Did you ever hear of a synagogue with trembling pillars? Hunts Point Synagogue, also known as Hunts Point Jewish Center, held a vibrant community within its walls. This synagogue, dedicated in 1925, pulsed with the energy of Rabbi David Savitz, a dynamic speaker whose powerful voice resonated through the building. He was remembered for captivating packed audiences on Kol Nidre night, his words so intense they seemed to shake the very pillars of Hunts Point Synagogue. Rabbi Savitz later became the head of Salanter Yeshiva. In 1940, Hunts Point thrived with a Jewish population of over 20,000 and numerous synagogues. However, by 2007, fewer than 2,500 Jews remained in the South Bronx, a stark contrast to its vibrant past. Sadly, Hunts Point Synagogue is no longer a place of worship. It now serves as Casita Maria, a city-funded agency. The building’s transformation reflects the changing demographics and the dwindling Jewish population in the area. Despite this change, the echoes of Rabbi Savitz’s voice and the memories of a once-thriving community linger within the walls of what was once Hunts Point Synagogue.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to