There is a wide range of synagogues on the Upper West Side in NY that cater to both conservative and reform Jewish congregation members. Upper West Side synagogues are central to Jewish life.
Whether you are searching for a conservative synagogue or a reform synagogue, Manhattan’s Upper West Side is the community where you will find it. The West Side of Manhattan offers synagogues for Shabbat services, high holidays, social engagement, and where families can find their spiritual home.
Choosing a Synagogue
NYC is home to over 1000 synagogues. NYC is home to more Jews than Jerusalem, and some say more than all of Israel, which means finding the right synagogue can be more accessible in NY than anywhere else in the world.
Choosing where you worship is a personal decision. Finding the community in NY that best supports your religious life is essential to building strong families and a feeling of community. Living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan will put you near all the West Side synagogues.
Living in Close Proximity to Upper West Side Synagogues
Living in the Upper West Side of New York City makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your religious needs due to its variety of options. You will be within walking distance of several well-known synagogues in the area.
Being able to walk to services on Friday night for Shabbat and having a close personal connection to the rabbis and congregation by virtue of your location is a gift. Many people choose their membership based on proximity and religious convictions.
The right Upper West Side address can help set the parameters of your membership.
West Side synagogues in NY cater to both the modern Jew and the orthodox Jew. They welcome the unaffiliated with open arms. You will have numerous options to choose from living on the West Side.
Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
The Stephen Wise Free Synagogue is a Jewish reform synagogue located on the West Side at 30 W 68th Street, New York, NY. It has robust social programs, a Jewish center for supporting Jewish life and providing a pathway to Judaism for non-Jews, and a warm and welcoming congregation.
The Stephen Wise Free Synagogue offers a daycare, religious school, and special needs instruction in its NY West Side school.
This synagogue welcomes people from all faiths and backgrounds.
Ansche Chesed
Ansche Chesed is located at 120 West 76th Street, New York, NY. This conservative congregation focuses on social causes in the United States and Israel, prayer, social outreach, and traditional Judaism. Non-Jews are welcome at Ansche Chesed New York temple, as are members of the LGBTQ community.
Ansche Chesed has services for adults led by clergy. Saturday morning services are clergy-led and focus on the teachings of the Torah by Rabbi Kalmanofsky.
There are three Saturday morning services in NY that West Side families can choose from.
Carlebach Shul
Congregation Kehilath Jacob, the Carlebach Shul, is a landmark synagogue in the city’s west end. This shul has been in the exact West Side location in NY since the 1940s. People of all backgrounds in New York are encouraged to join Carlebach Shul to pray, sing, and join the beauty of the Shabbos together.
B’nai Jeshurun
B’nai Jeshurun is located at 210 W 91st Street, New York, NY, and is a non-affiliate religious community with 200 years of history, founded in 1825 by Ashkenazic members.
B’nai Jeshurun congregation has stayed true to the founder’s vision of “no distinction made among members,” “no permanent leader,” and “less formal worship with time set aside for explanation and instruction.” Rolando Matalon is the senior rabbi.
Everyone is invited and welcomed into the congregation regardless of religious convictions or sexual orientation to learn, connect, and find a spiritual home on the West Side.
West End Synagogue
West End synagogue, located at 190 Amsterdam Avenue at 69th Street, New York, NY, is a reconstructionist congregation on the West Side of New York.
Reconstructionism is based on the evolving needs of the Jewish community. You can find more information here. This active congregation is engaged in social causes both here and in Israel and interested in helping people connect to Jewish traditions.
West Side Institutional Synagogue
West Side Institutional Synagogue, located at 170 W 76th Street, New York, NY, follows modern orthodox teachings. For 100 years, this congregation has been providing a home for religious life.
WSIS is a modern orthodox option with a Jewish center focused on family, social responsibility, and modern Jewish tradition on the West Side.
It is a great place to celebrate Shabbat, learn, and celebrate community. West Side Institutional Synagogue has programs for children and is family-focused on building solid relationships.
Worship Where You Live
Lincoln Towers, located on prestigious West End Avenue, provides a home base outside of Israel in NY that puts you and your family in the hub of Jewish life.
Lincoln Towers, centrally located among all the temples in the West End of New York City, is the perfect place to create a home base. Call 212-787-1214 today to make an appointment for a viewing. Live where you worship on the Upper West Side.