Bais Rivkah Closes On New Building, Construction Set to Begin

Nearly a year after first going under contract, Bais Rivkah has officially closed on an almost $10 million brand new building at 461 East New York Avenue. The property, located on the same block as the elementary campus, will house the seminary division and help relieve some of the strain on the high school building, which has long been over capacity.

The original contract was signed last year following a major fundraising effort. With the closing complete, the project now enters its construction phase.

The building is currently empty and will undergo a full renovation to convert it into a functional school facility. Plans include the construction and furnishing of classrooms, a library, dining hall, bathrooms, administrative offices, and other essential spaces. The project will also add new ceilings, floors, windows, and doors. A modern security system and elevators will be installed, and the existing structure will be reinforced to meet current safety and educational standards. The total renovation budget is estimated at $800,000. Construction is expected to take about two months, with the seminary scheduled to move in shortly after.

The move is expected to ease some of the crowding in the high school building, where classrooms have been holding more than thirty students each. But administrators acknowledge that the school continues to face significant space challenges, particularly in the elementary division, which has already added more than ten classrooms yet is operating well beyond capacity.

“This has been in the works for a long time,” said Rabbi Sholom Goldstein, Executive Director. “Closing on the building gives us some breathing room and allows the High School and Seminary divisions to function a bit more smoothly. But there’s no question that our space needs are still very real.”

The purchase was made possible through the BRick by BRick campaign and major gifts from donors. Hundreds of contributions enabled the school to follow through on the acquisition after the contract period ended.

“Our donors didn’t just support an idea; they helped secure a building,” said board member Rabbi Mendy Gansburg. “It’s an important step for the school, even as we continue to work on long-term solutions for space.”

“This campaign began as a dream to meet the urgent need for space for our growing student body,” said Rabbi Moshe Pinson, Director of Development. “We are deeply grateful to the Gorowitz Family Foundation and to Rabbi and Mrs. David Fischer for their generosity and vision.

We also want to thank the Bais Rivkah Board for their constant dedication, effort, and personal support, as well as our entire community of parents, principals, teachers, and students who stood together throughout this process.

Their combined commitment has brought us to this point. Our focus now is raising the remaining $800,000 to complete renovations and get the building ready for students.”

With construction underway, Bais Rivkah has opened dedication opportunities throughout the new seminary building. Classrooms, lounges, offices, and other spaces can be named in honor or memory of loved ones.

“This building represents the future of Bais Rivkah,” Rabbi Goldstein said. “Every dedication tells a story and leaves a mark that will last for generations.”

For more information about dedication opportunities and ways to contribute, please contact Yossi Kahana at [email protected] or 718-208-8258.

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