Ohev Sholem Synagogue (New London, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ohev Sholem Synagogue |
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The former synagogue, now community center, in 2012
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism (former) |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue (1920–1974) |
| Status | Closed (as a synagogue) |
| Location | |
| Location | 109 Blinman Street, New London, Connecticut |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Connecticut
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Dudley St. Clair Donnelly |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
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| General contractor |
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| Date established | c. 1916 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1920 |
The Ohev Sholem Synagogue is a historic building in New London, Connecticut. It used to be a Jewish synagogue, a special place for Jewish worship. Today, it serves as a community center.
The building was constructed between 1919 and 1920. It shows off beautiful architectural styles, like Classical Revival and Colonial Revival. It was used as a synagogue until 1974. After that, a Latino community group bought the building.
In 1995, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. It was part of a group of fifteen historic synagogues in Connecticut that were listed at the same time.
Contents
What the Building Looks Like
The Ohev Sholem building is located in New London, on Blinman Street. It's a two-story building made of red brick. The main entrance has two doors with a column between them. These doors are set inside a rounded archway.
Above the doors, there's a large round window. This window is also part of a big brick arch. On each side of this arch, there are two smaller windows. The top of the building has a unique stepped arch design.
Inside the Synagogue
When you go inside, you first enter a small area called a vestibule. Stairs from here lead up to what used to be a gallery. This gallery is now used as offices. The main worship area, called the sanctuary, still has an old chandelier. There's also a special space where the Torah ark would have been. The Torah ark is where the holy Torah scrolls are kept.
History of Ohev Sholem
The Ohev Sholem group started around 1916. It began as a way for Jewish people in the area to help those who were sick or needed care. This group bought the land for the synagogue in 1916. Construction on the building began in 1919.
The architect who designed the building was Dudley St. Clair Donnelly. The builders were Samuel Brody, a carpenter, and Thomas Occhialini, a mason. All of them were from New London. The building is important because of its unique mix of older architectural styles.
Changes Over Time
In 1974, the Ohev Sholem congregation joined with another group. At that time, the building was sold. It became a community center for a Latino organization called La Centro de Comunidad. When the building changed hands, some Jewish symbols, like a Star of David that might have been in the round window, were probably removed.
National Recognition
The former Ohev Sholem Synagogue building is one of many important historic synagogues in Connecticut. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. This was part of a big effort to recognize many historic synagogues in the state.
See also
