Did you know? The congregation at Eldridge Street Synagogue Khal Adas Yeshurun with Anshe Lubz traces its roots to
circa 1850, when it convened as Congregation Beth Hamedrash, making it the oldest orthodox Ashkenazic congregation in
the United States. Chances are, most Jews worldwide, whether through family or friends, are just a few degrees of separation
from someone who davened here. If you're in New York on a Sabbath or Holiday, come join us for services and connect with
your powerful past.
Why does Eldridge have such a welcoming spirit? It's in our spiritual DNA. Our forebearer, Congregation Beth
Hamedrash was unique in that its increasing membership was composed of worshipers from diverse Eastern European
towns, rather than hailing from one central geographical location. In short, worshipers came together, regardless of
background or prior social affiliation, to build a true House of Tefillah (prayer) to Hashem.
We weren't always housed in this magnificent building. How did we get here? Congregation Beth Hamedrash,
seeking an appropriate space for worship, moved from the first floor of a building under a carpenter's shop to several former
courthouses, before purchasing the former Welsh Chapel on Allen Street in 1856. But when the noisy Second Avenue elevated
line was erected in 1879, the congregation began looking for a space that would offer the quiet surroundings they needed to
properly conduct services. In 1886, the congregation purchased three adjacent lots to fulfill their dream of building a free
standing structure with windows on all sides. In 1887, the glorious Eldridge Street Synagogue, constructed by the Herter
Brothers, was completed in time for High Holiday services.
So how did Congregation Beth Hamedrash become Khal Adath Jeshurun with Anshe Lubz?
In 1890, newly housed in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the congregation chose to formally adopt the new name of
Khal Adas Jeshurun, which they had been using informally since 1884. And in 1909, Khal Adas Jeshurun's membership
was enlarged by the addition of congregation Anshe Lubz.
Who davened here? A number of famed rabbis and cantors are associated with Eldridge Street Synagogue,
including, to name a few names you may have heard: Rabbi Yudelevich, Rabbi Idelsohn, and Cantor Minkowsky.
What about today? Today, our minyan of dedicated mispallelim continues to come to Eldridge Street to pray in a
magnificently restored edifice that celebrates the most emotive and holiest aspects of our Jewish faith. And just as in 1850,
we're warm, accepting and composed of all types. So please join us for services: bring your voice, your heart and your holy
Jewish neshama.