2022 - 292nd anniversary of the Consecration of the first Synagogue in North America

LOWER MANHATTAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION held its Second Annual Ceremony honoring the 292th anniversary of the Consecration of the first Synagogue in North America on Friday, April 8, 2022, at 26 South William Street.

The ceremony included remarks by US Congressman Nadler and the presentation of the GERSHOM MENDES SEIXAS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AWARD to Rabbi Joseph Potasnik who has fostered Rabbi Seixas’ ideals of religious freedom. In addition, the Letter from George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation (August 18, 1790) was read after remarks from Rabbi Zachary Edinger, Sexton, Congregation Shearith Israel; Rabbi Nissi Eber, The Jewish Learning Experience; Rabbi Ari Fridkis, Temple of Universal Judaism and Joshua Mack, Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.

Financial District, Friday, April 8, 2022.

US Congressman Jerrold Nadler standing with Rabbi Joseph Potasnick, Executive Vice President, New York Board of Rabbis who received the Gershom Mendes Seixas Religious Freedom Award. Ambrose Madison Richardson (7th from left), President of the Lower Manhattan Historical Association (LMHA), presented the award.

Event Program