Welcome to Congregation Emunath Israel or The Chelsea Shul, where history lives on. A place where over 150 years of Jewish tradition meets the energetic Jewish spirit of a new generation.
Founded in 1865, The Chelsea Shul has a long and beautiful history of serving as a focal point of Jewish life.
The History of Chelsea Shul
Congregation Emunath Israel or “The Chelsea Shul” was built in the 1850’s as the Third Reformed Presbyterian Church. The Emunath Israel Congregation, originally founded in 1865, took over the building in 1920. The Shul installed stained glass windows as a tribute to their Judaism, along with other Jewish symbolism. In its establishment, the Shul primarily serviced the working Jews in the garment industries. Rabbi Leifer, who served as the Rabbi for 42 years from 1958-2000, reminisced about its nickname as the “Yartzeit Synagogue”. Rabbi Leifer shares:” Close to 800 congregants would come to say Yizkor on Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Passover. The line would snake around to 8th avenue with police barricades controlling the crowds. The Shul serviced everyone, with up to 15 different Yizkor sessions per holiday.”
As a Jewish Chelsea Community Center, we offer:
- Shabbat and High Holiday Services
- Torah Classes
- Bar and Bat Mitzvah Lessons
- Children's Holiday Programs
- Kitchen Koshering
- Funeral Services
- Hospital Visitations
We are also home to The Rohr Center for Jewish Graduate Students.
Manhattan Jewish Student Center is the umbrella organization of Jgrads NYC
We are excited to announce renovations on the ground floor of the Shul. We will keep you updated on our plans and progress. CLICK TO VIEW OUR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PAGE!