The synagogue is home to a 300-household congregation with Shabbat and holiday services, a playschool for children 18 months to 5 years old, a Hebrew school for early childhood learning through high school students, adult education, social and communal activities, impactful social action, and engaging intergenerational programs.

The building was designed by architect Thomas Ustick Walter in 1829 to serve as the home of the Spruce Street Baptist Church.

Within three years, the synagogue's official name was changed to the Roumanian American Congregation, also known as "Or Chodash-Agudas Achim" (New Light-Union of Brethren).

Immigrant Jewish communities assimilated, moved to suburbs, membership declined, and by the 1960s, the synagogue building had fallen into disrepair.

The restoration cost $300,000 and included updates to the 1829 building, repair of Walter's façade, and the addition of air-conditioning, a contemporary kitchen, and a new social area.

[11] The synagogue purchased the building next door, to its west, to add classrooms in 2007, and in 2009 secured a grant for repairs to the envelope of the 19th century sanctuary and annex.

The construction and space improvements expanded the historic building's Social Hall, renovated the Beit Midrash, built six new classrooms, developed a large private courtyard behind the two properties, and added an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant elevator and ADA-compliant restrooms.

[13] The congregation is independent, and its services are based on Conservative liturgy while incorporating influences from the Reconstructionist, Renewal, and Reform movements, and beyond.