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 98 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 for guided tours by appointment on Sundays and during the week. Visitors are encouraged to email info@kkjsm.org to schedule your 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, film screenings, and concerts.
Museum and Tours
News & Announcements
Purim Community Celebration
March 2 at 6pm
Join us at KKJ as we celebrate a Greek Jewish Purim! The evening starts with Minha and Arvith services, followed by a Romaniote Megillah Reading. Afterwards we'll enjoy a traditional Greek Jewish dinner. Dress up as your favorite costumes and celebrate this festive Jewish holiday with your family and friends! Please RSVP to Amarcus@kkjsm.org
Torah & Taverna Night
​March 7 at 7:30pm
Join us on Saturday March 7 at 7:30pm for our monthly evening program Torah & Taverna Night! Each month features guest Jewish educators and musicians and offers an engaging evening of insights, live music, delicious Greek food, and more. Please RSVP to Amarcus@kkjsm.org
Rosh Chodesh Women's Circle
February 23 at 6:30pm​
Join us to come together as a community to honor each other and inaugurate the New Moon. We will provide a space to set clear intentions for the month ahead, start new projects, and reflect on personal growth in the previous month as we start the new year. Led by Ariana and Nathalie Shushan, we will embrace the New Moon with dance, journaling, sharing, and blessing each other's intentions. Please bring your journals. All ages are welcome. RSVP to WomensMoonCircle1@gmail.com
Romaniote American Oral History Project
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What does it mean to be a Romaniote Jew in the US in the 21st Century? After more than 100 years in America, Kehila Kedosha Janina is excited to share this research project that documents our community today, exploring questions of identity, culture, preservation, and adaptation.​ Check out the project highlights and stories gathered so far, and contact us to add your voice. Contact Theo Canter at Theo@kkjsm.org to learn more and contribute your voice as we write the next chapter of our community’s story.
Our Story
Connect with Us
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