Fire Damages Historic Connecticut Synagogue

A fire has damaged the historic Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont, but the synagogue’s Chabad Rabbi, who was on the fire scene Sunday morning is grateful two Torahs, a Shofar and a citron box were saved.

“It’s devastating,” said Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm.

The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.

Assistant Chief Robert Healey said the fire caused moderate to heavy damage. He said the fire was reported by a police officer who was in the area early Sunday morning to work in connection with a road race at Foran High School.

The synagogue at 15 Edgefield Ave., was once descibed as both casual and rigorously religious.

The synagogue, once filled to the brim for services, was built in 1926 to serve Jews who flocked to Woodmont for shorefront vacations because anti-Semitism in the early part of last century kept them from more desirable spots like Greenwich and Madison. Signs in many resort areas read: “No dogs or Jews allowed.”

Membership was so high that in 1946, they built a huge social hall next door that was used for an overflow crowd for religious services next door, among other functions.

Those days are long over.

Anti-Semitism let up after World War II, so many Jews sold their summer cottages and vacationed elsewhere.

But the congregation also has fallen to the general trend of fewer young people taking part on a weekly basis. In the Jewish faith, most young people who do attend services have moved away from orthodox worship.

Rabbi Wilhem, who became rabbi a little over 5 years ago, is the congregations first permanent rabbi. Upon hearing confirmation that there were no injuries, he expressed gratitude. “Thank God,” he said.

The synagogue’s adjoining social hall did not appear to be damaged during the fire and officials say they are investigating the cause of the blaze.