Random-osity: Museum at Eldridge St

Deep on the Lower East Side is the Synagauge at Eldridge Street. It was built in 1887 at the height of the mass immigration of Jews to the neighborhood. It was a prospering congregation for close to 50 years before the changing community and the slowing influx of immigrants led to a declining shul community. By the 1940s the building had begun to fall into disrepair.

In the 1980s, the building was rediscovered and a massive restoration was undertaken. Today, the building has been restored back to its original glory. We took a self-guided tour of the beautiful space learning about its history and how it was brought back to life.

Much of the space is basically original, including the red velvet in the ark which once was home to 24 Torah scrolls!

80% of the stunning stain glass is original and the remaining windows were restored to their original style. The large blue sky with star window at the end of the sanctuary is new and is a strikingly modern, yet fitting piece.

The wood floors are slightly warped from both age and the 50 years of worshipers shuckling during services. The decorative painted designs were carefully redone wherever the walls had to be rebuilt.

The view from the balcony, which was once the women's section was breathtaking and you truly could take in the space's full splendor!

I am so glad this beautiful synagogue was rescued from total disrepair!