ABOUT US
Congregation Ramath Orah is a vibrant Modern Orthodox synagogue located on West 110th Street in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, just steps from Columbia University. Housed in a striking neo-Georgian building completed in 1921, our synagogue has served as a spiritual home for generations of Jews seeking meaningful prayer, learning, and community. The building was recognized for its historical and architectural significance when it was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
Our History
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.
Our Community
Today, under the leadership of Rabbi Yoni Zolty, Ramath Orah continues to grow as a welcoming and dynamic Modern Orthodox community. Our congregation blends deep respect for tradition with a warm, inclusive spirit. We are known for our lively services, thoughtful Torah learning, and the active participation of members from across the Upper West Side and the Columbia University community.
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 Name
The Hebrew name Ramath Orah — “Mountain of Light” — echoes the translation of Luxembourg, the homeland of our founders. It remains a guiding metaphor for our mission: to bring light, meaning, and community to Jewish life on the Upper West Side and beyond.
Ramath Orah in the News
"Recovering Rabbi is Giving Back — Antibodies, That Is" by The Jewish Week, details Rabbi Bodner donating plasma to help COVID-19 patients
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 "Jared and Ivanka do their own thing as observant Jews. And that’s normal."
"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.
Wed, October 29 2025
7 Cheshvan 5786
Today's Zmanim
Office Hours
Monday–Thursday
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Email: inforamathorah@gmail.com