Eldridge Street Synagogue

The Eldridge Street Synagogue was the first big synagogue build on the lower east side for Eastern European Jews. It opened in 1887, but by the 1950's its membership began to dwindle as members moved to otehr parts of the city and America and the sanctuary remained empty for 25 years from 1955-1980. In the 80's a restoration movement began and in 1996 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. On Sunday December 2, the synagogue will be reopening as a museum dedicated to cultural and educational programs celebrating more than a century of jewish life in America.

This has particular personal significance for me as I recently found out that my grandfather Samuel Silver was Bar Mitzvahed at this synagogue and along with my great grandfather and other relatives is listed among the original congregants in the 1920's and 1930's.