Religion
New Congregation Shearith Israel Building
The New Netherlands colony was not founded by any specific religious group. Religion was a minor factor to most of the colony's first colonists. Most of the colonists came over with one goal which was to make money. The colony was home to Calvinists, Catholics, and many other religions. New Netherlands was also home to the first Jewish community in the United States. This community was called Shearith Israel and was formed in 1654. The community still exists today in a new building. The congregation has changed buildings four times. The first building was on Mill Street in New York. Religion was also a reason many colonists came to New Amsterdam because they were able to settle there and make money no matter what religion they were a part of.