless in later years it came to be well regarded, and was designated a National Historic Landmark on 15 May, 1975.

How to reach the Central Synagogue

The Central Synagogue is located at 652 Lexington Avenue. Take the E or V train to the Lexington Avenue/53rd Street subway station. Walk north along Lexington Avenue until you see the Central Synagogue on the left side, between 54th and 55th Streets. At time of writing (March 2010), there's a Subway sandwiches restaurant right next to it.

Central Synagogue, New York City
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Centralsynoglex.jpg
Author: Jim.henderson

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