Demolition is underway at a historic synagogue in Bedford-Stuyvesant. A fire destroyed the temple in 2017, but faith leaders say the congregation still thrives.

"In the spirit of the Hebrew people, we survived," said Rabbi Baruch Yehudah, who is the spiritual leader for the roughly 200 members of B'nai Adath Kol Beth Yisrael congregation.

Yehudah says that since the fire, the congregation has worshiped in borrowed spaces, including in a private home.

"We've had families that depend on us for years and throughout the generations," Yehudah said.

The temple was home to the oldest Black Jewish congregation in Brooklyn. Originally founded in 1954, B'nai Adath Kol Beth Yisrael occupied several spaces before moving to Greene Street 58 years ago.

But after a fire caused by a contractor repairing the roof, the city's Department of Buildings (DOB) issued a full vacate order.

"You have to have faith. It doesn't matter what you believe in, you have to have faith. That's why we're here. You got to believe in something important and this is important," said Semkah Yehuda, a member of the congregation.

Synagogue leadership has struggled to raise the necessary funds to rebuild the temple, leading to the city's decision to tear it down.

City contractors estimate that the demolition process will take two or three weeks.

"The whole story of the Israelite people is one of triumph and setback," Yehudah said.

He looks to the temple's scripture and scrolls, which crews salvaged from the fire, as inspiration, and he is still hopeful.

"We anticipate being right back on this corner, continuing doing what Hebrew people do," Yehudah said.

The rabbi is now working with an architectural firm to come up with plans to someday redevelop the site.