10. 80 Forsyth Street
80 Forsyth Street is one of the last remnants of the street’s many synagogues from the late 1800s. In 1874, the property was owned by the Schwartz family, which was converted into a furniture store that sold rather upscale items. However, the store was short-lived, and on March 28, 1881, the Congregation Kol Israel Anshe Poland purchased 80 Forsyth Street for $12,000. After a series of renovations, the building featured two-story Gothic-arched windows, filled with stained glass originally. And wrought iron fire escapes incorporated Stars of David into the design. The building included a mikveh, or a ritual bath, on the ground floor. Even though the building functioned as a synagogue, it was still taxed, leading to a lawsuit.
The synagogue was sold in 1892, and in its place came the congregation Beth Hamidrash Sha’arei Torah. In addition to lavish weddings, the synagogue also hosted some unfortunate funerals, such as that of Freda Marks, who succumbed to a disastrous fire in a tenement building just down the street. The congregation sold the building in 1930, and the Manhattan Store Fixtures Company moved in soon after. The building is now painted an industrial green and today honors the works of Pat Passlof. Uncover more Jewish history sites on the Lower East Side by joining our upcoming Secrets of the Lower East Side tour and tasting!
Secrets of the LES Tour and Tasting
Next, check out more Jewish history on the Lower East side by exploring 10 Repurposed Synagogues and the Top 10 Secrets of Eldridge Street Synagogue and Museum in NYC!