The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale is a synagogue that warmly embraces all Jews regardless of affiliation, commitment or background. It is affectionately known as the "Bayit". Just as a Bayit - which is a home - is a place of love and welcome, so too the most fundamental message of the HIR is to welcome everyone with great love. The HIR is known nationally for bringing spirituality into synagogue, for its activism, its learning programs, and its work on behalf of the elderly, the homebound, and the mentally and physically challenged.


The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale is an Orthodox Synagogue which serves the entire Jewish community. Under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Avi Weiss, Associate Rabbi Steven Exler and Mahara"t Sara Hurwitz, our synagogue promotes an orthodoxy that is both open and inclusive. Our wonderful Rabbinic Staff also includes Andrew Kastner as Rabbinic Intern and Principal of our JYEP Hebrew School, and Akiva and Nataly Weiss are Youth Directors.


The Torah is read by Bernard Horowitz, one of the great Torah readers of our time. Prayer in the synagogue is heavily influenced by the melodies composed by the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach z"l. Dr. Elli Kranzler, one of the greatest soul singers of our time, leads the service. Week after week he lifts the assembled higher and higher.