Jewish life in Brownsville, East New York, Flatbush-East Flatbush, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and other nearby areas of Brooklyn through the 1950s was a lively, rich, and varied environment. During the next few decades it dissipated greatly. As Jews moved to other areas, they left behind their synagogues. Avotaynu's latest book, The Lost Synagogues of Brooklyn, is a photographic essay of these ex-shuls; it tells what happened to them and how they appear today. Many became churches whose facades still have Jewish symbols. The book offers photographs, interviews and analyses on 91 of these former Jewish houses of worship. Some have been faithfully preserved while others are in disrepair. Described in the book are memories of Jews who belonged to these old congregations as well as the Christians who now fill the pews. This is supported by extensive research and stirring stories. Author Ellen Levitt is a life-long Brooklynite who has delved into a subject dear to her. Some of the photographs featured in this book were part of her photography exhibit at the Brooklyn Historical Society, which ran from November 2006 through February 2007. She also lectured on this subject to the Society. The exhibit and lecture were the genesis for The Lost Synagogues of Brooklyn. Additional information as well as the Table of Contents and a sample page can be found at: http://www.avotaynu.com/books/LostSynagogues.htm I hope this information is useful or, at least, interesting. Regards, Walter Greenspan Great Falls, MT & Jericho, NY </HTML>