In 1898 Dr. Henry Pereira Mendes, Minister of Congregation Shearith Israel, called local leaders together, and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America was born, established to “speak with authority in the name of Orthodox Jews, and to defend the rights of Orthodox Jews.” The Orthodox Union has been servicing synagogues and communities ever since.

The OU’s Synagogue Network now includes more than 400 synagogues across North America and provides them with the necessary resources to run their synagogue more efficiently, which will result in strengthening the resources and spiritual experiences provided to their members.