Places of worship in Rochester (New York)

Rochester, New York, has many places of worship of different religions and denominations. The at the University of Rochester sits on the banks of the Genesee River; it houses services of different religions and denominations. There are many others to be sure in Rochester as well as surrounding towns and suburbs

Here are a few of the many worship places within the Christian Community; If you're looking for a lively Protestant church in the heart of downtown, on 321 East Avenue and Broad Street which seats a good number of worshipers.

New Song Church, which meets in an auditorium at Monroe Community College because it lacks a building of its own, offers a very modern and youth-oriented service. Both of these churches are popular with college students.

A bit down the street from Bethel, you'll find a more traditional service at (1050 East Ave.), recognized for wonderful formal music.

Speaking of music, features many musicians from the Roberts Wesleyan College community. Take 490 way out west to the North Chili exit, and follow the signs right for Roberts Wesleyan.

Tucked almost in the heart of downtown, is a cozy place 597 East Avenue. Walk across the street afterward for lunch at the Spot.

Also downtown, next door to the Geva Theatre is. This church has beautiful architecture to behold. Across the street is the which also is interesting to visit. A popular Catholic Church,, is at 3010 Chili Avenue, which is the western continuation of Main street (take the expressway to avoid lights; it's between the airport exit and Chili Center). on Hudson Avenue preserves Polish culture and European architecture.

A few miles west of downtown, visible from 490, is an exuberant Spanish congregation:, 200 Child Street.

Also within the Christian community are two messianic congregations: on Doncaster and. If you follow 590 North up to the Webster exit, turn right at the first street. Shema Yisrael is on 250 Edgewood Ave.

Other houses of Christian worship include Baptist, and.

Within the Jewish community there are more than a dozen welcoming synagogues and communal services available within a few miles of downtown.

The largest Conservative synagogue is on South Winton Road. The largest Reform synagogue is on 2131 Elmwood Avenue in the Town of Brighton which is adjacent to Rochester and minutes from downtown. It too has very interesting design.

is a Reform congregation on Penfield Rd. also a hop and a skip on East Avenue from downtown. It has a beautiful sanctuary with a wall of glass looking out to the natural beauty outside.

, Rochester's largest modern Orthodox and Zionist synagogue, is at 1161 Monroe Avenue, near downtown.

Light of Israel, Rochester's only Sephardic minyan, in Beth Sholom at 1161 Monroe Avenue, welcomes all. It preserves the distinctive beauty of ancient mizrachi (mideast) worship.

1037 S. Winton Rd is in the heart of Brighton at 12 Corners and has branches at the University of Rochester and in Pittsford.

Other synagogues are: (reform) in Fairport, about 15 minutes from downtown,  (Conservative), on East Avenue,  (Conservative),  (Orthodox),  (Reform) and there are others.

The Jewish community is also served by Kosher food restaurants: the (2021 S Winton Rd), Malek's Kosher Bakery (1795 Monroe Avenue),  (1482 Monroe Avenue) and several grocery stores such as  on Monroe Avenue and  on S Clinton Avenue.

There are also Hindu, Muslim and Bahai communities in Rochester.