Bialystoker Synagogue
The Bialystoker Synagogue, at 7–13 Bialystoker Place (formerly Willett Street), was built in 1826 as a Methodist church and became a synagogue in 1905. It is the oldest building in New York City used as a synagogue.
| Address | 7–13 Bialystoker Place (formerly Willett Street), New York, NY 10002 |
|---|---|
| Built | 1826, as the Willett Street Methodist Episcopal Church |
| Synagogue since | 1905 |
| Landmark | New York City Landmark (1966); National Register of Historic Places (1972) |
History
The fieldstone building, of Manhattan schist, is one of four surviving early-19th-century fieldstone religious buildings in Lower Manhattan. Its Torah ark is believed to have been carved in Bialystok. A hidden door in the women's gallery leads to an attic where, by tradition, people escaping slavery found refuge when the building was a stop on the Underground Railroad. The interior was restored in 1988.
For Grand Street co-op residents
The synagogue is just north of Grand Street, a few steps from the Hillman and East River co-ops, and is one of the neighborhood's historic landmarks.
Last checked October 15, 2026. Hours, programs and contacts change, so please confirm directly with Bialystoker Synagogue. Source: en.wikipedia.org. Something to add or correct? Tell us.