STANTON STREET SHUL

In the winter of 2024-2025 I covered a great deal of the Lower East Side and East Village, on Avenues A through D. Still plagued by age-related back issues, I need to keep my walks short and the days of 10-12 mile walks seem to be behind me. The area is amply covered by the F and #6 trains, but I was increasingly flustered by lengthy waits for trains and crowded cars when they did arrive. I have also found cross streets like Stanton, Rivington and Broome to be inspirational, with their ancient aechitecture.

Though the chiseling says “Erected 1913” at #180 Stanton, between Clinton and Attorney Streets, the Congregation Sons of Jacob, People of Brzezan (or more simply the Stanton Street Shul) was converted that year from a 3-story woodframe house by a synagogue that had been founded in 1894. It is one of two local synagogues that possess mazoles, or renderings of Judaic zodiacal figures; the other is the Bialystoker Synagogue on Willett Street.

Its longtime leader Rabbi Joseph Singer, who served from 1964-2002, was a tireless advocate for the poor and elderly of the Lower East Side. Though he was never paid for his years of service, he was forced out after he tried to arrange for the building’s sale, with the synagogue’s board members, to a theater workshop. After that incident, however, the synagogue revived and is now the center of a healthy religious and cultural scene, hosting art exhibitions and jazz and klezmer music.

Speaking of donnybrooks, one almost broke out here when I was angling for a shot. A car pulled up and got in the shot. When I moved for a better shot the driver emerged and angrily accused me of avoiding him as he wanted to ask me something, presumably directions. After a few more curses, he fumed some more and got in his car and left, and I got my shot in peace. That’s New York!

Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the  gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site. 

3/6/25