Recap: 125th Anniversary of Eldridge Street Synagogue Cornerstone Ceremony
Yesterday afternoon, the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue commemorated the 125th anniversary of the Cornerstone Celebration, which transpired on November 14, 1886. When ground was first broken at 12 Eldridge for the house of worship. The program for the festivities was packed with traditional Klezmer music, speeches from museum officials, and a tad of theater. Even Senator Chuck Schumer showed up unannounced.
This image has been archived or removed.
Not officially listed as guest, Schumer spoke at length about the significance of the Lower East Side, mentioning what most in the neighborhood already know. That the area was a springboard for various socio-political movements and popular entertainment alike, and how this so-called “cradle of American Jewry” still affects us in everyday life.
This image has been archived or removed.
Following thereafter was Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene actor Stuart Marshall who portrayed the synagogue’s first president, Sender Jarmulowsky. Yup, the dude who opened his eponymous bank building at the corner of Orchard and Canal Street. In character and with bilingual (English/Yiddish) oratory, Marshall transported the congregation back to the nineteenth century cornerstone ceremony by delivering the original speech. Through the repetition of the sermon, we learned that the stone itself was donated by a congregant at a price of $100.
This image has been archived or removed.
The program concluded with time capsule wishes for future generations, which was a tradition at most cornerstone celebrations to offer hopes for the future.
This image has been archived or removed.
Recent Stories
Ode to the Doomed Trees of East River Park [OP-ED]
The following editorial was written by Lower East Sider, Barbara Katz Rothman. There’s something truly sad about the sight of a dead tree. Look at that photo of the tree killed by the storm last week. We think of trees and use them as metaphors, so often, even by “urban types” like me who actually prefer city skylines […]
Essex Crossing Starts Leasing at The Artisan with Rentals Topping $3,000
Essex Crossing this month announced the start of leasing at its latest luxury tower – The Artisan. Located at 180 Broome Street, this beast is the largest building at the nine-site project. Its floors contain office and retail space, as well as access to the Market Line, which is gradually reopening from the pandemic shutdown. […]
Cop Injured in Hit-and-Run at Rivington Street Open Dining Area
Police are on the hunt for a Mercedes Benz driver who struck an officer on duty patrolling the “open dining” area at Rivington and Allen Streets. The car was reportedly heading the wrong way on Rivington Street at 4:00am Tuesday morning when it struck an open street dining area near Sauce. Patrolling police confronted the […]
East Broadway Bodega Held up at Gunpoint
Two men held up a Lower East Side bodega at gunpoint this past Friday, police said. The suspects – described as African American males – entered the He Xie Grocery at 154 East Broadway at approximately 6:47pm, drawing firearms and demanding cash. They made off with $1,500, and fled on a moped. Surveillance video from the […]
Mayor de Blasio Visits Chinatown, Eats at Wo Hop in Publicity Stunt
Mayor de Blasio visited Chinatown yesterday to push the message that “New York City is open for business (and delicious).” His publicity stunt included an entourage of six commissioners from various administration posts (Human rights, International Affairs, Consumer Affairs, Immigration, Media, Small business). The tour began with greetings at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, then […]
