Shearith Israel Synagogue ARCHITECT: Brunner & Tyron DATE: 1896-97 STYLE: Neo-Classical This synagogue is a striking example of the monumental neo-Classical style, popular at the turn of the century for public and ecclesiastical architecture. The imposing front facade facing Central Parle West is composed of four large, engaged Composite columns that embrace three round-arched openings, enclosed by elaborate bronze gates, and three round-arched windows with balustrades. The openings, which produce the effect of a loggia, lead into a porch containing the two primary entrances which are located at either side. The front columns are surmounted by an entablature with a modillioned cornice, which is also found above the two smooth ashlar surfaces flanking this central area. Above the entablature is a high attic with smooth-faced pilasters, positioned to correspond with the columns. They enframe panels with classical wreath motifs.

Congregation Shearith Israel, ca, 1980. Congregation Shearith Israel is the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States, established in 1654 by newly arrived Spanish and Portuguese Jewish. Between 1654 and 1825 all Jews in New York City belonged to this community, as it was the only one. Before 1730 the community was not allowed to built a structure for worship, and as such, leased rented space on Beaver and Mills (now South William) Street in lower Manhattan. The first purpose-built synagogue was on Mills Street, where the community remained until 1834; the original synagogue was rebuilt and expanded in 1818. They then moved to 60 Crosby Street and a location on 19th Street, before building their now 120-year-old building (seen here) on West 70th Street. Designed by the firm of Brunner and Tryon, the neo-Classical limestone temple held to a traditional architectural style, eschewing the Moorish, Romanesque, and Gothic designs of other contemporary synagogues. The interior spaces were designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, whose stained glass windows complete the facade.

It’s no secret that New York is one of the Jewish capitals of the world. The city alone is home to 1.1 million Jews. That makes the city the largest Jewish community outside of Israel - larger than Tel Aviv and Jerusalem combined! The city's Jewish communities are not only multiple but diverse – they are Ashkenazic and Sephardic, Hasidic, and secular. The city owes this diversity to various waves of Jewish immigration over time, but did you know that Jewish geography today still in many ways reflects these immigration eras? Indeed, when and from where your Jewish ancestors immigrated may actually inform where you live in NYC today!

Congregation Shearith Israel, now located at 2 West 70th Street, takes pride in being the very first Jewish congregation in North America, where something like half the world’s Jewish population now lives. It was founded in 1654 by 23 Jews of Spanish and Portuguese descent who had been living in a Dutch colony in Brazil. When the colony changed hands and the Portuguese took over, the Jewish community fled to avoid the imposition of Inquisition policies, which had previously pushed their families out of Portugal and Spain in the late 15th and early 16th centuries

Take a walk in the beautiful Upper West Side. Start at Columbus Circle and discover the cultural and religious landmarks and the extravagant apartment buildings of this affluent neighborhood.

And just like that, another year here at Urban Archive is coming to a close in just a few short days! We've asked our partners to pick some of their favorite stories, images, and facts they encountered this year to share with you. Check them out below!