First American–Roumanian congregation

Infobox religious building
building_name =First American–Roumanian congregation
infobox_width =


image_size =
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location =89-93 Rivington Street,
Lower East Side,
Manhattan, New York,
flag|United States
geo =
latitude =40.720227
longitude =-73.988869
religious_affiliation =Orthodox Judaism
rite =
province =
district =
consecration_year =
functional_status =Destroyed
leadership =Rabbi: Shmuel Spiegel. Assistant Rabbi: Ari Spiegel. President: Gershon Spiegel.
website =
architect =J.C. Cady & Co. et. al..]
architecture_type =
architecture_style =Romanesque Revival
facade_direction =
groundbreaking =
year_completed =1857Bloch (2008).] The Museum at Eldridge Street website] or 1885Homberger (2002), p. 85.] or 1888 or 1890The Gotham Center for New York History website]
construction_cost =
capacity =1600–1800
length =100 feet
width =70 feet
width_nave =
height_max =
dome_quantity =
dome_height_outer =
dome_height_inner =
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dome_dia_inner =
minaret_quantity =
minaret_height =
spire_quantity =
spire_height =
materials =
nrhp =yes
added =March 12, 1998.]
refnum =98000239

First American–Roumanian congregation (also First Roumanian–American congregation, First Romanian–American Congregation Synagogue, Congregation Shaarey Shamoyim ("Gates of Heaven", Congregation Shaarey Shomoyim or the Roumanishe Shul), was an Orthodox synagogue located at 89-93 Rivington Street in Manhattan, New York, on the Lower East Side.

Founded in the mid-1800s, the congregation's building, a former church purchased around the turn of the 19th century, became famous as the "Cantor's Carnegie Hall", because of its high ceiling, good acoustics, and seating for approximately 1,800 people. Yossele Rosenblatt, Moshe Koussevitzky, Moishe Oysher, Jan Peerce and Richard Tucker were all cantors there, Red Buttons and Eddie Cantor sang in the choir, and George Burns was a member.

In the 1940s the congregation's membership was in the thousands, but as Jews moved out of the Lower East Side the congregation declined to around 40 in the early 2000s. Though listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, the synagogue's building deteriorated, and the congregation was reluctant to accept outside assistance and the conditions that would come with it. In January 2006 the synagogue's roof collapsed, and the building was demolished in March of that year. The congregation continued to hold services in the living room of the rabbi's mother.

Origins

Sources disagree as to the origins of both the congregation, and the building on Rivington Street it eventually owned.Diner, Shandler, Wenger (2000), p. 125. "The synagogue is the First Roumanian-American Congregation, whose congregationalorigins remain in dispute, but whose physical presence is undeniable."] What is undisputed is that the First American-Roumanian congregation (Congregation Shaarey Shamoyim) was founded on the Lower East Side sometime between 1860 and 1885,Congregation founded:
*Vitullo-Martin (2006) states "Rabbi Spiegel's Congregation Shaarey Shamoyim, or Gates of Heaven, had been founded in 1860 on nearby Hester Street."
*Lueck (January 24, 2006) states "... the Rivington Street building was later purchased by Romanian Jewish immigrants and established as a synagogue in its current form in 1885."
*Homberger (2002), p. 85 states "The Roumaniashe Shul, organized in 1885, occupied a former Methodist church at 89 Rivington."] that the Rivington street building was constructed as a church sometime between 1850 and 1890,Building constructed:
*Lueck (January 24, 2006) states that the building was " [b] uilt in the 1850's as a Methodist church..."
*Bloch (2008) states "The building at 89 Rivington Street was originally built between around 1857 as the German Evangelical Church. Designed to convert Jews, it was bought in 1864 by Shaaray Hashomayim, (Gates of Heaven), New York's oldest Orthodox German-Jewish congregation."
*Mark (March 10, 2006) states "Manhattan was a very different place in 1857 when a large and beautiful church, arched and Romanesque, opened on 89 Rivington St."
*The Museum at Eldridge Street website states it was " [b] uilt as a church in 1857 and home to successive religious groups (both Jewish and missionary Christian)..."
*Barry (2006) states "the beautifully detailed structure... was built as a church in the 1860's..."
*Sanders (1980), p. 36 states the building was " [b] uilt in the Romanesque Revival style as a Methodist church in 1888..."
*Wolfe (2006), pp. 171-172 states the building was "built... in 1888..."
*Vitullo-Martin (2006) states the building was " [b] uilt in 1888 as the Allen Street Methodist Episcopal Church..."
*The Gotham Center for New York History website states the building "began as a church in 1890."] and that the congregation purchased the building (which formerly owned by the Allen Street Methodist Episcopal Church) sometime between 1885 and 1902,Building purchased:
*Lueck (January 24, 2006) states "Built... as a Methodist church, the Rivington Street building was later purchased by Romanian Jewish immigrants and established as a synagogue in its current form in 1885."
*Homberger (2002), p. 85 states "The Roumaniashe Shul, organized in 1885, occupied a former Methodist church at 89 Rivington."
*Weissman Joselit (2006) states "Originally a Methodist church, the Romanesque Revival building with more than 1,600 seats was transformed into a synagogue in 1890."
*Sanders (1980), p. 36 states the building was " [b] uilt... as a Methodist church in 1888" and "purchased by the Roumanian congregation Shaarey Shomoyim ("Gates of Heaven") about two years later."
*Wolfe (2006), pp. 171-172 states the building was "built as the Allen Street Methodist Church in 1888, four years before its purchase by the Hebrew congregation."
*Vitullo-Martin (2006) states "Some time in the early 20th century the Methodists gave up and sold the building to First Roumanian..."
*Bloch (2008) states "It reverted to a church in 1890, when a Methodist mission society moved the Allen Street Memorial Church here. Finally the current congregation bought it in 1902..."
*Mark (March 10, 2006) states "In 1902, the good burghers of the church sold the property to a shul, the First Roumanian-American Congregation..."
*The Museum at Eldridge Street website states "the building was acquired in 1902 by Shaarey Shamoyim, the First-Roumanian American congregation."] after the church was unsuccessful in its mission to convert Jews to Christianity.Sanders (1980), p. 36.] Vitullo-Martin (2006).]

