Temple Beth Israel (Danielson, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temple Beth Israel |
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The former synagogue building, now museum, in 2014
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation |
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| Ecclesiastical or organisational status |
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| Ownership | Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society |
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| Location | |
| Location | 39 Killingly Drive, Danielson, Connecticut 06239 |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Connecticut
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| Architecture | |
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| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style | Modernist |
| Date established | unknown (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1961 |
Temple Beth Israel is an old building in Danielson, Connecticut. It used to be a synagogue, which is a Jewish place of worship. The building was designed by architect William Riseman. It was built between 1951 and 1961.
This building is special because it's one of the first Modernist synagogues in Connecticut. Many people who helped build it were survivors of a difficult time in history. The synagogue was officially opened on June 5, 1961. In 2003, the Jewish community here joined with another one in Putnam.
In 2013, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Since 2009, it has been a cultural and historical center. A group called the Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society takes care of it.
Building Design and History
Temple Beth Israel is in a neighborhood near Danielson's main business area. It's a two-story building made mostly of concrete and stone. It has a wide, sloped roof with parts that stick out.
The top floor has many windows on three sides. The bottom floor has a meeting area and other rooms. The main worship area, called the sanctuary, is on the upper level.
How the Synagogue Started
After World War II, only a few Jewish families lived in Danielson. They held religious meetings in their homes. Then, many Jewish people who had survived a very hard time in Europe came to Danielson. They moved there with help from a charity called the Jewish Agriculture Association.
The families already living there and the new arrivals decided to build a synagogue together. A woman named Mary Riseman donated the stone for the building. Her son, William Riseman, was an architect from Boston. He designed the building for free.
Construction started in 1951. People held services in the basement while they raised money to finish the rest of the building. The synagogue was officially opened in 1961. This building is important because it was the first synagogue in Connecticut built in the modern style.
Changes Over Time
The Jewish community at Temple Beth Israel included both Orthodox and Conservative members. They often had different rabbis come to lead their services. Over the years, the number of members slowly became smaller. This happened as people got older or moved away.
In 2003, the Temple Beth Israel community joined with another Jewish community in Putnam. They formed a new group called B'nai Shalom. In 2008, this new group decided not to use the Temple Beth Israel building anymore.
A group of people then created a special society to save the building. They turned it into a cultural and historical center. This center helps to remember and share the history of Jewish people in the area.
See also
