 In its early years , the congregation 's financial situation was precarious . The building was located ten blocks from where most of the congregants and potential congregants lived ( on Grand Street , near the ferry docks ) , and attendance was low . Even on the High Holy Days , the sanctuary was rarely more than half full . The synagogue employed a rabbi , <unk> , and cantor , and annual expenses often exceeded the congregation 's income ( which came primarily from the sale of seats ) . To remain solvent , the congregation borrowed money against the equity in the building : $ 2 @,@ 000 ( today $ 53 @,@ 000 ) in 1888 , and another $ 2 @,@ 000 in 1894 . 