First American-Roumanian was originally founded by Romanian Jewish immigrants to New York City, who gravitated to a fifteen block area bounded by Allen, Ludlow, Houston and Grand streets.Wolfe (2006), pp. 171-172.] Jones (2005).] This "Romanian quarter" was the most densely populated part of the Lower East Side, with 1,500 to 1,800 people per block, and the congregation, founded on nearby Hester Street, and later situated at the heart of it on Rivington Street, was the preferred house of worship for its inhabitants. Over time, however, the synagogue appealed to a broader Jewish constituency.

Rivington Street

In the late 1800s or early 1900s the congregation purchased a former Methodist church on Rivington Street.Weissman Joselit (2006.] The Romanesque Revival structure, designed by J.C. Cady & Co. et. al., was 70 by 100 feet,Mark (March 10, 2006).] and seated 1,600 to 1,800.Barry (2006).] Jacobs (1996).] The funds for the purchase were raised from the members of the congregation; congregants who contributed as little as $10 were honored with having their names engraved on one of four marble slabs in the stairway to the main sanctuary, with the most generous gift being $500, at a time when $10 was two-weeks pay.Bastable (2004).]

By 1903 the synagogue was well established on Rivington Street, and, due to its capacity and prominence, the synagogue was often the site of significant or mass meetings. In April 1903 a service to honor the memory of Reform rabbi and Zionist leader Gustav Gottheil was held there,"The New York Times", April 29, 1903.] and a similar service was held for Theodore Herzl the following year; at the latter service, which was boycotted by Orthodox rabbis, Herzl was not eulogized, nor was his name mentioned."The New York Times", July 8, 1904.]

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (UOJCA) held its third annual convention at the synagogue in June 1903, which around 100 delegates attended, and which was presided over by the organization's president, Rabbi Henry Pereira Mendes."The New York Times", June 22, 1903.] The most important resolutions adopted at that meeting were one which deprecated the granting of a "get" (religious divorce document), or allowing subsequent re-marriage, to people who had not first obtained a civil divorce, and the request that congregations with mostly foreign born members "secure an English-speaking rabbi for the benefit of their American-born English-speaking children." Pereira Mendes spoke in favor of a committee to bring victims of the Kishinev pogrom to the United States, and against a proposal by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) that the Jewish Sabbath be moved to Sunday. Pereira Mendes also announced that the UOJCA would "unite" with the UAHC and other national "religious, philanthropic, or educational" Jewish organizations in Washington "to discuss the subjects of vital concern to Judaism and Jews", while rejecting the proposition that "the main topic of the discussion at the first congress shall be the immigration problem."

