Jew4Life
07-14-2005, 04:38 PM
Corona temple given 2 grants
900G for synagogue restoration
Nearly $1 million has been allocated to restore the only Queens synagogue that is on the state and national registers of historic places, officials announced this week.
First, a $700,000 grant for the Tifereth Israel synagogue of Corona was announced Tuesday by Borough President Helen Marshall.
Then, $200,000 state grant to rehabilitate the nearly century-old temple was announced by Merrill Hesch of the state's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The $700,000 grant will be used to restore the basement area of Tifereth Israel, including refurbishing a kitchen, wiring and plumbing, while the $200,000 will be used to repair the roof and windows, create a second fire exit and restore the original shingle siding. It requires matching funds, said Rabbi Khaimov Amnun.
Amnun said the Orthodox congregation of Bukharian Jews, on 54th Ave. near Corona Ave., has approximately 200 members, mostly immigrants from Central Asia who live in Corona and Forest Hills.
Est?e Lauder, founder of the cosmetic company, worshiped at the synagogue with her husband, Joseph, as did her parents, Rose and Max Mentzer, who owned a hardware store in the neighborhood.
"There are so many things that need to be fixed here," said Marshall in announcing her grant. "They need so much help here, so I am delighted to participate and we will keep on trying to help and make sure this place becomes a beautiful new synagogue where people can come and worship."
In 1999, the two-story wood-and-stucco building was given a Queensmark award by the Queens Historical Society in recognition of its historical and architectural merit.
And in 2002, Tifereth Israel was placed on the state Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places - the nation's official list of properties worthy of preservation - by the National Parks Service.
Since 1998, the New York Landmarks Conservancy has worked with Tifereth Israel to help secure funding. The Conservancy also provided $23,000 in funding through its Sacred Sites program.
Sacred Sites, said Conservancy President Peg Green, "tells you our history. They provide our cultural value and they matter to people far beyond the congregations that go in them. These are some of the most important buildings in all our communities."
Harold Baron, a leader in the restoration effort and past president of the Queens Jewish Community Council, said: "This old building has a special place in the hearts of Queens Jews."
"It was and is home to a vital congregation and at the same time is a reminder of an earlier time when Corona had a large and active Jewish presence," Baron said.
Originaly published on July 14, 2005
900G for synagogue restoration
Nearly $1 million has been allocated to restore the only Queens synagogue that is on the state and national registers of historic places, officials announced this week.
First, a $700,000 grant for the Tifereth Israel synagogue of Corona was announced Tuesday by Borough President Helen Marshall.
Then, $200,000 state grant to rehabilitate the nearly century-old temple was announced by Merrill Hesch of the state's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The $700,000 grant will be used to restore the basement area of Tifereth Israel, including refurbishing a kitchen, wiring and plumbing, while the $200,000 will be used to repair the roof and windows, create a second fire exit and restore the original shingle siding. It requires matching funds, said Rabbi Khaimov Amnun.
Amnun said the Orthodox congregation of Bukharian Jews, on 54th Ave. near Corona Ave., has approximately 200 members, mostly immigrants from Central Asia who live in Corona and Forest Hills.
Est?e Lauder, founder of the cosmetic company, worshiped at the synagogue with her husband, Joseph, as did her parents, Rose and Max Mentzer, who owned a hardware store in the neighborhood.
"There are so many things that need to be fixed here," said Marshall in announcing her grant. "They need so much help here, so I am delighted to participate and we will keep on trying to help and make sure this place becomes a beautiful new synagogue where people can come and worship."
In 1999, the two-story wood-and-stucco building was given a Queensmark award by the Queens Historical Society in recognition of its historical and architectural merit.
And in 2002, Tifereth Israel was placed on the state Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places - the nation's official list of properties worthy of preservation - by the National Parks Service.
Since 1998, the New York Landmarks Conservancy has worked with Tifereth Israel to help secure funding. The Conservancy also provided $23,000 in funding through its Sacred Sites program.
Sacred Sites, said Conservancy President Peg Green, "tells you our history. They provide our cultural value and they matter to people far beyond the congregations that go in them. These are some of the most important buildings in all our communities."
Harold Baron, a leader in the restoration effort and past president of the Queens Jewish Community Council, said: "This old building has a special place in the hearts of Queens Jews."
"It was and is home to a vital congregation and at the same time is a reminder of an earlier time when Corona had a large and active Jewish presence," Baron said.
Originaly published on July 14, 2005