Corona Synagogue Has Its Day

Since Splitting Hairs cannot foresee the day when a synagogue in this neighborhood will get landmark status, we’re going to shout some hosannas for the one down the block.

Built in 1911, Congregation Tifereth Israel, off of 108 St,. came to be when just a small fraction of New York City’s Jews lived in Queens. It has a long history (see links below), and it’s fascinating to learn how, at one time, the nexus of Queens’ Jewish life was in the 108 St./Northern Blvd. area. Not the case today, which just goes to show that the more things change, the more they change. Of further interest to we who are curious about Queens’ ever-changing demographics is that in 1997, after it had fallen into a state of disrepair, a small community of newly arrived Bukharian Jews began to meet there and have since tried to keep its structure intact. The shul’s landmark status should infuse their efforts with new life and money.

NY Times: “Landmark Status for 1911 Queens Synagogue”

Queens Courier: “Corona Synagogue Could Be Landmarked”

Daily News: “Synagogue May Get Landmarked Status”

The Madonna Companion: Who knew that she totally profaned the place? Clearly Tifereth Israel was a birthing place of her music; was it the same for her fetish with Kabbalah? (See p. 90)

Congregation Tifereth Israel 109-18 54th Avenue in Corona

Outside image: Daily News; Interior shot: NY Times

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