At the meeting Albert Lucas also spoke out strongly against attempts by Christian groups to proselytize Jewish children in nurseries and kindergartens. Ostensibly to combat this proselytization, in 1903 the congregation was one of several New York City synagogues that allowed Lucas the use of its premises for free religious classes, "open to all children of the neighbourhood".Kaufman (1999), p. 142.]

In December 1905 a mass meeting was held at the synagogue to protest massacres of Jews in Russia and mourn their deaths,"The New York Times", December 11, 1905.] and in March 1909 Orthodox groups held meetings there to organize opposition to the constitution and make-up of Judah Leon Magnes's "Kehilla", an over-arching organization intended to represent all of New York's Jews, which lasted until 1922."The New York Times", March 28, 1909.] A mass meeting of local residents and businessmen to combat Lower East Side gangsters was held at the synagogue in 1913."The New York Times", September 1, 1913.]

First-American Roumanian was also a preferred venue for airing issues relevant specifically to Romanian-American Jews. In 1905 it was the site of New York City's only memorial service honoring United States Secretary of State John Hay, who had worked on behalf of oppressed Jews in Romania."The New York Times", July 10, 1905.] In 1908, the synagogue hosted a meeting of over 30 religious organization representing Roumanian-American Jews, at which the formation of federation of those organizations was proposed,"The New York Times", March 30, 1908.] and again in 1916 hosted a similar meeting of "two hundred delegate representing thirty-five organizations... to plan incorporation of the American League of Rumanian Jews." At the latter meeting steps were taken to raise $1,000,000 for oppressed Jews in Romania, and to campaign for their "equal rights and their emancipation from thralldom"."The New York Times", September 18, 1916.]

The congregation carried out extensive charity campaigns during the Passover season; by 1905 the congregation was distributing wagon-loads of "matzos" to poor Jews so they could celebrate the holiday."The New York Times", April 16, 1905.]

In 1911 First-American-Roumanian celebrated its ten-year jubilee at the synagogue; guest speakers included United Synagogue of America president Solomon Schechter, Congressman Henry M. Goldfogle, and the principal speaker was then-Mayor of New York City William Jay Gaynor."The New York Times", December 18, 1911.]

"Cantor's Carnegie Hall"

The synagogue's sanctuary contained multiple levels to separate men from women and, with such a lofted ceiling, it became renowned for its acoustics. Known as "the Cantor's Carnegie Hall," the synagogue became a center for cantorial music, and many of the greatest cantors of the 20th century led services there. Yossele Rosenblatt and Moshe Koussevitzky began their American careers there, and Moishe Oysher "the greatest of all popularizers of cantorial singing", was a cantor there as well. Jan Peerce and Richard Tucker were also cantors there before becoming famous opera singers. Choir members included Red Buttons and Eddie Cantor,Lueck and Moynihan (2006).] and George Burns was a member.Zakrzewski (2006).]

The congregation's membership peaked in the 1940s, when it numbered in the thousands.

Decline

In 1980 it was one of the few synagogues on the Lower East Side to still have its own Talmud Torah, but in 1981, Rabbi Mordecai Mayer, who had led the congregation for 20 years, died,"The New York Times", January 31, 1981.] and Jacob Spiegel became the synagogue's rabbi soon afterwards.Anderson (January 27-February 2, 2006).] With the dissipation of the Jewish population out of the Lower East Side during the latter half of the 20th century, the synagogue's constituency dwindled. By 1996, the membership was down to around two dozen, and Spiegel began holding services in the small social hall in the basement, as the main sanctuary had become too expensive to maintain.

In 1997 the congregation received a grant from the New York Landmarks Conservancy,Chen (1997).] and the following year the synagogue building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

After suffering a heart attack in 2001, Spiegel died, leaving charge of the synagogue to the youngest of his three sons, Rabbi Shmuel Spiegel. The other sons, Rabbi Gershon and Rabbi Ari were, respectively, synagogue president and assistant rabbi. In June 2003 the corner of Rivington Street and Ludlow Street near the synagogue location, and the stretch of Rivington in front of the synagogue, was co-named "Rabbi Yaakov Spiegel Way.""The Villager", June 11-17, 2003.]

