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The historic Eldridge Street Synagogue on the Lower East Side - the nation's first Eastern European Jewish temple - is celebrating its 125th anniversary, after 20 years and $20 million in renovations.
The work included restoration of its stained-glass windows and 50-foot ceiling, refurbished wooden pews to its ark and bimah, a platform where the Torah is read, and a majestic brass chandelier. The project was paid for by private donations - from individuals, foundations and cultural institutions - and New York City, which funded a third of the project, said Amy Stein-Milford, museum deputy director.
The Orthodox synagogue, whose sanctuary is a museum, opened in 1887 in what was then a thriving Jewish neighborhood.
Barry Feldman, 73, a retired New York City school superintendent and social studies teacher, who gives tours of the synagogue, said he was always confident...