The man, who routinely prays at the Chabad Upper East Side synagogue on East 77th Street near 1st Avenue, had to be rescued when his leg slid into the pool’s shaft-way while workers were cleaning the tiles around 9:30 a.m., a spokeswoman at the synagogue said.
“He went downstairs and he slipped. He is bruised but he will be fine,” said the woman, who did not wish to give a name.
The man’s leg became lodged in the 3-foot by 3-foot shaft leading into the ritual pool that is approximately 10-feet deep, fire officials said.
“It was scary but thank god nothing serious happened, we are very thankful for that,” the woman said.
Members of the Synagogue rushed to his side and immediately dialed 911.
EMS and FDNY removed the man to New York Hospital.
“He is alert and conscious and fine, and he will be home tonight so we are happy about that,” added the spokeswoman.