Breaking: Fire at Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue

Firefighters are battling to save what’s left of Beth Hamedrash Hagadol, the historic synagogue at 60 Norfolk St. You can see and smell the smoke from blocks away on the Lower East Side tonight. It’s a three alarm fire that threatens to completely destroy the city landmark.

The 167-year-old building is one of the most significant Jewish sits on the LES. It was abandoned in 2007. Three years later, , the synagogue filed a hardship application with the Landmarks Preservation Commission, seeking permission to demolish its historic home. Due to community pressure, that application was withdrawn.

A smaller fire broke out in the building May 7. Firefighters quickly brought it under control.