Temple Beth Israel, Winsted - A Brief History

In 1912, a small group of Jews living in Winsted organized the Winsted Hebrew Sick Benefit Society. Over the next several years, they worshipped together in people’s homes, Town Hall and other nearby buildings available to them. Winsted’s Jewish community had become well- established by 1925, at which time it purchased the former St. James Episcopal Church, a wooden structure built in 1840 and located on Park Place East at the site of the present synagogue. The church building was then remodeled: the steeple and belfry were removed, the interior was updated, and the location of the alter was changed. Over 250 people attended the dedication of the new Beth Israel Synagogue and, for the first time, the Jews of Winsted had a home of their own. At that time, Rabbi Isaac Klein was the spiritual leader of the congregation.

In 1955, the wooden synagogue building was damaged beyond repair by the flood that devastated much of Winsted. At the time, the congregation had $165 in its treasury but, determined to rebuild, the members raised funds to erect a new synagogue on the very same site. In September of 1957, the new building was dedicated. As the Torahs were carried into the sanctuary, the Winsted community shared the pride of the congregation that had worked so hard to rebuild after the devastating flood. Rabbi Israel Siegel presided at the dedication.

In 2005, Temple Beth Israel celebrated the 50th anniversary of its current building, and in 2012, Temple Beth Israel celebrated its 100th anniversary as a congregation.

Over the years, Temple Beth Israel has seen periods of vitality and periods of dormancy. But 100+ years after the first Jewish organization in Winsted was founded, a Jewish presence continues here. Our goal is to create an inclusive, egalitarian Jewish environment where everyone can feel involved and welcomed, valued and respected.