The Staten Island roots of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, the oldest Jewish Congregation in Richmond County, extend back to 1884. A small group of men rented rooms in a house at the corner of Victory Boulevard and St. Marks Place for their minyan. They remained there for three years.

In 1887, as a result of the vision of these few men, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun was formally chartered. The enthusiasm at this first meeting was reflected in raising $450 for a building fund.

On February 21, 1891, the Congregation purchased the property at 199 Victory Boulevard for the purpose of erecting a Synagogue. The cornerstone was dedicated in April and the building was opened for services on the first day of Succoth of that year – exactly seven years after the first minyan. In 1920 the Synagogue was rebuilt and a new alter was constructed. The original builders had planned well.

Historically, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun contributed in a large measure to the spiritual and cultural advancement of Staten Island. To meet the changing needs of the rapidly growing Jewish population, while continuing its valued dedication to the developing community, new property was purchased at the corner of Martling Avenue and Manor Road and a new building constructed in 1974. In October 1975 the Congregation merged with Temple Tifereth Israel.

Today Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, a member of the United Synagogue of Conservation Judaism, continues to accomplish a myriad of spiritual, community and development objectives in a continued effort for better service to ourselves, to B’nai Jeshurun and to the people of Staten Island.