Gothamist: Eldridge Street Synagogue Gets New Roof Towers

brotha from anotha mutha

Sat, 18 Mar 2006 18:14:47 -0500

Zack - Sorry, you're right. I meant to say oldest still standing in NYC. There are definitely several older synagogues in the US (I think there are a couple of very old ones in Baltimore).

zack

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 14:16:41 -0500

i believe the oldest synagogue in the US is the Touro Synagogue in Newport, RI.

brotha from anotha mutha

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 13:14:08 -0500

The Orensanz is older, and is in fact the oldest synagogue still standing in the U.S. I believe. Of course, it is not really a synagogue anymore but more of an arts center where Al and Angel Orensanz allow the Shul of New York with Rabbi Burt Seigel perform services there bi-monthly as well as high holidays. When Al Orensanz purchased it in the 80s for 500 grand, it was full of old mattresses, fridges, garbage and rats - however, since the roof was pitched, it had survived being abandoned and ignored for 30-40 years. Now, it is used for Jewish services, art shows, P Diddy videos, Kathy Lee Gifford promos, weddings, concerts, etc. I haven't been to Eldridge in years, but I will have to check it out, but people shouold go to the Orensanz as well - you can even see where the ritual bath used to be in the basement!

BrianVan

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 12:35:32 -0500

might those be cell towers for mobile phones? They've gotten awfully good at making those things blend into the scenery lately...