Join the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy and the Museum at Eldridge Street  for a joint tour, Shuls of Grandeur, featuring two historic, grand synagogues. The Bialystoker Synagogue, a former church and stop on the Underground Railroad, is the largest active congregation on the Lower East Side today. Known for its murals, Tiffany-inspired glass windows, as well as famous and infamous past congregants, including Jewish gangsters. From there we will walk down historic East Broadway discussing the Educational Alliance, the Henry Street Settlement, Seward Park (the first municipally-built free playground in the United States), Straus Square, and much more.  We will end with a visit to the Museum at Eldridge Street, located in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the first great house of worship purpose-built in the United States by Eastern European Jewish immigrants in 1887.

Your guide for this tour is Svetlana Kershtein, a professional tour guide who has worked on three continents and holds a Masters Degree in History, specializing in the history of the ancient world. Born in the Soviet Union, she emigrated to Israel where she worked as a licensed tour guide for 11 years. Svetlana’s passion for Jewish history, art, music, and cuisine is reflected in her popular tours for the Conservancy. She is fluent in three languages (English, Hebrew, and Russian).

Please note: food is purchased individually along the way and not included in the cost of the ticket.