Temple B'Nai Israel (New Britain, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temple B'Nai Israel |
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The former synagogue and Masonic temple, in 2013
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| Religion | |
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| Location | |
| Location | 265 West Main Street, New Britain, Connecticut 06052 |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Connecticut
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Walter P. Crabtree |
| Architectural type | Masonic Hall |
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| Date established | 1889 (as a congregation) |
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Temple B'Nai Israel is a historic building in New Britain, Connecticut. It used to be a Jewish synagogue and before that, a Masonic hall. Today, it is used as a church. You can find it at 265 West Main Street.
This building was first built in 1929. It has a special design style called Beaux-Arts. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. This list helps protect important historical places in the United States.
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The Building's Journey
This building is a great example of the Neo-Classical Revival style. It also shows elements of the Beaux-Arts style. An architect named Walter P. Crabtree designed it in 1927. It was finished in 1929.
From Masonic Hall to Synagogue
The building was first made for a group called the Masons. They are a fraternal organization. But soon after it was built, a big economic downturn called the Great Depression happened. 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. Both groups needed similar spaces, like offices and large meeting rooms. So, it was easy to change the building for its new use. This change is seen as a successful and unusual way to reuse a building.
Architect Walter P. Crabtree also designed other important buildings. These include the Francis H. Holmes House in New Britain. He also designed the Universalist Church of West Hartford. Both of these are also on the National Register of Historic Places.
A Place for the Jewish Community
The building is also important because of its connection to the Jewish community in New Britain. The Temple B'Nai Israel congregation started in 1889. It was first an Orthodox group. In 1924, the congregation changed to Conservative.
Some members who wanted to stay Orthodox left the group. They then built their own synagogue, called Tephereth Israel Synagogue.
The Temple B'Nai Israel synagogue closed its doors in 2007. Its special Torah scrolls were given to Jewish student organizations. These groups were at Trinity College, the University of Hartford, and the University of Connecticut.
National Recognition
While it was still a synagogue, the B'Nai Israel building was recognized as historically important. It was one of fifteen synagogues in Connecticut added to the National Register of Historic Places. This happened in 1995 and 1996.
Current Use
The building has been used as a church since around 2020. In early 2024, the Assemblies of God Fortress City Church was holding services in this historic building.
See also
