The first Community House building for Central Synagogue was purchased in 1926 at the urging of Rabbi Jonah Wise. The building, which still stands at 35 East 62nd Street, has six stories. It was used for Central’s offices and had a reception area with a telephone switchboard. It housed meeting rooms, including a Ladies Parlor for the Sisterhood, an Assembly Hall, a kitchen and classrooms. The roof had an outdoor garden for the younger children’s area.

However, the old community house could not be expanded vertically as it was stabilized on pilings of 20 feet or more due to water below. Therefore Central sold the building after the relocation of the Community House to its present location at 123 East 55th Street, a more conveniently located and larger space.

These monthly historical briefs are prepared by Amy Goldberger, Chair of the Archives Committee and Anne Mininberg, Archivist

To submit a photo or historical document to our Archives, email us.