Beth Hamedrash Hagodol Synagogue (on Norfolk Street) Burns To The Ground

Beth Hamedrash Hagodol is an Orthodox Jewish congregation that for over 120 years was located in a historic building at 62 Norfolk Street between Grand and Broome Streets. It was the first Eastern European congregation founded in New York City and the oldest Russian Jewish Orthodox congregation in the United States. The NYFD is investigating the the suspicious fire and will search for possible victims. Rabbi Mendl Greenbaum said “kids” were seen playing in the synagogue recently and they may be the source of the fire. In any event, the 3-alarm fire clears the way for a sale of the property and its air rights. Prime pickings for Essex Crossing developers.