4. The Chandelier and its Upside Down Fixtures

Aside from the Eastern Rose Window, which we profiled in an earlier piece, the Eldridge Street Synagogue is home to a brass Victorian Chandelier with 75 bulbs that hangs from the central dome. Back when the building was still illuminated by gas, the chandelier’s glass, flower-shaped shades were used to shield each flame. However, with the introduction of electricity, the wires and shades had to be inverted in order for more light to shine down onto the sanctuary.

Although the central chandelier is the most notable, it is not the only one you can find inside the synagogue. There’s the vestibule chandelier—the only one that uses pink glass—and the Women’s Chandelier, which is made of crystal. It looks quite different from the central and vestibule fixtures because it was not included in the original design of the synagogue. Strangely, there’s no record of its purchase or installation, although the Museum believes it most likely came from a congregant’s home through a donation.