Congregation Beth Israel (Hartford, Connecticut)

Biographical notes:

Congregation Beth Israel, Hartford, Connecticut

Congregation Beth Israel was founded in 1843 and is Connecticut's oldest synagogue. Originally established as an Orthodox congregation, the synagogue eventually converted to Reform and was one of the founding members of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (Union for Reform Judaism) in 1877. In 1854, the Ladies' Deborah Society was established, which operated as a charitable group within the synagogue. Until 1856, the congregation met in congregants' homes and buildings throughout the city. The first building to house the synagogue, "Touro Hall," was also the first synagogue in Hartford, but was partially destroyed by fire in 1875. The synagogue then moved to Charter Oak Avenue, where it remained until 1935. In 1868, the synagogue purchased land on Zion Hill for their cemetery, which was dedicated in 1874. The current synagogue building is on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford.

1843 Congregation established in Hartford. 1847 Rev. Moses L. Strauss is contracted as ritual slaughterer and cantor. 1847 Congregation meets at the home of A. Rothenberg on Mill Street. 1848 1850 Congregation meets in a hall on Main Street. 1848 1850 David Engel is the first sexton. 1849 Mr. L. Mossbacher is hired as the first teacher for the religious school. 1850 1857 Meets in "Potter's Building" at 15 Market Street. 1853 Constitution and by-laws drafted. 1854 Ladies' Deborah Society established. 1854 Lot on Pearl Street purchased for synagogue building. The congregation later exchanges this land for the North Baptist Church on Main Street. 1856 "Touro Hall" becomes the first synagogue in Hartford. 1856 Rev. Isaac Meyer becomes the first Rabbi of the Congregation. 1856 The first choir is introduced, and family pews are established. 1865 Touro Hall is remodeled and enlarged. 1867 Rev. M.S. Weiner becomes Rabbi. 1868 Lots on Zion Hill are purchased for cemetery.

Footnote

1 Information for this administrative sketch is from the following resources: "History." Congregation Beth Israel. August 17, 2010 ( http://www.cbict.org/whoWeAre/index.html ) Materials from the collection.

From the guide to the Congregation Beth Israel (Hartford, Connecticut), records, 1920-1999, (American Jewish Historical Society)

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Subjects:

  • Reform Judaism

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not available for this record

Places:

  • West Hartford (Conn.) (as recorded)
  • Hartford (Conn.) (as recorded)

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