Temple B'Nai Israel (New Britain, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temple B'Nai Israel |
|
|---|---|
The former synagogue and Masonic temple, in 2013
|
|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation |
|
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | |
| Status |
|
| Location | |
| Location | 265 West Main Street, New Britain, Connecticut 06052 |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Connecticut
|
|
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Walter P. Crabtree |
| Architectural type | Masonic Hall |
| Architectural style |
|
| Date established | 1889 (as a congregation) |
| Completed |
|
Temple B'Nai Israel is a building in New Britain, Connecticut, USA. It used to be a Jewish synagogue, which is a special place for Jewish people to worship. Before that, it was a Masonic hall, a meeting place for a group called the Masons.
The building is known for its beautiful design, called Beaux-Arts style. It was built in 1929 as a Masonic hall. Then, in 1940, it was changed into a synagogue. In 1995, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical building. Since about 2020, the building has been used as a church.
Contents
Building History and Design
This building is special because of its unique design. It shows a style called Neo-Classical Revival mixed with Beaux-Arts. Imagine grand, classic buildings with fancy details.
Who Designed the Building?
A famous architect named Walter P. Crabtree designed it. He planned it in 1927 to be a Masonic hall. It was finished in 1929. This was right before the Great Depression, a time when money was very hard to find.
How the Building Changed Use
Because of money problems, the Masons sold the building in 1940. A Jewish group called Aheyu B'Nai Israel bought it. They changed it into a synagogue. It was easy to change because both groups needed similar spaces. They both needed offices, meeting rooms, and a large area for gatherings. This change from a Masonic hall to a synagogue is seen as a very successful and unusual change.
Walter P. Crabtree also designed other important buildings in Connecticut. These include the Francis H. Holmes House and the Universalist Church of West Hartford.
Temple B'Nai Israel and the Jewish Community
The building is also important because of its connection to the Jewish community in New Britain.
The Congregation's Beginnings
The Jewish group, or congregation, that used Temple B'Nai Israel started in 1889. It was first an Orthodox group, called Aheyu B'Nai Israel. Orthodox Judaism is a traditional form of the Jewish faith.
In 1924, the congregation changed. It became a Conservative group. Conservative Judaism is another branch of the Jewish faith. Some members who wanted to stay Orthodox left and built a different synagogue, called Tephereth Israel Synagogue.
When the Synagogue Closed
The synagogue closed its doors in the summer of 2007. The special Torah scrolls, which are very important holy books in Judaism, were moved. They went to Jewish student organizations at Trinity College, the University of Hartford, and the University of Connecticut. These scrolls are very valuable.
A Historic Landmark
In 1995, the B'Nai Israel synagogue building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes many important historical places in the United States. It was one of fifteen synagogues in Connecticut added to this list around that time.
What the Building is Used for Now
Since 2020, the building has been used by New Hope at Calvary Church. As of early 2024, the Assemblies of God Fortress City Church uses this historic building for its worship services.
See also
