Temple Beth Israel Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Yearlong Series of Events
Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society
Avianca Bouchedid
973-270-7713, [email protected]
For immediate release: February 21, 2024
Danielson, CT – Temple Beth Israel, an historic cornerstone of the Jewish community in northeastern Connecticut, proudly announces the celebration of its 75th anniversary in 2025. The milestone will be honored with a robust calendar of events, bringing together the community in a spirit of reflection, celebration, and interfaith collaboration.
Founded in response to the arrival of Holocaust survivors in the years following World War II, Temple Beth Israel transformed a small Jewish presence in Danielson from just 10 families to nearly 70. For the past 15 years, the Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society – comprised of many children and grandchildren of the Temple’s original founders – has operated the synagogue as a hub for education, social justice programming, and historic preservation with its mission to safeguard the incredible stories of its founding families and ensure the Temple remains a vibrant part of the community.
A Year of Celebration
The 75th-anniversary observance will feature a rich variety of events throughout the year, including:
“Temple Beth Israel’s legacy is one of resilience, faith, and community,” said Preservation Society president, Norman Berman. “As we mark 75 years, we not only honor our past but also reaffirm our commitment to interfaith dialogue, cultural enrichment, and social justice.” Since its founding, Temple Beth Israel has been more than a place of worship—it has been a home for education, interfaith understanding, and community action. All are welcome to join in this year of celebration.
About Temple Beth Israel
Founded in 1949 to serve the growing Jewish community in Danielson, Temple Beth Israel has played a vital role in local history. Now operated by the Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society – led by descendants of its original founders – it remains a center for education, social justice, and historical preservation, honoring the legacy of those who built it and offering inspiration to all.
Avianca Bouchedid
973-270-7713, [email protected]
For immediate release: February 21, 2024
Danielson, CT – Temple Beth Israel, an historic cornerstone of the Jewish community in northeastern Connecticut, proudly announces the celebration of its 75th anniversary in 2025. The milestone will be honored with a robust calendar of events, bringing together the community in a spirit of reflection, celebration, and interfaith collaboration.
Founded in response to the arrival of Holocaust survivors in the years following World War II, Temple Beth Israel transformed a small Jewish presence in Danielson from just 10 families to nearly 70. For the past 15 years, the Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society – comprised of many children and grandchildren of the Temple’s original founders – has operated the synagogue as a hub for education, social justice programming, and historic preservation with its mission to safeguard the incredible stories of its founding families and ensure the Temple remains a vibrant part of the community.
A Year of Celebration
The 75th-anniversary observance will feature a rich variety of events throughout the year, including:
- 15th Annual Interfaith Community Passover Seder – Let All Who Are Hungry – on 4/6/25
- Rhythm Rendezvous Concert Series, featuring world renowned jazz legend Greg Abate and his All-Star Quintet, including Phil Palonen, Diamond Centofanti, Lou Bocciarelli, and Zac Casher on 5/3/25
- High Holiday Services – September/October
- Gala 75th Anniversary Celebration – October
- 70th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service – November
“Temple Beth Israel’s legacy is one of resilience, faith, and community,” said Preservation Society president, Norman Berman. “As we mark 75 years, we not only honor our past but also reaffirm our commitment to interfaith dialogue, cultural enrichment, and social justice.” Since its founding, Temple Beth Israel has been more than a place of worship—it has been a home for education, interfaith understanding, and community action. All are welcome to join in this year of celebration.
About Temple Beth Israel
Founded in 1949 to serve the growing Jewish community in Danielson, Temple Beth Israel has played a vital role in local history. Now operated by the Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society – led by descendants of its original founders – it remains a center for education, social justice, and historical preservation, honoring the legacy of those who built it and offering inspiration to all.
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Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is twofold: 1) preserve our parents’ and grandparents’ stories of trauma, healing, and renewal and 2) use those stories to promote understanding of, and empathy for, the Holocaust and its enduring impact on humanity. We fulfill our mission by:
- Collaborating with schools, colleges, cultural institutions, and religious and civic organizations on creating valuable and unique learning opportunities.
- Offering programs designed to enrich appreciation of cultural, religious, and social differences. This includes contemporary celebrations of ancient rituals, interfaith celebrations, and educational programs addressing the dangers of prejudice, racism, and bystander indifference.
- Maintaining an archive documenting the history of the community through books, letters, photographs, oral histories, and other historical artifacts that bear witness to the remarkable contributions of this particular Jewish community to life in Northeastern Connecticut and to the Jewish diaspora in general.
We are a proud affiliate of the America250 Connecticut Commission. In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the country. It is an opportunity for reflection on the ideals of the founders of the nation, but also a time to consider the path forward in expanding our realization of those goals today.