At the time of Jacob Spiegel's death, the roof had long been in bad shape, and in 2001 was threatening to collapse. In December 2001, Shmuel Speigel managed to raise $25,000 for emergency repairs, but, despite offering "cholent" at the Shabbat morning "kiddush", Speigel still had to search local streets to make the required quorum of 10 men for the "minyan",Sheraton (2002).] Salkin (2002), p. 2.] and in 2004 the regular membership still hovered around 40. Spiegel kept the congregation running at an annual cost of around $75,000.

Collapse

In January 2006, the roof of the synagogue caved in, severely damaging the main sanctuary. No one was injured: the sanctuary had been "closed for 10 years because of maintenance problems".Lueck (January 24, 2006).] Services had long since been held in the basement, and, after a contractor found water damage in the ceiling beams in early December, had been held in Speigel's mother's apartment.Spitz (2006).] In a press release, the National Trust for Historic Preservation stated

The roof collapse at First Roumanian–American Synagogue this week demonstrates that houses of worship must have access to necessary technical assistance, staff and board training, and the development of new funding sources in order to save these landmarks of spirituality, cultural tradition, and community service. [National Trust for Historic Preservation. [http://www.nationaltrust.org/news/2006/20060127_roumanian.html "National Trust Responds to First Roumanian-American Synagogue Roof Collapse"] , Press Release, January 27, 2006.]

Following the roof cave in, the congregation's 15 Torahs were taken to the Speigels' mother's home, where the congregation had been holding services in her living room,Mark (February 10, 2006).] and the synagogue's historic ark was removed from the ruins.Anderson (March 29 -April 4 2006).] According to Shmuel Speigel, "the insurance company [was] playing hardball".

Because the building had never been registered as a National Historic Landmark, it was thereafter demolished in March 2006. The New York City Department of Buildings said that the decision to demolish was the congregation's, but congregational vice president Joshua Shainberg said the Department of Buildings left them no choice: "The Department of Buildings told us, 'You are to demolish it or we are to demolish it.' There were figures of up to $1.5 million for demolition." At the time of the building's collapse, the Speigel brothers vowed that it would be re-built, but not nearly as large: "perhaps 20 feet high by 60 feet deep by 75 feet wide, which would cost about $2 million to $3 million."

Controversy

The destruction of the synagogue generated widespread criticism among conservationists. A "New York Times" article states that Peg Breen, president of the New York Landmarks Conservancy said congregational leaders "had refused offers of help, including one of up to $10,000 from the conservancy and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The money would have been designated for engineering work to determine whether the roof could be replaced." Holly Kaye, a consultant to the Lower East Side Conservancy, said that in 1997 the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation had made an offer of $280,000 to "help shore up the roof, which was already at risk of collapse then."Lueck (March 7, 2006).]

According to a "Wall Street Journal" article, however, Breen stated that the Conservancy had only "paid for a building conditions survey and commissioned [a write up for] a national register description that would make the synagogue eligible for New York state government aid." In addition, the New York Landmarks Conservancy had only offered a grant of $4,000, and the Lower East Side Conservancy had only helped "apply for a state grant of $280,000."

According to an article in "The Jewish Week", First American had only received $7,500 from the Conservancy, "because of its hesitancy"; Shmuel Spiegel stated the congregation "didn't want outside interference", and Joel Kaplan of the Lower East Side Conservancy stated that the congregation "didn’t want the several hundred thousand dollars in landmarking grants that went to other Lower East shuls, money that could have kept the shul in repair."

The congregation, then under the leadership of Jacob Spiegel, rejected these offers of assistance. According to "The Wall Street Journal", Shmuel Speigel was not sure why the offers were rejected, as the records were "buried in the rubble". "The Wall Street Journal" speculates that " [p] erhaps congregants were fearful of signing the required covenant preventing the sale or alteration of the building for 20 years without the state's permission." According to "The New York Times", Speigel stated that the repairs required were so extensive that the congregation could not have made them even with this financial assistance. According to "The Jewish Week", the congregation was "uncomfortable with the idea of being landmarked and having to answer to landmark guidelines. The shul was also uncomfortable with suggestions that, like some other neighborhood shuls, it turn its unused area into a museum of past glory".

Film appearances

The synagogue building can be seen in the 1956 film "Singing in the Dark", starring Moishe Oysher, and also starring (and produced by) Joey Adams. [http://www.jewishfilm.org/Catalogue/films/singinginthedark.htm Singing in the Dark] , National Center for Jewish Film website. Accessed August 18, 2008.] The building can also be seen in "I Am Josh Polonski's Brother" by Raphael Nadjari, shot in 2000 in New York City, and starring Richard Edson, and Rabbi Spiegel as himself.

