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Read the press release here.

Burned-Out UES Synagogue to Be Gutted Saturday

By DNAinfo Staff on July 15, 2011 4:36pm

UPPER EAST SIDE — The Kehilath Jeshurun Synagogue, destroyed by fire earlier this week, will be gutted on Saturday, according to a letter released by the temple to the community.

Two cranes are expected to be stationed in front of the synagogue on East 85th Street between Park and Lexington avenues to remove debris from the building’s roof and interior, the letter said. The debris removal was mandated by the Department of Buildings.

Kenny Rochlin, director of institutional advancement at The Ramaz School, which is affiliated with the synagogue, said speedy removal of the debris is necessary to ensure the structural stability of the sanctuary.

Rochlin said he hoped Saturday’s activity would allow for a timely reopening of the block, which has been closed to car traffic since the fire.

“It’s a major cross street,” Rochlin said. “So it is in everybody’s interest to have this sorted out.”

More than 100 congregants gathered to mourn the temple’s destruction Tuesday evening.