A historic Skverer bais medrash that served for decades as a central hub of the chassidus will be completely demolished after engineers and other experts determined that the building is structurally unsafe, three weeks after a large section of its ceiling suddenly collapsed.
The final decision was reached Monday following an extensive examination of the old bais medrash in New Square by architects, engineers and structural experts. Their assessment found serious concerns regarding the stability of the building, leaving no viable alternative to demolishing the structure in its entirety.
Several weeks ago, a large portion of the ceiling on the southern side of the old ezras nashim suddenly crashed down onto the benches below. B’chasdei Hashem, no one was in the immediate area when the ceiling collapsed, and there were no injuries. Hatzolah volunteers rushed to the scene, conducted extensive searches and confirmed that no one had been hurt.
The building carries considerable historical significance for Skverer chassidim, having served as the center of the chassidus for decades. It stands adjacent to the massive new bais medrash that has recently been completed. In recent years, most major events had already shifted to the new building, while the older structure continued to accommodate smaller minyanim, shtieblach and brissim.
The old building has remained completely closed since the collapse. Community askanim now say its full demolition is expected to take place over the coming months.
Before the structural problems emerged, plans called for the old bais medrash to be converted into a dedicated heichal hatishen following completion of the new building. Those plans have now been abandoned entirely in light of the engineers’ findings.
One exceptionally significant part of the historic structure, however, will be carefully preserved. Skverer askanim stressed that the demolition will not affect the historic private tefillah room of the previous Skverer Rebbe, which has stood at the site for more than 60 years.
The room has a remarkable history of its own. During a devastating fire that destroyed the original bais medrash in the 1960s, the entire structure was consumed by flames — with the striking exception of the Rebbe’s tefillah room. The outside of the room’s door was completely blackened by the fire, while the interior remained untouched.
At the time, the Skverer Rebbe famously explained what had occurred with a simple observation: “Is this a wonder? Here in this room, no one talks during davening.”
Because of the room’s historic and spiritual importance, extraordinary precautions will be taken to ensure that it remains intact and unharmed throughout the demolition process.
Skverer askanim are now preparing for the next stage, which will involve clearing the remainder of the site and determining its future use in accordance with the recommendations and safety requirements established by the engineering professionals.
{Matzav.com}
