Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Orthodox Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 15-17 Edgefield Avenue, Woodmont, Milford, Connecticut |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Connecticut
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| Architecture | |
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| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| Date established | 1920 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1926 |
The Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont is a special building called a synagogue in Woodmont, Milford, Connecticut. It's a place where people who follow Orthodox Judaism gather to worship. This historic synagogue was built in 1926 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 because of its importance. It used to be a popular spot for families visiting the beach in the summer.
About the Synagogue Building
This synagogue is a small building made of wood. It was designed in a style called Colonial Revival, which was common for buildings in small towns in New England. It was built for Jewish families who spent their summers at the beach. Later, in 1946, a social hall was added next to it, where people could gather for events.
In 2012, a fire caused by an electrical problem badly damaged the synagogue. Luckily, plans were quickly made to fix both the main worship area, built in 1926, and the social hall from 1946. The social hall, which had only minor damage, was repaired in time for the High Holy Days in 2013.
This building is one of fifteen synagogues in Connecticut that were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This happened in 1995 and 1996, after a special request to recognize many historic synagogues at once.
The Congregation's History
The group of people who formed the congregation started meeting in 1920. Back then, they would gather during the summer months at the vacation home of Rabbi Yehuda Heschel Levenberg.
They began building their own synagogue in 1926, and it was ready for the summer vacation season of 1927. A summer Sunday school for children opened in 1936, and the social hall was built in 1946.
By the early 2000s, fewer people were spending their summers at the beach, and the congregation became smaller. In 2007, they hired Rabbi Schneur and Chanie Wilhelm from the Chabad movement. The hope was that they could attract enough members to make the Hebrew Congregation a place of worship all year round. By 2014, services were being held every week on the Sabbath and during Jewish holidays throughout the year.
See Also
