Our Shul 
The West Side Institutional Synagogue was founded in 1917 (when it was known as the Institutional Synagogue) by the late Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein. Described as the "maverick rabbi", Goldstein sought to create a synagogue that that could attract young American Jews disenchanted with the European style shuls of their forefathers. What he built turned out to be one of the pioneering institutions of Modern Orthodoxy in the United States.
Initially located in a Harlem theater, during its first few decades the shul introduced myriad innovations that would eventually become hallmarks of modern orthodox synangogue life in America. These included English language sermons, cultural activities and outreach programs. While these innovations would eventually revolutionize the role of the synagogue in American modern orthodoxy, the true success was in their ability to lead people to the shul's main role - prayer services, where the congregants would develop an appreciation of their religion and its uplifting values.
During its first years, the congregation grew so quickly that it outgrew its physical environs several times. By the late 1920's the Institution had opened up a second branch on Manhattan's West Side which moved to its current home in the early 1960's, becoming a magnet to an amazing variety of members - leading American businessmen, Holocaust survivors, Americanized youth and members of Congress.
