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Lincoln Square Synagogue
1964Est.
Modern Orthodox · Upper West Side · Lincoln Center
Lincoln Square
Synagogue
180 Amsterdam Avenue · New York, NY 10023
About the Venue
A sacred space where tradition meets the contemporary
1964
Year Founded
2013
New Building Dedicated
52K
Square Feet
442
Sanctuary Seats
Founded in 1964 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Lincoln Square Synagogue is one of New York City's most vibrant and celebrated Modern Orthodox congregations. Located steps from Lincoln Center and designed by the acclaimed Cetra/Ruddy architectural firm, its current home — dedicated in 2013 — was the first new synagogue built in New York City in fifty years.
The five-story, 52,000 square foot building is rich with symbolic meaning: 613 lights in the sanctuary represent the commandments of the Torah, five glass ribbons on the façade evoke the five books of the Torah, and twelve windows on the front door honor the twelve tribes of Israel. Cedar of Lebanon and acacia wood line the interior — the same materials prescribed for the ancient Tabernacle — while bronze detailing throughout echoes the metals of the Mishkan. The building earned the 2015 Architectural Lighting award for interior lighting.
Beyond worship, Lincoln Square Synagogue offers its gracious event spaces for weddings, b'nai mitzvah celebrations, corporate gatherings, and community events — all supported by a dedicated events team and the warmth of a congregation that has welcomed New Yorkers through every milestone for over six decades.
The Spaces
Architecture as
sacred experience.
01
The Sanctuary
442 Seats · Circular Design
The Nathaniel Richman Cohen Sanctuary seats 442 in a signature circular horseshoe arrangement, drawing every eye toward the Aron Kodesh. Lit by 613 individually placed lights, cedar of Lebanon benches, and bronze-appointed finishes, it is fully wheelchair accessible throughout.
02
Event Spaces
Multi-Room · Flexible
A range of beautifully appointed indoor spaces are available for private events across five floors. From intimate board meetings to full wedding receptions, every room reflects the building's exceptional architectural character and attention to meaningful detail.
03
Outdoor Terrace
Open Air · Upper West Side
A beautiful outdoor terrace provides an elegant open-air option for receptions, cocktail hours, and seasonal celebrations, set against the architectural backdrop of one of Manhattan's most distinctive religious buildings.
Events
Milestones, celebrations,
and community gatherings.
Weddings
Bar & Bat Mitzvahs
Corporate Events
Birthday Celebrations
Shabbat & Holiday Services
Community & Educational Programs
History
Six decades of
community,
faith, and renewal
1964
"Using architecture to foster inclusivity and enhance the spiritual experience within a Jewish Halachic context was paramount." — Rabbi Shaul Robinson
1964
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin founds Lincoln Square Synagogue in the living room of a Lincoln Towers apartment, bringing his originality and energy to what had been a small Conservative congregation — sparking a Jewish renaissance on the Upper West Side.
200 Amsterdam
The congregation moves into its first purpose-built home at 200 Amsterdam Avenue — the groundbreaking synagogue-in-the-round, whose circular sanctuary would become the architectural and spiritual model for the building that followed decades later.
Late 1960s
Lincoln Square Synagogue becomes home to the first Orthodox Jewish women's tefillah group, created on the holiday of Simhat Torah — a milestone in the history of Modern Orthodox practice in America.
2013
The new building at 180 Amsterdam Avenue is dedicated — the first new synagogue built in New York City in fifty years. Designed by Cetra/Ruddy and honored with multiple architecture awards, its 52,000 square feet become a landmark of faith, community, and design on the Upper West Side.
Location
Find Us
Address
180 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10023
New York, NY 10023
Transit
1 train to 66th St–Lincoln Center.
B/C trains to 72nd St.
M7, M11, M66, M72 buses nearby.
B/C trains to 72nd St.
M7, M11, M66, M72 buses nearby.
Office
(212) 874-6100
Website
lss.org
