Check out more about KKJ, our history, culture, and community.
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Learn more about our community at Kehila Kedosha Janina (the Holy Community of Janina) and discover the nearly 2,300 year old history of the Romaniote Jews of Greece.
Meet our communal leadership and read our monthly newsletters. Explore our museum and join us at our unique Greek Jewish events. Explore our historic building erected in 1927 and restored to its original conditions. We are proud to be listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places and a designated New York City Landmark since 2004.
About Us
Kehila Kedosha Janina, at the same location on the Lower East Side for the past 97 years, is the last remaining Romaniote synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. Our active community still conducts weekly services in the traditional Romaniote liturgy. ​
Join us for our weekly Shabbat and Jewish holiday services. Use our state-of-the-art facility to host a wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, family reunion, or other events.
Religious Services
Learn more about Greek Jewry and Jewish Life on the Lower East Side. Our museum is open to the public every Sunday from 11am-4pm as well as by appointment and offers free guided tours. Visitors are strongly encouraged to email museum@kkjsm.org to let us know if you plan to visit.
The museum serves as a repository for Greek Jewish history and culture. It also hosts a variety of events throughout the year including lectures, book signings, movie screenings, and concerts.
Museum and Tours
News & Announcements
Hanukkah & Hellenism - Shabbat Class led by Theo Canter
December 14 at 1pm​
Join us on Saturday December 14 for a pre-Hanukkah class led by KKJ Community Engagement Fellow Theo Canter. Theo will delve into the meaning of Hanukkah and explore the interactions, conflicts, and influences between ancient Greek culture, Jewish philosophy, and Rabbinic teachings. Shabbat morning services start at 9:30am, followed by lunch at 12:30pm and the class at 1pm. Please RSVP to Amarcus@kkjsm.org
Giving Tuesday - Support KKJ
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During this holiday season, we humbly ask for your support to help us continue our efforts to maintain our traditions and grow our community. Help make sure that the only Romaniote synagogue and museum in the Western Hemisphere remains a beacon for research, prayer, culture, and love of our Greek Jewish traditions in the United States. Donate today!
A Sephardi Turkish Patriot - Book Presentation
November 3 at 1pm
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Join us as we welcome author Anthony Gad Bigio to present his new book on the fascinating life of Gad Franco (1881–1954), a prominent Sephardic journalist, lawyer, and jurist, who worked relentlessly for the Jewish community’s belonging to the national Turkish polity, and for the consolidation of the rule of law. This historical biography, written by his grandson, takes the reader from Izmir to Istanbul and beyond at the turn of the twentieth century. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase. Please RSVP to Amarcus@kkjsm.org
Welcome Theo Canter - KKJ's New Community Engagement Fellow
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KKJ is excited to welcome Theo Canter serves as our new Community Engagement Fellow! In this role, Theo will help lead public outreach, programming, religious services, educational classes, and general community development for our Kehila. Theo is a dynamic young man whose knowledge, skills, and passion about his Romaniote heritage will help us grow and better engage our Greek Jewish community.
Our Story
Connect with Us
Have a question? Want to learn more about our history? Interested in joining our community?
Reach Out!
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(212)-431-1619
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