Hist
ric Hartfrd Synaggues
Although a synagogue structure is not necessary for Jewish prayer, the building of a synagogue represents the creation of a center for both worship and community. In a synagogue, Jews join together not only to pray, but to study, socialize, educate their children, and to care for the needs of their own members as well as the larger community. There were once thirteen synagogues in Hartford, CT. There are no longer any active congregations remaining in the city, although a number of the buildings are still in existence. Some are abandoned and have fallen into disrepair, and others have been repurposed, often as churches. This web exhibit utilizes the archive of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford to offer images and information on the synagogues that once existed in Hartford.
Congregation Bess Israel
Highlights
- Date of Construction: 1927
- Address: 92 Barbour Street >>
96 Hebron Street - Branch: Orthodox
- Background: European
Congregation Bess Israel was originally established in 1918. The congregation's first known location at 92 Barbour Street became known as the Barbour Street Shul. Louis Lutvak, a Jewish merchant, became the congregation's first president and Aron Kriwitsky became the congregation's first secretary and contracted Hebrew instructor in 1928.
In 1966, the congregation sold the Barbour Street property and moved to 96 Hebron Street. The year in which the congregation disbanded is unknown.
