History of Beth El
Synagogue
The Torrington Jewish Community
1900 - Land is purchased for Sons of Jacob
Cemetery on Winsted Road, the first Jewish burial ground. It is still in
operation.
April 2, 1906 - Sons of Jacob Synagogue is
organized and property purchased at 296 East Main St. for the city's first
synagogue.
Oct. 23, 1918 - Sons of Jacob Synagogue outgrows
the first synagogue and purchased the Swedish Church on Spear Street.
The site is downtown about where Torrington
Plaza is located.
1920 - The Brafman property on Migeon Avenue is
purchased for a new synagogue, opening in 1930. A splinter group becomes
Beth El Synagogue, breaking away from Sons of Jacob.
1942 - Beth El Synagogue purchased the Brooke
mansion on Litchfield Street across from Coe Park.
1945 - Sons of Jacob Synagogue is disbanded.
1946 - Emanuel Synagogue, a Conservative
congregation, is formed, using rented space at 61 Main St.
1947 - Beth El and Emanuel synagogues united
under the name Beth El Synagogue.
1949 - Plans are made for an addition to the
Brooke mansion, which becomes the present sanctuary, kitchen and classrooms.
1959 - The Brooke mansion is torn down to make
way for a new main entrance, offices, library and classrooms.
Today Beth El is a member of the United
Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and open to people throughout the
Northwest Corner and beyond. We offer all Shabbat, holiday and
life-cycle services, a religious school, adult education and the largest
Judaic library of its kind in the area. The synagogue is proudly home to the
Litchfield County Chapter of Hadassah and members support UJA/Federation of
Northwestern Connecticut.
Submitted by Joyce Peck
Webmaster
Roland Perreault
Last Updated:
02/03/2010
Copyright © 2010 Beth El Synagogue of
Torrington, CT, a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. All
rights reserved.