Queens’ oldest synagogue to be rehabbed

Renovations are slated to begin tomorrow at Corona’s Congregation Tifereth Israel, the oldest synagogue in Queens. According to Crain’s, the landmarked building at 109-18 54th Avenue, which was built in 1911 and counts Estee Lauder among its former congregants, is set to undergo $1.6 million in upgrades to mark its 100th anniversary, including a restoration of the wooden structure’s original clapboard, metal domes and paint. The project is being financed with $1.1 million from the city’s capital funds allocated by Borough President Helen Marshall, $200,000 million from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund and another $360,000 from foundations and philanthropists, including Leonard Lauder, son of Estee, and hotelier Sam Domb. [Crain’s]