Congregation Beth Israel is a
synagogue located in
West Hartford, Connecticut. The is one of the two the
oldest Jewish congregations in Connecticut, it is one of the largest
Reform Jewish congregations in New England, with about 900 member families and about 2,000 individual members.
As
Temple Beth Israel, its 1933 building was listed on the U.S.
National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Beth Israel serves as a center for worship, education, and social programs.
Location
Congregation Beth Israel is located at 701 Farmington Ave in
West Hartford, Connecticut.
The congregation occupies a large building dominated by an enormous
Byzantine dome. Inside are a sanctuary (upon which the dome is built), a chapel, a religious school, a pre-school, offices, two meeting halls, a small museum, and a library. Beautiful stained glass windows are present in both the sanctuary and the chapel. The building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. government.
The congregation worships in a notable 1936 building by architect
Charles R. Greco. Built at the height of the
Art Deco period, the
Byzantine revival form in Art Deco style presents a majectic appearance. In 2006 congregation was given the West Hartford Historic Preservation Award in 2006 for its meticulous restoration of the historic structure.
History
Founding and Affiliation
Beth Israel, which means "House of
Israel" in
Hebrew, was founded in 1843, the year...
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