The Altneu synagogue opened its doors Sunday night for its inaugural service, drawing a packed crowd on the Upper East Side.

Rabbi Benyamin Goldschmidt and Rebbetzin Avital Goldschmitt thanked the congregation during the event, saying, “This is a dream of a new generation of American Jews.” 


What You Need To Know

  • The Altneu on the Upper East Side opened its doors Sunday night for its first service

  • Israeli President Isaac Herzog was among those in attendance 

  • The synagogue’s name, Altneu, translates to “old and new,” symbolizing its mission to honor tradition while embracing new beginnings

The line to enter the synagogue wrapped around Park Avenue and East 70th Street, with attendees eager to experience the new space.

Congregants said that Rabbi Goldschmidt and Rebbetzin Goldschmitt had previously held services at various venues across the city before acquiring the permanent location on East 70th Street, which was purchased with the support of donors.

“It really just feels like a family—people of all ages coming together, all religious levels. It’s just Jews who love being Jewish,” said digital activist Lizzie Savetsky.

Attendees spoke highly of Rabbi Goldschmidt and Rebbetzin Goldschmitt.

“He’s very warm, very welcoming. He just really cares about his congregation and wants to see people do good,” said Avi Goldstein, who attended the service.

“There was a need for what they brought—a feeling of Jewish pride,” Savetsky added.

The event also attracted notable figures, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog,

“What we are doing is combining the old with the new. We are reviving the old and the new,” Herzog said.

The synagogue’s name, Altneu, translates to “old and new,” symbolizing its mission to honor tradition while embracing new beginnings.

Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East, also attended and discussed the Gaza cease-fire agreement reached recently.

“The implementation here is the critical thing. The agreement was the first step, but without the implementation correct, we are not going to get it right. We’re going to have a flare-up, and that is not a good thing. We’re going to watch it and hopefully get a phase two as well and get everybody out who is alive back to their families—and the bodies, because there are many families waiting,” Witkoff said.

Mayor Eric Adams was initially scheduled to attend but canceled. Witkoff noted that he had previously invited Adams to President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Faith leaders also reflected on the significance of Monday, which marked Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.