Temple Beth Israel (Hartford, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temple Beth Israel (1876) |
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|---|---|
The former synagogue, now cultural center,
in Hartford, in 2010 |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation |
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| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | |
| Status |
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| Location | |
| Location | 21 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Connecticut
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | George Keller |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style |
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| Date established | 1843 (as a congregation) |
| Groundbreaking | September 28, 1875 |
| Completed | 1876 |
| Construction cost | $35,567 |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | North |
| Capacity | 600 worshipers |
| Length | 85 feet (26 m) |
| Width | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Dome(s) | Two |
| Materials | Red brick; brownstone |
Temple Beth Israel is an old building in Hartford, Connecticut. Its name means "House of Israel" in Hebrew. People sometimes call it the Charter Oak Temple.
This building used to be a synagogue, which is a Jewish place of worship. Later, it became a church. Today, it is a cultural center where different events happen. You can find it at 21 Charter Oak Avenue in Hartford.
The Jewish group that built it, called Congregation Beth Israel, started in 1843. This makes it one of the oldest Jewish groups in Connecticut. The group moved to West Hartford in 1936. It is now one of the biggest Reform Jewish groups in New England, with about 900 families.
A famous architect named George Keller designed the building. He used a style called Romanesque Revival. The building was finished in 1876. It is the oldest synagogue building in Connecticut that was built specifically for that purpose. In 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site.
After almost being torn down, the building was saved. Now, it is home to the Charter Oak Cultural Center.
Contents
The Temple's Story: From Synagogue to Cultural Hub
The old Temple Beth Israel building is in the Sheldon-Charter Oak neighborhood of Hartford. It sits on the south side of Charter Oak Avenue. The architect, George Keller, designed it in 1875-1876.
Building a Place of Worship
The Jewish group that built the synagogue started in 1843. Back then, it was not easy for Jewish groups to build synagogues in Connecticut. But in 1843, the state passed a special law. This law made it possible for Jewish groups to build their own places of worship.
The first stone for the building was laid on September 25, 1875. A local newspaper, the Hartford Courant, wrote about the event. It said that it was the first time a synagogue's cornerstone was laid in Connecticut. Many people, about ten to twelve thousand, came to watch. They filled the streets and even watched from rooftops and windows.
What the Building Looks Like
The building is about two and a half stories tall. It is made of red brick and has a brownstone foundation. The roof has a gable shape. On the front, there are two towers. Each tower has an eight-sided dome on top. The windows and doors are shaped with round arches, which is typical of the Romanesque style.
This building is special because it shows a mix of styles from the Victorian era. George Keller was a leading architect in Hartford during the late 1800s. This temple is his only known work in this specific mixed Romanesque style.
Changing Hands and New Purposes
The Jewish group used the temple until 1935. Then, they sold it for $31,000 to a Christian Baptist group called Calvary Temple. This Christian group used the building until 1974.
After 1974, the building was empty for some years. In the late 1970s, the city of Hartford thought about tearing it down. But Jewish groups from all over Connecticut worked together to save it. They wanted to protect this important piece of history.
Thanks to their efforts, the building was saved. Today, it is a lively place called the Charter Oak Cultural Center. It hosts many different cultural events and activities for the community. In 1995 and 1996, this building was one of fifteen Connecticut synagogues added to the National Register of Historic Places.
More to Explore
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Hartford, Connecticut
- Oldest synagogues in the United States
