Boro Park’s Oldest Shul Torn Down to Make Way for Development

YS Gold 

The historic Shul that has stood at the corner of 12th Avenue and 41st Street since 1907 has been reduced to a pile of rubble within a matter of hours this past Sunday morning. The shul possessed an incredible amount of history, carrying the distinction of being Boro Park’s oldest Shul. 

The Shul was built for Congregation Beth El of Borough Park—Boro Park’s first congregation— in the year 1906, and was inaugurated in 1907 in the presence of elected officials, the kehillah, as well as its distinguished rov, Rav Avrohom Ever Hirschowitz who was a tremendous ga’on. 

As the fortunes of people in the congregation grew, they erected a magnificent new shul at 15th Avenue and 48th Street in the center of Boro Park. The impressive edifice was ready in 1922, and this was when Beth El was purchased by Congregation Anshei Lubavitch, which had been organized in Boro Park eight years previously, in 1914. 

During its tenure as Anshei Lubavitch, the shul had prominent Rabbonim, including Rav Eliyohu Simpson and Rav Yitzchok Dovber Ushpol. Many letters were sent by the Admorim of Lubavitch to the congregants of the shul over the decades.

A few years ago, the Shul was purchased by developers who have pledged to build a beautiful shul for the congregation on the ground level, with apartments on the upper floors. 

This past Sunday morning, the Shul was finally torn down, making way for the new development.

photos by: Issac Y./BoroPark24