Inside the LES’ Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue

 The landmarked Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue on the Lower East Side — reportedly the country’s oldest Russian-Jewish congregation — has been closed since 2007, and unfortunately the structure’s brilliant architecture has largely deteriorated.

In 2012, Rabbi Mendel Greenbaum filed an application with the Landmarks Preservation Commission requesting permission to raze the 4,600-square-foot structure, located at 60 Norfolk Street, and build a mixed-use residential development above the worship space.

However, last year, the synagogue withdrew its hardship application with the preservation board following a deal with Rabbi Greenbaum.

Here is a look inside the historic and dilapidated building via Curbed.

The Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue

The Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue

The Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue

[Curbed] —Christopeher Cameron