Synagogue for the Arts at TriBeCa

The Synagogue initially held services in a loft space above a store, and was open from Monday to Friday. In 1957 the Synagogue finished construction on its own building for the first time. Located at 80 Duane Street, it was fated to have a short life. A mere three years later it was condemned by eminent domain for the building of Federal Plaza (now the Jacob Javits Federal Office Building). As a result of the negotiations around the eminent domain process, the Synagogue was given a parcel of land at 49 White Street. Here the current, award-winning building designed by William N. Breger rose, and was completed in 1967. It was initially highly utilized: When Yizkor fell on a weekday, as many as two thousand would attend one of the several services. As the city sank into bankruptcy in the 1970s, Jews left the civil service and downtown businesses closed. The Synagogue experienced a crisis of mission, and by the 1980's was feeling financial strains. However, through it all, hundreds of Jewish families were moving into Soho, TriBeCa, and lower Manhattan.