The Lost Synagogues of NYC with Ellen Levitt

Talk Highlights:

• Discover the many ways adaptive reuse has saved historic synagogues across the five boroughs, as shown in Ellen Levitt's new book, Former Synagogues of the United States: Looking at Buildings That Once Housed Synagogues, Schools, and Other Jewish Institutions
• See the traces of Judaica that still remain, to varying degrees, in these former houses of worship
• Find out the many reasons synagogues must find new use
• Admire the diversity of size and design amongst the different structures

About the Book:

Former Synagogues of the United States is about buildings that once housed synagogues and other Jewish organizations, but are now used for other purposes (churches, schools, businesses, private residences, etc.). Levitt touches upon religions and traditions, as well as art and architecture, genealogy, American history, demographic changes, and more. Among the states covered are NY and NJ, CT and PA, OH, MD, MI, CA, WA, and IL. Among the cities included are NYC, Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Seattle, Newark (NJ) and elsewhere.

Levitt began her research as a photography project, starting in Brooklyn and then expanding to all New York City boroughs. Afterward, she expanded into New York State, New Jersey, and elsewhere to compare and contrast the various “lost synagogues” and other buildings such as schools and benevolent societies. We maintains the greatest affection for the buildings located in New York City, and will check up on them occasionally. Some receive improvements but others worsen, or are even demolished. 

About the Author, Ellen Levitt:

Ellen Levitt is a veteran teacher, writer and photographer, and a licensed NYC tour guide. She is the author of the new book Former Synagogues of the United States, The Lost Synagogues of Brooklyn (2009), TLS of the Bronx and Queens (2011) and TLS of Manhattan (2013) as well as Walking Manhattan (2015) and various articles and essays. She is a lifelong resident of Brooklyn.