Little remains of fire-ravaged Beth Hamedrash Hagodol synagogue

The Lower East Side’s landmarked Beth Hamedrash Hagodal Synagogue is living its last days. A series of photos captured by Bowery Boogie shows that the 167-year-old synagogue, ravaged by a fire in May 2016, is just a small fraction of what it once was.

Demolition work is being conducted under the watch of the Landmarks Preservation Commission and is doing its best to save as much of the site as possible. Per the Bowery Boogie, once the site is re-stabilized, the land will be used to extend the Hong Ning senior housing that resides next door.

In May 2016, a three-alarm fire ripped through the crumbling synagogue, destroying much of what was left of the long-shuttered building. Following an assessment carried out by engineers in July, it was determined that portions of the building had to be removed to secure the site. A Commission-approved engineer has been tasked with ensuring that the structure isn’t completely destroyed and that as much of the original architectural detail is preserved as deemed possible.

Courtesy Bowery Boogie.

• Beth Hamedrash Hagadol is a Nub of its Former Self [Bowery Boogie]
• Lower East Side’s historic Beth Hamedrash Hagodol Synagogue destroyed by fire [Curbed]
• Lower East Side’s fire-ravaged Beth Hamedrash Hagadol will be partially demolished with Landmarks approval [Curbed]