Notes

References

* [http://www.jewishfilm.org/Catalogue/films/singinginthedark.htm Singing in the Dark] , National Center for Jewish Film website. Accessed September 23, 2008.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9A0DE5DC1F30E733A2575AC2A9629C946297D6CF "Dr. Gottheil's Memory Honored."] , "The New York Times", April 29, 1903.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?&res=9F0CE4DA1339E333A25751C2A9609C946297D6CF "Step to Restrict Rabbinical Divorces: Orthodox Union Urges English-Speaking Rabbis for Children"] , "The New York Times", June 22, 1903.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D03E1DB123AE733A2575BC0A9619C946597D6CF "Memorial Service for Dr. Herzl"] , "The New York Times", July 8, 1904.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E05E3D81738EF32A25755C1A9629C946497D6CF "Passover Charities Start. Money and Unleavened Bread Distributed on the East Side."] , "The New York Times", April 16, 1905.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9C00E0DC103AE733A25753C1A9619C946497D6CF "Honor Memory of Hay at Synagogue Service. Roumanian Jews Praise His Efforts in Aid of the Oppressed."] , "The New York Times", July 10, 1905.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=980CE1DA1F3DE633A25752C1A9649D946497D6CF "Jews Mourn for the Slaim. Mass Meeting Expresses Indignation at Massacres in Russia."] , "The New York Times", December 11, 1905.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9907E4DE143EE233A25753C3A9659C946997D6CF "Talk to Roumanian Jews. Edward Lauterbach Urges a Spirit of Liberal Giving Among All Jews."] , "The New York Times", March 30, 1908.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9507E3D81439E733A2575BC2A9659C946897D6CF "Jewish Community Holds an Election. The New Constitution Leads to Seom Discussion at the Meeting."] , "The New York Times", March 28, 1909.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E0DEFDB1231E233A2575BC1A9649D946096D6CF "Mayor Urges Jews to Take Up Farming. Applause in Synagogue Good for Him, He Tells Ushers Who Try to Stop It."] , "The New York Times", December 18, 1911.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9801E3DC1730E233A25752C0A96F9C946296D6CF "Vigilantes to Run Gangsters Down. East Siders in Mass Meeting Prepare to Organize to Resist Blackmailers."] , "The New York Times", September 1, 1913.
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9B03EFDF143BE633A2575BC1A96F9C946796D6CF "Seek Millions for Jews. Friends of Rumanians Hold Two Meetings and Plan Convention."] ] , "The New York Times", September 18, 1916.
* [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A06E2D9123BF932A05752C0A967948260 "Rabbi Mordecai Mayer"] , "The New York Times", January 31, 1981.
* [http://www.thevillager.com/villager_7/laterivingtonrabbi.html "Late Rivington rabbi gets his way"] , "The Villager", Volume 73, Number 6, June 11-17, 2003.
*Anderson, Lincoln. [http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_142/rabbis.html "Rabbis vow to rebuild after collapse"] , "downtown express", Volume 18, Number 37, January 27-February 2, 2006.
*Anderson, Lincoln. [http://www.thevillager.com/villager_152/rivingtonstsynagogue.html "Rivington St. synagogue property is not for sale"] , "The Villager", Volume 75, Number 45, March 29-April 4, 2006.
*Barry, Dan. [http://select.nytimes.com/2006/01/25/nyregion/25about.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin "Prayers Rose, a Ceiling Fell, and a Rabbi's Hope Endures"] , "The New York Times", January 25, 2006.
*Bastable, Alan. [http://www.thevillager.com/villager_46/rivingtonsynagogue.html "Rivington synagogue hangs on, hoping for a revival"] , "The Villager", Volume 73, Number 46, March 17-23, 2004.
*Bloch, Mark. [http://www.panmodern.com/synagoguespace.html#Roumanian First Roumanian-American Synagogue] , PanModern website. Accessed September 23, 2008.
*Chen, David W. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE4D81F30F935A35752C1A961958260 "Metro Business; Aid for Historic Buildings"] , "The New York Times", November 6, 1997.
*Diner, Hasia R., Shandler, Jeffrey & Wenger, Beth S. "Remembering the Lower East Side: American Jewish Reflections", Indiana University Press, 2000. ISBN 0253337887
