Spring Glen Synagogue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spring Glen Synagogue |
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Front (west) elevation and north profile, 2007
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Old Route 209, Spring Glen, Wawarsing, New York 12428 |
| Country | United States |
| Architecture | |
| Date established | 1908 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1918 |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | West |
| Materials | Wood, aluminum |
The Spring Glen Synagogue is a special Jewish place of worship called a synagogue. It's located along Old US 209 in the small community of Spring Glen. This area is part of the Town of Wawarsing in Ulster County, New York.
This synagogue was one of the first Jewish places of worship built in the Catskill region. It is still used today by the Jewish community for prayers and gatherings.
Contents
History of the Synagogue
Early Jewish Community
The first Jewish person to live in the Spring Glen area was Sam Meyerson. He bought land there shortly after the year 1900. His neighbors, who were all Christians, decided to welcome and befriend him.
After Sam, more Jewish families moved to the area. Because of this, a formal Jewish group, called a congregation, was officially started in 1908.
Building a Place of Worship
Before they had their own building, the Jewish congregation met at the local Episcopal church in Spring Glen. By the early 1910s, many more Jewish families were buying summer homes nearby. The members realized they needed their own special place to worship.
In July 1916, an important event happened: the Torah scrolls were officially dedicated. Torah scrolls are sacred texts in Judaism. Two local non-Jewish people, Wells C. Smith (the train station manager) and John Thornton (the post office manager), bought a Bible and gave it to the congregation as a gift.
Construction and Completion
Throughout most of 1917, a small white house was being built in the middle of Spring Glen. This house was made of clapboard wood and had blue trim. It was decorated with wooden Stars of David, which is a Jewish symbol.
The construction was finished in 1918, and this building became the Spring Glen Synagogue.
The Synagogue's Role in the Community
In 1920, the congregation officially became a recognized organization. The synagogue was open every morning and afternoon for prayers. Members of the community helped keep it going, especially during the off-season when fewer people were around.
They did this by holding important events like weddings, bar mitzvahs (a special coming-of-age ceremony for boys), and Yom Tov (Jewish holidays) there.
Later Changes and Recognition
Since it was built, the synagogue building has not changed much. In the 1960s, some aluminum siding was added to the outside, and bathrooms were put inside. These changes were made carefully to keep the building's original look.
In 1999, the Spring Glen Synagogue was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical building in the United States.
See also
