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Founded in New Amsterdam during the 17th century, Congregation Shearith Israel is the oldest Jewish congregation in the country. In addition to its imposing 1897 synagogue on Central Park West, the congregation maintains some of Manhattan's earliest burial grounds, including the First Cemetery (1683-1828) at St. James Place, the Second Cemetery (1805-1829) on West 11th Street, and the Third Cemetery (1829-1851) on West 21st Street. These properties recall the early growth and rich heritage of New York's religious congregations.