A vibrant Reform congregation on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue has served as a catalyst for progressive Jewish thought, committed social action in the local community and beyond, and support for Israel for more than 110 years.
Every day, we strive to realize the Jewish ideals of Torah (Jewish learning), avodah (worship), and g’milut chasadim (acts of lovingkindness). True to our founder, Rabbi Stephen Wise, we sustain and deepen our ties to the Jewish homeland. We manifest the central Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world) through our social action programs and social justice groups as our onsite Next Step Men’s Shelter and Emergency Food Program. Our Early Childhood Center and Religious School foster the Jewish identities of more than 400 children.
We encourage participation from any person who seeks a connection to Judaism and Jewish life and who wants to be part of our sacred community regardless of their religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, ability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to welcoming all people, including those who have been historically and institutionally marginalized or excluded from the Jewish community.
