Our History

Congregation Adath Israel was founded in the early 1900s by a small group of Jews who fled poverty and persecution in Eastern Europe.

They arrived with little more than their skill as farmers and a desire to worship freely. After settling in Newtown, they worshipped for several years without a synagogue or a rabbi. They erected Congregation Adath Israel in 1919: the first rabbi arrived in 1923. The congregation prospered and grew until the 1940s.

After World War II, many younger congregants left what was still a rural Newtown for jobs in larger cities. While the remaining members were devout and observed holy days and the Sabbath faithfully, total membership started to decline.

By 1970, the congregation consisted of less than 20 families. It became clear that Adath Israel would not survive as an Orthodox institution. The Congregation voted to change to a modern Conservative doctrine. In more recent years, due to an ever-changing society, we are inclusive in welcoming all blended families.

That change, coupled with a strong focus on equality, flexibility and religious instruction, has helped to rekindle Adath Israel and the belief that all family members participate in our services. Our services for youth are comprehensive and all of our activities recognize the demands placed on today’s working families.

Adath Israel is thriving. Descendants of our original families worship along with newcomers. A few members still live within walking distance, but the majority resides throughout Newtown, and the neighboring towns.

This is an exciting and challenging period in the history of our synagogue. Because of continued growth, in 2005, we broke ground for our new synagogue and Hebrew school and completed it in Sept. 2007. We invite you to join us in fulfilling our commitment to the Jewish community in the greater Newtown area.

Our Door Is Always Open.