Immigrants from Eastern Europe escaping the pogroms began to flood New York in the 1880s. So many of them ended up in the tenements of the Lower East Side t that by the turn of the century it was the densest neighborhood in the world with more than 700 people per acre residing there. Almost all of them spoke Yiddish and developed a thriving Yiddish culture. The Eldridge Street Synagogue was the first synagogue in America purpose-built by them. Designed by the Herter Brothers, it established their reputation. By 1925 the combined effect of the Immigration Quota Law and the former population moving away left the ever dwindling congregation with a building that fell into disrepair. It took nearly 20 years for the building to be rescued, landmarked, carefully restored and reopened as a museum. Probably the most spectacular aspect of the renovation is the Star Womdpwinspired by the field of stars on the walls that artist Kiki Smith collaborated on with architect Deborah Gans.
The synagogue, between Division and Canal Streets, is over 100 years old
1940's tax photo of the Eldridge Street Synagogue
The window extends the field of stars found on the wall into the literal space of the window where the light activates them.
An exhibition at the Eldridge Street Synagogue displays artifacts from its history
Moorish details found in The Eldridge Street Synagogue’s main sanctuary
A prayer book from the 1800s is on display at the synagogue's visitors' center
Clockwise from left, a Torah mantle, Torah breastplate, Torah fragment and a Torah pointer
In both the existing synagogue and the window, the six pointed star is reserved for the center. In the window, this star is a single piece of cast glass that extends upwards and out of the bronze frame.
Ceiling detail
Balcony Peter Aaron - Now
Balcony Horowitz
Balcony Window NOW
Balcony Window Then
Sanctuary Entrance from Inside NOW
Sanctuary Entrance from Inside Then
Dome Now
Dome Then
East Wall Now
East Wall Then
Facade Kate Milford Now
Facade ESS watercolor Then
current Drawings and documents
2 Documents,Show less
Postcard of former Moorish-Style synagogue in Kaiserslautern, Germany
Postcard of Wilhelm Stiassny’s 1906 Jubilee Synagogue in Prague showing moorish details
ASSOCIATED SITES
1 Result,Show less
Public Art
1 Result,Show less
2010 - Star of David at the Eldridge Street Synagogue
Public Art Review,Kiki Smith,Gans Studio
New York City, New York, 12 Eldridge Street
Stained Glass
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3
IN THIS PHOTO / THEN AND NOW
6 Results,Show less
Balcony Peter Aaron - Now - Balcony Horowitz
Sanctuary Entrance from Inside NOW - Sanctuary Entrance from Inside Then
Dome Now - Dome Then
Facade Kate Milford Now - Facade ESS watercolor Then