America’s oldest Jewish congregation launches a kosher food pantry on the Upper West Side

Shearith Israel, an Orthodox congregation that is also known as The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, was established in 1654, making it the oldest congregation in the United States.

Alexander Rapaport, the executive director of Masbia, and Louis Solomon, the president of Congregation Shearith Israel, on November 27, 2025.

Alexander Rapaport, the executive director of Masbia, and Louis Solomon, the president of Congregation Shearith Israel, on November 27, 2025.

(photo credit: STEFANO GIOVANNINI)

ByGRACE GILSON/JTA

NOVEMBER 29, 2025 05:22