Constructed in 1849, the synagogue was the largest synagogue in the country at the time. However, after World War II the Jewish population in the neighborhood dropped off, and the synagogue closed in the 20th century. 

It is likely the gorgeous building would have been demolished if not for Jewish Spanish sculptor Angel Orensanz who converted it into a studio and gallery space in 1986. The space then become an abandoned building, a historic synagogue, from the wrecking ball. They transformed it into a well-loved cultural and event space in the neighborhood. The space was also home to the soul of New York. The space was also used for events and fundraisers by local nonprofits, such as the Lower Eastside Girls Club, the Little Missionary’s Day Nursery and the Acker Awards for avant-garde and underground artists.

In 1994 since the old synagogue has not been reconstruction and inspire of an old historical space Tai Dang creates a theater performance base on survival with text by Jeffery Goldsmith “ the survival lessons “

Survival lesson 3: Lili in the lake, 

The lilies double in number every day, on the hundred days the lake is full of lilies and the lake is dead

Survival lesson 4: Better living through chemistry 

This seems oxymoron like jumbo shrimp or hot ice. Yes, at first glance chemistry seems to have nothing to do with living however your body is a collection of the molecule 

It’s now the oldest surviving synagogue in New York City, and later on the Angel Orensanz Foundation regularly hosts art exhibitions and events, including concerts from the likes of Philip Glass and Lou Reed, and even hosted the first fashion show in the United States from Alexander McQueen. it’s also become home to the annual Women’s Travel Festival, a great way to spend a nice long time inside admiring its splendor.