Congregation Shearith Israel

 synagogue, Neoclassical (architecture), interesting place, 1897_construction

3-story Neo-Classical synagogue completed in 1897. Designed by Brunner & Tryon with interiors by Tiffany Studios, it houses the Congregation Shearith Israel - the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. Shearith Israel traces itself to a group of 23 Jews, mosly Spanish and Portuguese, who came here from Recife, Brazil, in 1654, and until 1825 was the only Jewish congregation in New York City.

The imposing limestone front facade facing Central Park West is composed of four large, engaged, fluted 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, are atop a wide stairway that is interrupted by the sturdy bases of the four columns, and lead into a porch containing the two primary entrances which are located at either side. There are scrolled keystones at the top of each arched opening. 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. The tall round-arched windows above the lower openings also have scrolled keystones.

Above the entablature is a high attic with smooth-faced pilasters, positioned to correspond with the columns. They enframe panels with classical wreath motifs and support a handsome low pediment with foliate detail in the tympanum, crowned by the conventional anthemion-shaped acroteria.

The 70th Street facade has end pavilions, the easternmost of which forms a part of the main massing of the front, further unified by the continuation of the front entablature along this side and the paneled attic treatment above the two pavilions. The recessed central portion has three large arched windows separated by composite pilasters and is crowned by a handsome balustrade. The end pavilion nearest Central Park West is pierced by two windows; a square-headed window with projecting cornice and a window above it of similar proportion surmounted by swags and a pediment. An identical window with pedimented enframement appears above the side entrance at the rear pavilion. This 70th Street entrance is composed of large double-doors and a transom with a handsome grille surmounted by a full entablature with foliate consoles.

Adjoining the south end of the synagogue is the much smaller, 3-story rectory, also faced in limestone. The rectory was raised from two to three floors, and the mansard roof added in 1902, designed by William H. Hume & Son. Its entry is at the south end, atop a small stoop, with a wooden door and transom in a stone surround with two slender brackets carrying a cornice. To the right is a double-window, also in a stone surround with matching brackets and cornice. The 2nd floor has three single-windows with thinner surrounds, and the mansard is set off by a band course with an egg-and-dart molding. The 3rd floor is clad in green patina copper, with three dormers, each topped by a triangular pediment. The crest of the mansard is decorated with swags and acroteria.

www.shearithisrael.org/