{"id":2505,"date":"2019-05-18T09:35:20","date_gmt":"2019-05-18T14:35:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mindfulwalker.com\/?p=2505"},"modified":"2019-05-18T10:30:29","modified_gmt":"2019-05-18T15:30:29","slug":"sacred-sites-priceless-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mindfulwalker.com\/wordpress\/beyond-gotham\/sacred-sites-priceless-opportunities","title":{"rendered":"Sacred Sites, Priceless Opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Amid the bustling Lower East Side, a place today with a millennial scene, gleaming glass buildings, and expensive cafes, the old remains, and in fact, finds ways to renew itself. The 132-year-old Eldridge Street Synagogue sits unpretentious in its presence. The structure is strong and commanding in a gentle way, inviting a long look and appreciation of the entrance and light brown pressed brick fa\u00e7ade that faces west, with delicate, round arches and intricate rose window. If buildings had language, what would they say? The Eldridge Street Synagogue \u2013 now the Museum at Eldridge Street<\/a> \u2013 might well say, \u201cCome, I am here, as I have been for so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

In any era, this synagogue would be a place to be prized for its spiritual presence, storied history, incredible beauty, precious art, and significant architectural style and elements. It is even more so in this period of affirming the importance and role of immigrants in America. That this place has lasted as a worship space for generations of Jewish congregants is nothing short of a miracle of resilience.<\/p>\n

The synagogue is a national and city historic landmark. When the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the Eldridge Street Synagogue as a landmark almost 40 years ago, in July, 1980, the commission declared that the synagogue was \u201can impressive monument to the American immigrant experience\u2026. [that] stands today as an enduring symbol of the Lower East Side during the last decades of the 19th century.\u201d Moreover, today, it houses a museum that tells the stories of Jewish immigrant life through exhibits, tours, and programs, and fosters collaboration between people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds.<\/p>\n

This weekend, the Eldridge Street Synagogue will be open to the public as part of a fantastic annual event, the Sacred Sites Open House<\/a>, on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19. Many congregations in New York City and State open their worship spaces and religious sites so that visitors can view and experience the history, culture, art, and architecture of these religious sites. The New York Landmarks Conservancy<\/a> is presenting the 9th annual Open House in which the conservancy aims to broaden support for ongoing historic preservation; share the art, architecture, and history of these sites; and build awareness of the programs and services that religious institutions offer to their communities. Guided and self-guided tours, plus some special programs, are available at the sites.<\/p>\n

As much as any goal, the Landmarks Conservancy views the weekend as a time for those in New York who tour sacred places around the world to know about and appreciate the spiritual sites within their own backyards. How many walk on the streets around the Eldridge Street Synagogue without knowing its rich, important history and magnificent interior?<\/p>\n

\"Eldridge<\/a>