One of the last synagogues designed by Percival Goodman.

In the early 1800s many Jews came to the village of Syracuse from New York City by way of the Erie Canal. Three Jewish congregations were established in the town between 1839 and 1864. They were Temple Society of Concord (1839), the Society of New Beth Israel (1854) and Adath Jeshurun (1864). In 1872 the Trustees of Adath Jeshurun obtained a state charter under the name “Congregation Adath Yeshsurun”, which means congregation of the righteous. They spelled Yeshurun with a Y to distinguish it from the older congregation which was spelled with a J.

The present synagogue, designed by master synagogue architect, Percival Goodman, was dedicated on June 20, 1971 . Temple Adath Yeshurun is one of the last synagogues designed by Goodman and it is one of the most striking modern architecture buildings in central New York State. Goodman’s designs are well known for their attention compelling design elements including sharp angles, soaring roof-lines, use of natural materials such as stone, brick and wood, and incorporation of modern art into the designs.

Artist Dorothy Riester (1916-2017) designed the Decalogue, the Ner Tamid and menorahs of Adath Yeshurun. Although not Jewish Riester was responsible for some of the most memorable “Jewish Art” in upstate New York.