The Past, Present, and Future of the Mezritch Synagogue

The Congregation Mezritch Synagogue is the East Village’s last operating “tenement synagogue,” in a neighborhood that once contained hundreds of these narrow shuls. Most often each served immigrants from different towns in Central and Eastern Europe, with buildings that were typically packed into the tiny tenement sized spaces of the Lower East Side.

Along with the East Village Community Coalition and other local organizations and advocates, Village Preservation has proposed landmark designation for this one-of-a-kind remaining building whose stunning, early 20th century untouched interior is practically unknown to visitors and residents.

The evening will visually explore the Jewish history of the neighborhood, the building’s architectural significance, and the religious background of the Mezritch shul, while looking towards the future of this religious building and its living community.
Panelists will include architectural historian Justin Ferate, writer and historian Joyce Mendelsohn, and synagogue historian/geographer Elissa Sampson. The program will be moderated by Laurie Tobias-Cohen, Executive Director of the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy.