Congregation Shearith Israel (The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue)

Also known as the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, Congregation Shearith Israel has long been a pillar in the American Jewish community. From 1654 to 1825, Congregation Shearith Isreal was the only Jewish congregation in New York City and thus, was the sole provider for all of the New York Jewish community's needs for almost 200 years.

As the Jewish community in the city grew, so did the congregation and their reach. Shearith Israel is responsible for creating three of the most prominent Jewish religious organization in the United States: The Jewish Theological Seminary, the Orthodox Union, and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. While Shearith Israel is an Orthodox community, it was also instrumental in the founding of the Conservative Judaism movement. 

Today, Shearith Israel is a thriving global community with strong traditions and a commitment to the future of Judaism.