By COLlive reporter

Members of Park East Synagogue and Chabad of the Upper East Side in New York City gathered for a cocktails get-together celebrating the start of a new chapter for the two prominent Jewish communities on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Last week’s event followed the recent announcement of a major collaboration between the two institutions, which will bring much of Chabad of the Upper East Side’s programming into Park East Synagogue’s historic building on East 67th Street. The partnership is set to formally launch around Rosh Hashanah.

“Last night, we celebrated the coming together of two vibrant Jewish communities, welcoming Chabad of the Upper East Side to Park East Synagogue to create something even greater,” Park East Synagogue wrote following the gathering.

The evening gave members of both communities an opportunity to meet and socialize as they prepare for expanded joint programming in the coming year.

Under the new arrangement, Rabbi Arthur Schneier will continue as Senior Rabbi of Park East Synagogue, with Rabbi Ben Tzion Krasnianski, longtime director of Chabad of the Upper East Side, joining as associate rabbi. Rabbi Yosef “Yaya” Wilhelm, director of Chabad Young Professionals Upper East Side, will serve as assistant rabbi.

The collaboration will bring programs including Chabad Young Professionals, Friendship Circle, Chabad Young Families, and the Upper East Side Kollel and Adult Education Center into Park East’s building. Chabad’s mikvah and preschool will remain at the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life on East 77th Street.

Park East Synagogue, founded in 1890 as Congregation Zichron Ephraim, is one of Manhattan’s oldest Orthodox congregations. Chabad of the Upper East Side was established by Rabbi Ben Tzion and Chanie Krasnianski in 1991 and has since developed into a network of some 10 branches and programs serving different segments of the neighborhood’s Jewish population.

“As we build what comes next, together, with more life, more connection, more learning, and more opportunities to gather, we’re excited for all that’s ahead,” Park East said.

Park East Synagogue is now turning its focus to the upcoming High Holiday season. On Motzoei Shabbos, September 5, the synagogue will host a Selichot program featuring renowned Cantor Yitzchok Meir Helfgot, together with Maestro Yossi Schwartz and the Park East Synagogue Choir. Rabbi Schneier will deliver a State of World Jewry address at 10:00 p.m., followed by the Selichot service at 10:30 p.m.