Where does the West Side Minyan meet?
We meet in the ground floor Chapel at Congregation Ansche Chesed, 251 West 100th Street (between Broadway and West End Avenue), New York NY.



What is the Minyan's davening practice?
Although we worship from the Lev Shalem Siddur, our members represent a range of Jewish liturgy. Our structure is havurah-style, participatory, and haimish: soon you will feel like you are davening with old friends. All aspects of the service are organized and run by volunteer members and we encourage people to participate in any way possible, from bringing kiddish to leading prayers We have knowledgeable members who can help people learn and improve skills. Spiritual growth, study and learning, and social justice are core values of our minyan.

Our community is egalitarian and our membership is diverse. We offer a safe and welcoming space for all, across age, ability, race, sexual orientation and gender identity. Our prayer space is accessible via Shabbos elevator The Minyan is integrated into the larger Anshe Chesed community and we join communal services, classes, simchas, events. Whether you want to try something new or join a traditional prayer space, we will provide a warm home for you



What's the minyan's Jewish practice like?
We are an egalitarian minyan (men and women share all roles). We follow the traditional liturgy using Siddur Sim Shalom and read the Torah on a triennial cycle. Our discussions on the weekly Torah portions (Divrei torah) are illuminating and inclusive.



What's the dress code?
Some members dress up for Shabbat, some dress down. Whatever you wear, you'll feel comfortable at the West Side Minyan.



What about children?
Bring 'em along, we welcome them! Younger members past the age of bar/bat mitzvah take an active role in whatever way they choose.



Is the West Side Minyan wheelchair accessible?
Yes! The synagogue entrance on 100th Street has a ramp up to the main floor. We usually meet in the Chapel which is on the main floor. Our seating is movable so we can easily accomodate you. A Shabbat elevator will take you to any other floor that we meet on. The elevator also goes to the lower level, where there's a ramp to the handicapped bathroom.



What is the minyan's relationship with Ansche Chesed?
Since the minyan's founding in 1974, it has been an enthusiastic affiliate of Congregation Ansche Chesed and a key participant in the Ansche Chesed renaissance. Minyan members have served the Ansche Chesed community in every volunteer capacity up through shul President. The West Side Minyan encourages its members to join Ansche Chesed, which most of our regulars have chosen to do.



How is the West Side Minyan run?
Volunteers share all responsibilities such as bringing kiddush, coordinating activities and leading services. Volunteering strengthens our havurah. A Steering Committee of coordinators and volunteers handles administrative matters. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. To volunteer, contact any of our coordinators.



New daveners are warmly welcomed to our community!


Contact us for more info