Anche Lubawitz Congregation

In 1907, Congregation Beth El built a beautiful Moorish Revival style synagogue. This synagogue, originally known as Temple Beth El, became the Anche Lubawitz Congregation. It stood proudly at 4024 12th Avenue in Borough Park, Brooklyn. It was the first and oldest synagogue in the neighborhood, a testament to the growing Jewish community. Anche Lubawitz Congregation served as a spiritual center for decades. In 1914, Chevra Anshei Lubawitz Nusach Ha’ari of Borough Park was founded. They initially held services in the basement of the Sfas Emes shul on 42nd Street. Just eight years later, in 1922, they purchased the building from Congregation Beth El. The price? $20,250. The congregation’s charter, written in Yiddish, emphasized unity and commitment to Jewish law. Members, referred to as “brother” and “sister,” pledged to support each other in observing religious practices. The charter detailed specific responsibilities, from attending services and learning, to caring for the sick and providing burial plots. It even outlined fines for disrupting services. Even small details like removing one’s tallis before the Aleinu prayer incurred a penalty. In 1929, the synagogue welcomed a distinguished guest: Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. His visit, documented in rare footage, marked a significant moment in the congregation’s history. Over the years, the Rebbe maintained contact, encouraging the congregants to strengthen their religious observance. The Anche Lubawitz Congregation thrived for many years, its members investing in its upkeep and beautification. But sadly, the synagogue’s story took a turn. In 2017, the building and land were sold for $3.1 million to a developer. The plan was to demolish the historic structure and erect a six-story condominium building, with a new synagogue on the ground floor. Legal battles ensued, with members contesting the sale, citing misrepresentations. A judge temporarily halted the demolition, and a preliminary injunction granted further reprieve. However, the fight was ultimately lost. Despite lacking the necessary permits, the Anche Lubawitz Congregation was demolished on March 17, 2024. A stop-work order was issued, but the damage was done. A piece of Borough Park’s history was gone.