By COLlive reporter

A major new chapter is beginning for Jewish life on Manhattan’s Upper East Side as Park East Synagogue and Chabad of the Upper East Side announced a historic collaboration that will bring Chabad’s leadership and many of its flagship programs under the roof of one of New York City’s most prominent Orthodox synagogues.

Beginning this Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Ben-Tzion Krasnianski, who has led Chabad of the Upper East Side for the past 35 years, will serve as Associate Rabbi of Park East Synagogue alongside Senior Rabbi Rabbi Arthur Schneier, the longest-serving rabbi in New York City.

Chabad Shliach Rabbi Yosef “Yaya” Wilhelm, who directs the Chabad Young Professionals UES (Upper East Side), will join the synagogue as Assistant Rabbi, together with the broader Chabad team.

Park East Synagogue is one of New York City’s most prominent Orthodox congregations. Founded in 1890, the Upper East Side synagogue has been led since 1962 by Rabbi Schneier, a Holocaust survivor and internationally recognized advocate for religious freedom and cultural dialogue.

In a letter to congregants, Rabbi Schneier and Park East President Les Lieberman described the partnership as “an important new chapter” in the synagogue’s 136-year history.

“This collaboration brings together two vibrant Jewish communities with a shared commitment to Torah, prayer, education, and acts of kindness,” they wrote. “By working together, we will be able to expand the opportunities available to our members and create an even more dynamic and welcoming synagogue experience.”

The synagogue said the collaboration will enhance weekday and Shabbos programming, Torah classes, lectures, holiday celebrations, and opportunities for young professionals, families, and members of all ages, while building on Park East’s longstanding foundation and traditions.
In a separate letter to supporters, Rabbi Krasnianski reflected on the Rebbe’s decision to send him and his wife, Chanie, to the Upper East Side in 1991 to establish Chabad in the neighborhood.

“The Rebbe’s love for every single Jew knew no bounds,” he wrote. “He sent his emissaries across the globe with one simple but revolutionary mandate: No Jew should be left behind.”

Rabbi Krasnianski said the partnership marks “a giant leap forward” in that mission.
“This is about far more than two institutions sharing a building,” he wrote. “It is the coming together of two great Jewish legacies with one shared mission: to strengthen Jewish identity and Jewish pride in every Jew on the Upper East Side.”

As part of the collaboration, Park East will become home to many of Chabad of the Upper East Side’s divisions and programs, including its Young Professionals community, Friendship Circle, Young Families programming, the Upper East Side Kollel, Chabad at Hunter College, and numerous educational and communal initiatives.
Rabbi Krasnianski noted that what began with one shliach couple has grown into a network of shluchim serving every segment of the community.

He highlighted the work of Rabbi Boruch and Leah Jacobson at Hunter College, Rabbi Uriel and Shevy Vigler’s Hebrew-speaking community and B’Lev Echad, Rabbi Yosef and Devorah Wilhelm’s young professionals division, Rabbi Shlomo and Sara Gutnick’s Friendship Circle, Rabbi Sholly and Goldie Freundlich’s Chabad Care hospital network, Rabbi Moshe and Yocheved Krasnianski’s young families and Hebrew School programming, and Rabbi Yaakov Krasnianski’s work with seniors.

He also thanked the supporters who helped build the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life, home to the Jacques and Hanna Schwalbe Mikvah, the Upper East Side Kollel, Chabad Preschool, and worldwide Torah initiatives including TanyaClass.com and MyPrayerClass.com.

Calling the moment one of “Divine Providence,” Rabbi Krasnianski noted that Rabbi Schneier is a descendant of the Alter Rebbe and recalled his longstanding relationship with the Rebbe on matters affecting world Jewry.

Both announcements stressed that the collaboration is rooted in achdus and a shared commitment to strengthening Jewish life throughout the neighborhood.

“We ask you not to stand on the sidelines,” Rabbi Krasnianski wrote. “Join us this High Holiday season. Bring a friend. Invite a neighbor. Help another Jew reconnect with their heritage.”

He concluded that at a time of growing challenges facing Jews worldwide, the partnership sends “a powerful message: the Jewish people are here to stay. The more they attack us, the more we will unite, build, grow, thrive, and flourish.”