About Us

Ramath Orah was founded in 1942 by Rabbi Dr. Robert Serebrenik, his wife Julia (née Herzog) Serebrenik, and sixty-one Jewish refugees from Luxembourg. Rabbi Serebrenik, who had served as Chief Rabbi of Luxembourg since 1929, courageously organized clandestine escapes for hundreds of Jews during the Nazi occupation before he and his wife were forced to flee. In New York, the Serebreniks and their fellow refugees created a new spiritual home — a “Mountain of Light” — symbolizing faith, renewal, and the enduring strength of the Jewish people.

Ramath Orah offers a wide range of programs for all ages — from family learning and youth activities to lectures, film nights, and community meals. Each gathering reflects our commitment to joyful Judaism, intellectual curiosity, and genuine connection.

Our youth programs create a vibrant and welcoming environment where children of all ages can grow in their Jewish identity and love of community. From Shabbat morning groups filled with tefillah, stories, and games, to FLiP (Family Learning Program) sessions that bring parents and kids together over Torah and breakfast, we make learning both meaningful and fun. Our dedicated youth leaders and volunteers help ensure that every child feels included, valued, and inspired to explore the joy of Jewish life.

• "Recovering Rabbi is Giving Back — Antibodies, That Is" by The Jewish Week, details Rabbi Bodner donating plasma to help COVID-19 patients   
• "Jared and Ivanka do their own thing as observant Jews. And that’s normal." Hear from Rabbi Grussgott on accepting all Jews: “Orthodox rabbis have to have that balance,” Grussgott said. “We uphold what halachah and  observance should be in the abstract—we don’t compromise on that—but we have to be accepting of everybody.” Quoted in Jewish Telegraphic Agency article 
• "Changing the Face of Community Shuls" by The Jewish Press. This article details the $50,000 grant Congregation Ramath Orah received from the Sacred Sites Program. 
• "Living in Morningside Heights" by The New York Times. Quoting President Jane Blumenstein about living in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, and the positive developments in the area over the last several decades. 
• "Hard Times for the Upper West Side’s Venerable Judaica Store," quoting Rabbi Grussgott on the importance of supporting the local Judaica store.
• NEIGHBORHOOD REPORT: HARLEM/MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS; New Generation Affirms the Life of a Synagogue, New York Times article from 1998 on Congregation Ramath Orah's revival.
• World of Their Fathers, by Eve Baruch. New York Times article. The author's reflection on her grandparents' New York, mentioning Congregation Ramath Orah.
• Ali G. Appears at Ramath Orah (NYC) for Rosh Hashana Davening. Celebrity sighting in 2006.