Welcome to Central Synagogue, a thriving Reform congregation in Midtown Manhattan.

Our Vision

Judaism Matters. Central Matters.

Central Synagogue works toward a world in which Judaism is central to our lives and is a profound and positive force for humanity. We are constantly evolving as we pursue that goal. Together, we learn, worship, serve, and continually redefine what it means to be Jewish today, both within our community and far beyond our walls. 

Our Values 

We believe that Judaism can and does change the world, and we are committed to ensuring it continues through the eternal miracle of the Jewish people.

We believe that all synagogues should transform the way people experience Jewish life, and we strive to embody innovation, rejuvenation, and evolution for a changing world. We know that a depth and breadth of Jewish engagement – including commitments to study (Torah), worship (avodah), and repairing the world (tikkun olam) – strengthens us and makes for a deeper, richer Jewish life.

We believe in creating a warm and welcoming home for our members and guests, and we look outward to build strong partnerships that constantly strengthen our community.

We often try new things, occasionally experience setbacks, and always move forward.

We believe that Israel is central to what it means to be Jewish, and we’re committed to an Israel that’s strong, vibrant, and at peace.

Our Community 

Central Synagogue is an inclusive and welcoming community. We encourage participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of our sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We are committed to being an open tent, a place that welcomes all people, including those who have been historically and institutionally marginalized or excluded from the Jewish community.

Central Synagogue holds the religious responsibility of welcoming the stranger among the most significant principles of our faith.  We are a proud Reform Jewish congregation and a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, but members and visitors from all Jewish denominations find their spiritual home at Central Synagogue. We welcome all people regardless of their religion or expression of faith, including those who consider themselves agnostic, atheist or questioning. 

We Are Members of

• The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
  The Union for Reform Judaism leads the largest Jewish movement in North America.

• The World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ)
  An organization representing liberal, progressive, and Reform Jewish communities on every continent.

We Support

• ARZA (Israel arm of the Reform Movement)
  ARZA is the largest supporter of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) and the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC).

• The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC)
  The Reform Movement’s hub for social justice and advocacy in Washington, DC.

• Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR)
  The oldest extant Jewish seminary in North America and the academic, spiritual, and professional leadership development center of Reform Judaism.

If you’d like to learn more about our sacred community, please visit our Membership page.