Notes from Cantor Avima

     This past Sunday I had the privilege of accompanying the vav and zayin  students (6th and 7th graders) on a trip to the Lower East Side. We had a lot of fun and learned alot. We were led on a walking tour by Barry Judelson of NY Jewish Tours. I hadn't been to the Lower East Side in many, many years and I can tell you alot has changed. Precious history is being lost to gentrification, but luckily some important landmarks such as the Forward building, the Bialystoker Home for the Aged building, the Henry Street Settlement have been preserved through their landmark status which at least protects the facade from being destroyed. The facades remain although the interiors are being converted into high end condos, etc...  My favorite of these buildings was the remarkable facade of the Bialystoker Home for the Aged, described as Moorish Art Deco in style, is adorned wtih 12 carved medallions depicting the 12 tribes. This building was in danger of being sold and torn down when a group of supporters managed to accelerate their application to designate it as a historic landmark. 

     Another highlight was the Museum at Eldridge Street. I had heard about the decades long restoration process, but had never visited. One word: Magnificent. I would definitely recommend you see it, walk through it and experience it  for yourself. It is no longer a functioning synagogue but the small museum and the space itself tells a story. Even the story of the restoration is a story in itself. 

     Of course, no school trip is complete without food... yes, we had pickles, babka, bagels and shopped at the famous Economy Candy Store! And, the students slept the whole way back...  Thank you to Jessica Wolff who helped plan the trip and found our guide Barry Judelson, Marci Greenberg who drove the bus and to the parent chaperones: Miriam Benovitz, Rachael Colasante, Anna Pikus, Mattia Scharfstein,  Lauren Tajar and vav, zayin teacher Mitch Lefkofsky.