Congregation Beth Israel (Hartford, Conn.) Records

Congregation Beth Israel was founded in 1843 and is Connecticut's oldest synagogue. Originally established as an Orthodox congregation, the synagogue eventually converted to Reform and was one of the founding members of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (Union for Reform Judaism) in 1877. In 1854, the Ladies' Deborah Society was established, which operated as a charitable group within the synagogue. Until 1856, the congregation met in congregants' homes and buildings throughout the city. The first building to house the synagogue, "Touro Hall," was also the first synagogue in Hartford, but was partially destroyed by fire in 1875. The synagogue then moved to Charter Oak Avenue, where it remained until 1935. In 1868, the synagogue purchased land on Zion Hill for their cemetery, which was dedicated in 1874. The current synagogue building is on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford.

1843

Congregation established in Hartford.

1847

Rev. Moses L. Strauss is contracted as ritual slaughterer and cantor.

1847

Congregation meets at the home of A. Rothenberg on Mill Street.

1848-1850

Congregation meets in a hall on Main Street.

1848-1850

David Engel is the first sexton.

1849

Mr. L. Mossbacher is hired as the first teacher for the religious school.

1850-1857

Meets in "Potter's Building" at 15 Market Street.

1853

Constitution and by-laws drafted.

1854

Ladies' Deborah Society established.

1854

Lot on Pearl Street purchased for synagogue building. The congregation later exchanges this land for the North Baptist Church on Main Street.

1856

"Touro Hall" becomes the first synagogue in Hartford.

1856

Rev. Isaac Meyer becomes the first Rabbi of the Congregation.

1856

The first choir is introduced, and family pews are established.

1865

Touro Hall is remodeled and enlarged.

1867

Rev. M.S. Weiner becomes Rabbi.

1868

Lots on Zion Hill are purchased for cemetery.