* [http://www.gothamcenter.org/resource/detail.cfm?id=439&ff=Houses "Congreagtion Shaarai Shomoyim"] [sic] , Gotham Center for New York History website. Accessed September 23, 2008.
*Homberger, Eric. "New York City: A Cultural and Literary Companion", Signal Books, 2002, ISBN 1902669428
*Jacobs, Andrew. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0DEFD91639F93AA35755C0A960958260 "NEIGHBORHOOD REPORT: LOWER MANHATTAN;Rabbi Sees Hope for His Dwindling Congregation"] , "The New York Times", June 9, 1996.
*Jones, Gerard. "Men of tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book", Basic Books, 2005. ISBN 0465036570
*Kaufman, David. "Shul with a Pool: The "synagogue-center" in American Jewish History", Brandeis University Press, University Press of New England, 1999. ISBN 0874518938
*Lueck, Thomas J. [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/24/nyregion/24synagogue.html "Downtown Congregation Vows to Repair Roof or Build Anew"] , "The New York Times", January 24, 2006.
*Lueck, Thomas J. [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/07/nyregion/07synagogue.html "Questions Rise From the Dust of an Old Synagogue"] , "The New York Times", March 7, 2006.
*Lueck, Thomas J. and Moynihan, Colin. [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/23/nyregion/23synagogue.html?ex=1148443200&en=e0b4e914f698b382&ei=5070 "Roof Collapses at Historic Lower Manhattan Synagogue"] , "The New York Times", January 23, 2006.
*Mark, Jonathan. "More Renaissance than 'Remnants'", "The Jewish Week", February 10, 2006.
*Mark, Jonathan. [http://central.ujcfedweb.org/page.aspx?id=121596 "Brokedown Palace"] , "The Jewish Week", March 10, 2006.
* [http://www.eldridgestreet.org/about_u_n_os.htm Other synagogues] , Museum at Eldridge Street website. Accessed September 23, 2008.
* [http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ny/New+York/state4.html NEW YORK - New York County] , p. 4, State Listings, National Register of Historic Places website. Accessed August 18, 2008.
*National Register of Historic Places. [http://www.nps.gov/nr/listings/980320.htm "WEEKLY LIST OF ACTIONS TAKEN ON PROPERTIES: 3/09/98 THROUGH 3/13/98"] .
*National Trust for Historic Preservation. [http://www.nationaltrust.org/news/2006/20060127_roumanian.html "National Trust Responds to First Roumanian-American Synagogue Roof Collapse"] , Press Release, January 27, 2006.
*Salkin, Allen. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B07E7D8133DF933A15753C1A9649C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2 "Fading Into History"] , "The New York Times", October 20, 2002.
*Sanders, Ronald & Gillon, Edmund Vincent. "The Lower East Side: A Guide to Its Jewish Past with 99 New Photographs", Courier Dover Publications, 1980. ISBN 0486238717
*Sheraton, Mimi. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990DE0DB1F3AF936A35757C0A9649C8B63&fta=y "The New Old World of the Lower East Side"] , "The New York Times", April 5, 2002.
*Spitz, Rebecca. [http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=1&aid=56500 "Roof Collapses At Historic Lower East Side Synagogue"] , "NY1", January 23, 2006.
*Vitullo-Martin, Julia. [http://www.opinionjournal.com/taste/?id=110007918 "Still Standing: The worshippers move out, the ceiling falls in. What to do?"] , "The Wall Street Journal", February 3, 2006.
*Weissman Joselit, Jenna. [http://www.forward.com/articles/mourning-the-loss-of-a-lower-east-side-jewel/ "THE WONDERS OF AMERICA: Mourning the Loss of a Lower East Side Jewel"] , "The Forward", April 14, 2006.
*Wolfe, Gerard R. "New York, 15 Walking Tours: An Architectural Guide to the Metropolis", McGraw-Hill Professional, 2003. ISBN 0071411852
*Zakrzewski, Paul. [http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/newscontent.php3?artid=12214 "A Tale Of Two Synagogues"] , "The Jewish Week", March 24, 2006.

External links

* [http://www.nyc-architecture.com/LES/LES036-01.jpgPhotograph of the synagogue's front]
*PDFlink|1= [http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9906E1DD1430E233A2575BC2A9649C946196D6CF "East Side Dazzled by Berger Wedding. Fifty Taxicabs and Thirty-Six Carriages Carry the Guests"] , "The New York Times", February 28, 1910.