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 building where people gather to worship. It's located in a small community called Spring Glen. This community is part of the Town of Wawarsing in Ulster County, New York. The synagogue was one of the very first Jewish places of worship built in the Catskill area. It's still an active and important place for the community today.
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History of the Spring Glen Synagogue
Early Jewish Settlers
Around the early 1900s, a man named Sam Meyerson bought land in the Spring Glen area. He was the first Jewish person to live there. His neighbors, who were all Christians, decided to welcome him. They became friends with him.
Soon, more Jewish families moved to the area. Because of this, a Jewish congregation was officially started in 1908. A congregation is a group of people who come together for religious worship.
Building a Place of Worship
At first, the Jewish congregation met at the local Episcopal church. But by the early 1910s, many more Jewish families were buying summer homes nearby. The members realized they needed their own place to worship.
In July 1916, the community celebrated the dedication of their Torah scrolls. These are very important holy books in Judaism. Two local non-Jewish men, Wells C. Smith and John Thornton, even bought a Bible for the congregation.
The synagogue building itself was constructed during 1917. It was finished in 1918. It's a small white house with blue trim. It has wooden Stars of David decorations.
The Synagogue's Role in the Community
In 1920, the congregation officially became an organized group. The synagogue was open every morning and afternoon for prayers. Members of the community also helped keep the synagogue going. They held important events there, like weddings, bar mitzvahs (coming-of-age ceremonies for boys), and Yom Tov (holy days).
The building has not changed much since it was built. In the 1960s, some aluminum siding was added. New bathrooms were also put in. In 1999, the Spring Glen Synagogue was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
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