Congregation Emanu-El
New York, NY 10021
Phone: (212) 744-1400
- Cross Street:
- At Fifth Avenue
- Directions:
- N, R at 5th Ave; 6 at 68th St
- Hours:
- Daily 10am-5pm
Editorial Review for Congregation Emanu-El – by Helen Zelon
Overview
Founded by German Jews in 1845, Temple Emanu-el rapidly became a showy monument to commerce and the blinding drive of ambitious immigrants to assimilate into the American--read: Protestant--mainstream. With a crenellated limestone silhouette that screams "Gothic Cathedral," Emanu-El looms over Central Park on the site of what once was John Jacob Astor's mansion--demolished in the late 1920s to give rise to the "largest house of Jewish worship in the world."
The Experience
Despite a membership comparable to a small town (10,000 and counting), you might find more than a few obstacles if you're looking to get inside. None of the glorious bronze doors that open onto Fifth Avenue have exterior handles or knobs! Rather than knocking futilely, go back at a time when the synagogue holds a concert by St. Luke's Chamber Ensemble or the like.
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Insider Tips
When to GoCongregation Emanu-El houses the Hubert and Eileen Museum of Judaica. It is open Sunday through Thursday 10am-4:30pm.
The ExtrasCheck out the prestigious and well-funded Skirball Center for Adult Jewish Learning at Temple Emanu-El for classes, learning communities and online educational offerings. The telephone number is (212) 507-9580; office hours vary.
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