Central Synagogue

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Central Synagogue
Basic information
Location 646-652 Lexington Avenue,
Manhattan, New York City,
Flag of the United States United States[1]
Geographic coordinates 40°45′35″N 73°58′14″W / 40.759592, -73.970473Coordinates: 40°45′35″N 73°58′14″W / 40.759592, -73.970473
Religious affiliation Reform Judaism
Ecclesiastical status Active
Website www.centralsynagogue.org
Architectural description
Architect(s) Henry Fernbach[2]
Architectural type Neo Gothic
Architectural style Moorish Revival
Direction of facade ESE
Groundbreaking 1872
Year completed 1873
Specifications
Length 40 meters (131 ft)
Width 25 meters (82 ft)
Width (nave) 14 meters (46 ft)
(U.S. National Historic Landmark)
Added to NRHP: October 9, 1970[4]
NRHP Reference#: 70000423
Designated as NHL: May 15, 1975[3]

The Central Synagogue (Congregation Ahavath Chesed) is located at 652 Lexington Avenue on the corner of 55th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York. Built in 1872 in the Moorish Revival style as a copy of Budapest's Dohány Street Synagogue[5] [6], it pays homage to the Jewish existence in Moorish Spain [1]. It has been in continuous use by a congregation longer than any other in the city.[7]

The dramatic style of the building was the subject of much debate during the construction. Some felt its excess would inspire envy and stand in the way of assimilation.[8]

It was designated a National Historic Landmark on May 15, 1975.[3][9] It has been restored recently in the original style after a fire in August 1998.[10] It is open to the public for tours on a weekly schedule.

Contents

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b Dolkart, Andrew S. & Postal, Matthew A.; Guide to New York City Landmarks, 3rd Edition; New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission; John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2004. ISBN 0-471-36900-4; p.122.
  2. ^ White, Norval & Willensky, Elliot; AIA Guide to New York City, 4th Edition; New York Chapter, American Institute of Architects; Crown Publishers/Random House. 2000. ISBN 0-8129-31069-8; ISBN 0-8129-3107-6. p.282.
  3. ^ a b Central Synagogue. National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service (2007-09-10).
  4. ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
  5. ^ Krinsky, Carol (1996). Synagogues of Europe. New York: Dover Publications, 108. ISBN 0486290786. 
  6. ^ Moorish Influence At Home in the City, by FRANCIS MORRONE, New York Sun, December 15, 2006, [1]
  7. ^ NHL Writeup
  8. '^ Gray, Christopher; New York Streetscapes, 1st Edition; Harry N. Abrahams, Inc. 2003. ISBN 0-8109-4441-3; p.188.
  9. ^ Carolyn Pitts (February 2, 1975), National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Central SynagoguePDF (248 KiB), National Park Service  and Accompanying 5 photos, exterior and interior, from 1973 and undatedPDF (894 KiB)
  10. ^ Harris, Bill; One Thousand New York Buildings, 1st Edition; Black Dog and Leventhal. 2002. ISBN 1-57912-443-7; p.272.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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