Congregation Ahavath Achim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congregation Ahavath Achim |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Modern Orthodox Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Peretz Robinson (part-time) |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Fairfield, Connecticut 06825 |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Connecticut
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Leonard Asheim (1926) |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style | 1926:
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| General contractor | E. & F. Construction Company |
| Date established | 1904 (as a congregation) |
| Completed |
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Congregation Ahavath Achim is a Jewish congregation and synagogue located in Fairfield, Connecticut, in the United States. Its name comes from the Hebrew words for "Brotherly Love." This congregation follows Modern Orthodox Judaism, which is a branch of Judaism.
The congregation started in 1904. Its first synagogue building was finished in 1926 in Bridgeport. The congregation moved out of this building in the 1960s. After that, the building was used as a Christian church.
This old synagogue building in Bridgeport was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 11, 1995. This means it is recognized as an important historical place.
History of the Congregation
Congregation Ahavath Achim was started in Bridgeport in 1904. It was created for the many Hungarian Jewish families who had moved to the city's West End area. At first, the members met in each other's homes.
Early Buildings
The congregation later moved to a more permanent spot on Cherry Street. This building was unfortunately destroyed by a fire in 1910. However, it was quickly rebuilt.
In 1926, the congregation moved to a new building on Hancock Avenue in Bridgeport. This building was designed by an architect named Leonard Asheim. It is a special example of Colonial Revival and Georgian Revival styles. These styles often include features like columns and arched windows.
Moving to Fairfield
As the Jewish community grew in Fairfield, the congregation decided to move there in the 1950s. They built a new synagogue on Stratfield Road. Construction for this building took place from 1958 to 1963. The new synagogue was officially opened in 1964.
In 1985, Congregation Ahavath Achim joined with another group called Congregation Adath Yeshurun. Later, in 1995, the synagogue building was updated and made bigger. This was done to make space for Hillel Academy, which was a Jewish day school for the community. The school closed in 2010 because not enough students were enrolled.
In 2017, the congregation sold its Stratfield Road synagogue building. The land is now being used to build a new living center for older adults. Since late 2017, the congregation has been using rented spaces for its services and activities.
See also
- History of Bridgeport, Connecticut
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Bridgeport, Connecticut
External links
