Museum at Eldridge Street — Attraction in New York

It's hard to encapsulate the beauty and excellence of the experience I had here in words. It truly is a treasure, to be enjoyed not just by those of Jewish heritage, but by all people.We decided to hike on over here just because we had a few hours to kill, and we were so thoroughly glad we did. As soon as we walked through the door, we were greeted by friendly people. We signed up for the tour, which was very reasonably priced at only $14 per person. Then we were asked if we would like to view a short film while we waited the 30 minutes for our tour to begin. We accepted of course, and were treated to a private showing of a very nice video that explained the background of the Eldridge St Synagogue, its lapse into disrepair, and its glorious restoration into the breathtaking museum it is today. After the film was over, we perused a small gallery until the tour began, and that was the start of the REAL magic.

Our tour guide's name was John, and he really made the experience fantastic. He was very knowledgeable and eloquent, very polite and never condescending to us, which I especially appreciated because I know next to nothing about Orthodox Judaism. Yet he was there to educate me, and explain everything in a way that was concise, easy to understand, and respectful to all. Our tour took us through the basement, which was where the congregation worshipped when the main sanctuary was closed down, up the stairs to the main floor, now painstakingly restored to its original handcrafted grandeur, and finally up into the balcony level, from which we could survey the building in its entirety. I won't repeat here any of the interesting information I learned while I was at the Eldridge St Museum, as I could never do justice to the perfection that was John's tour. All I can say is that I strongly suggest that you go and take the tour yourself.

In closing I would like to state that I am not a religious man, and I'm a Gentile to boot. I rarely visit sacred spaces. But while I was here, the beauty of the building, the quality of John's oration, and the sense of history that saturated the entire monument instilled in me a very strong spiritual feeling. Even now, recounting the experience, I feel a bit emotional. The importance of history, the understanding and overcoming of obstacles, and the unity of all humankind are showcased in a very tangible way here. Bravo to John, and long live this...

Visiting the NYC Barber Museum was an unforgettable experience! I was initially drawn to the museum out of curiosity, and I’m so glad I decided to book an appointment. As soon as I entered, I felt like I was transported back in time, surrounded by an impressive collection of barber antiques and memorabilia. Arthur Rubinoff, the founder, is an incredible barber with a wealth of knowledge about the history of his craft. During my royal haircut, he not only gave me a fantastic style but also shared fascinating stories about how barbershops played a crucial role in men’s social lives for centuries. 👑

The entire experience was more than just a grooming session; it felt like a rite of passage. Arthur's attention to detail and his passion for barbering truly set him apart. He made sure I was comfortable and satisfied with every aspect of the haircut. Plus, I loved learning about the various tools and artifacts on display—they each have their own unique story.

What makes this place even more special is that it operates as a non-profit, supporting community initiatives like the Free Angel's Day Care Center. Knowing that my visit contributed to a good cause made the experience even more rewarding. If you’re in New York City, make sure to stop by the NYC Barber Museum. It’s a unique blend of history, art, and top-notch grooming that you won’t...

This is a truly beautiful and historic building, reminiscent of a Gothic cathedral on a scaled-down level. We went for insight into Jewish history in this part of New York, but it became quickly apparent that the aesthetic value of this building is worth the visit no matter who you are. The interior of the building is literally a work of art. The restored walls are almost entirely faux-finished to represent wood, marble, and intricate carvings. The original round window at the front of the synagogue has been replaced with a lovely piece of contemporary glass art, made in a unique way that substitutes clear glass for lead in the composition. This gives the work a very ethereal feel and a touch of the present and future in a building that preserves the past so elegantly. Glass cases house historic menorahs of unusual style, beautiful documents, and a Torah housed in filigreed silver. Restored wooden pews and antique lighting give the interior a warm, welcoming glow. The history of this building is also the history of immigrants who settled in this part of New York, which is as timely as it is fascinating. It is well worth preserving this place and places like it so the world can see these slices of a time gone by and the contributions of those who have...