Tour the TWO remaining grand synagogues left in this iconic neighborhood, the cradle of American Jewish civilization. One is the first synagogue in America purpose-built by immigrants from Eastern Europe, and the other a former church, believed to be a site on the Underground Railroad. We start our tour at the Bialystoker Synagogue, the largest active Orthodox congregation on the Lower East Side today, famous for its colorful murals representing the signs of the zodiac, and Tiffany inspired glass windows, and end at the Museum at Eldridge Street, known for its magnificent restoration and breathtaking East Window designed by artist Kiki Smith and architect Deborah Gans. In between these two building tours we will walk down historic East Broadway, discussing The Henry Street Settlement, Lillian Wald, The Educational Alliance, Shteiblach Row, Seward Park, Rutgers Square, The Forward building, and more!

Your guide for this tour is Svetlana Kershtein, a professional tour guide who has worked on three continents and holds a a Masters degree in History, specializing in the history of the ancient world.

Born in Russia, she emigrated to Israel where she worked as a licensed tour guide for 11 years. Svetlana's passion for Jewish history, art, music, and cuisine is reflected in her popular tours. She is fluent in three languages (Russian, Hebrew, and English).