Rabbi Block and his colleague The Rev Dr. Jesse William Stitt in front of their joint sanctuary.
On May 12, 1954 the Brotherhood Synagogue (Congregation Beit Achim) was founded by Rabbi Irving J. Block, z”l with 25 men and women based on five cardinal principles: a free pulpit, free pews, social service, community service and an active and innovative program of religious brotherhood (at that time, with the Village Presbyterian Church which housed The Brotherhood Synagogue for 20 years.)
“What is a free pulpit? It means the freedom of the rabbi to interpret the events of the present in light of God’s teachings, speaking the truth as he or she sees it, without censorship or restrictions from any source except one’s own judgement. The rabbi speaks to, and not for, the congregation.
Free pews means that we do not own the pews in which we usually sit…. It is the right of every Jew to worship in a synagogue at all times, especially on the High Holy days, without being required to purchase a ‘ticket.’
Social service is our obligation to put forth a conscious effort to help others whenever and wherever necessary, limited only by the resources at our disposal. The synagogue not only should be a sanctuary for prayer, but also should assist its members and their families with problems or direct them to community resources.
Community service enjoins us to become involved in the affairs of the neighborhood in which we are located and to bring to bear the wisdom and insight of our Jewish heritage.”
Excerpts are from A Rabbi and His Dream, Building the Brotherhood Synagogue, Rabbi Irving J. Block, 1999
And so began our journey to fill the needs of a modern mid-century American Jewry emphasizing the significance of the rich traditions of Judaism.
Today, the Brotherhood Synagogue is one of the city’s most important and the largest downtown progressive synagogues. We are housed on Gramercy Park in a Quaker Meeting house built in 1859, a one-time stop on the pre-Civil War underground railroad. We are grateful for all those who have given their time, energy and support over the years enabling us to become who we are and reach this birthday milestone.
We encourage you to read more about our History and Mission and Vision.
Happy 70th Birthday Brotherhood Synagogue!
