HISTORY: Demolition Begins at Old Skverer Beis Medrash in New Square

Demolition of the old Skverer Beis Medrash in New Square began Tuesday, with heavy equipment taking down the building to make way for a new Heichal HaTorah and Tish Shteeb. 

The old Beis Medrash was closed in August after a section of the ceiling collapsed in the older ezras nashim and minyanim area. No injuries were reported. Following an inspection that found the building structurally unsafe, its minyanim, shiurim and other activities were moved to the new main Beis Medrash nearby.

The replacement complex is planned to include an expansive Heichal HaTorah on the first floor, with a Tish Shteeb above for tishen, simchos and gatherings. Ahead of the demolition, the old Beis Medrash was formally sold through a halachic procedure arranged by the community's rabbonim and dayanim.

The demolition work is being carried out by Presco, a company specializing in demolition.

As Rockland Daily previously reported, the demolition brings closures around the site, including the parking lot. Truman Avenue will be closed at various times and otherwise restricted to narrow, one-way passage, with no parking. The main Truman Avenue entrance to the new Beis Medrash is closed during the week, including Friday, and is scheduled to open on Shabbos. Parents have been urged to keep children away from the fenced-off demolition area.