ThoughtGallery.org > Inside Shearith Israel Synagogue and the Louis C. Tiffany Glass Sanctuary

Inside Shearith Israel Synagogue and the Louis C. Tiffany Glass Sanctuary

While it’s not uncommon to spot a Louis Comfort Tiffany stained-glass window or two in a grand mansion or house of worship, what about an entire interior space designed by him? Step inside a rarely opened synagogue in the Upper West Side to view one of his largest works, with a main sanctuary that is arguably his greatest pièce de résistance in all of New York.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exploration of the landmarked Shearith Israel synagogue, commonly known as the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, which is home to North America’s first Jewish congregation dating back to 1654.

Led by guide and long-time congregant Janet R. Kirchheimer, our unique experience through this Neoclassical synagogue dating back to 1897 will include:

  • The origin story of the congregation, from escaping the Spanish Inquisition, to conflicts with pirates, to struggles with New Amsterdam colony Governor Peter Stuyvesant
  • A quick primer on Judaism and what it means to be either of Ashkenazi or Sephardic heritage
  • Stories of the congregation’s most famous members including Asser Levy and Emma Lazarus
  • A multi-floor exploration of the synagogue to see historic rooms, original artifacts, and the breathtaking main sanctuary with floor-to-ceiling works designed by Tiffany

Congregation Shearith Israel
2 West 70th Street
New York, NY 10023











When: Sun., Dec. 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

While it’s not uncommon to spot a Louis Comfort Tiffany stained-glass window or two in a grand mansion or house of worship, what about an entire interior space designed by him? Step inside a rarely opened synagogue in the Upper West Side to view one of his largest works, with a main sanctuary that is arguably his greatest pièce de résistance in all of New York.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exploration of the landmarked Shearith Israel synagogue, commonly known as the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, which is home to North America’s first Jewish congregation dating back to 1654.

Led by guide and long-time congregant Janet R. Kirchheimer, our unique experience through this Neoclassical synagogue dating back to 1897 will include:

  • The origin story of the congregation, from escaping the Spanish Inquisition, to conflicts with pirates, to struggles with New Amsterdam colony Governor Peter Stuyvesant
  • A quick primer on Judaism and what it means to be either of Ashkenazi or Sephardic heritage
  • Stories of the congregation’s most famous members including Asser Levy and Emma Lazarus
  • A multi-floor exploration of the synagogue to see historic rooms, original artifacts, and the breathtaking main sanctuary with floor-to-ceiling works designed by Tiffany

Congregation Shearith Israel
2 West 70th Street
New York, NY 10023

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