In 1919, the members of the Syrian community in Brooklyn, New York realized that their synagogue at 1909 66th Street, was not large enough for their growing community. Not only were there not enough seats for everyone on the High Holidays, there was not even enough space indoors, forcing people to stand on the steps of the building. Thus the men of the Community decided that the time had come to build a synagogue for the community. They purchased property at 2019 67th Street, on which to the synagogue. The cornerstone was laid on September 12, 1920 by Mr. Aslan H. Chalom. A little over a year later, on December 21, 1921, the synagogue was opened and dedicated amid great rejoicing.
Today, that building is a New York City landmark, thanks to the tireless efforts of Mr. Eddie Levy. However, just because it is a New York City landmark, does not mean that it can be forgotten. It is up to us, members of the Syrian community, to continue to support it. There are many ways to support it although the most meaningful is to support it physically by going there to pray and strengthen the minyan. The synagogue has been a place of prayer for Syrian Jews since 1921 and there is no reason that it can not continue to be a place of prayer. However, it needs our help.
