CBI Main Building

synogogue

Originally built

1962

Rennovation:

1993

Square Footage:

Date of Birth:

March 14th, 1984

A Bit About Me

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Use this space to talk about how you started and share your journey.

History

1904

1950s

September 19, 1962

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

A group of 20-25 Jewish families purchased the St. John's Episcopal Church on Bridge Street for $10,000 - a sizeable sum for a small community of immigrants. Donations from the non-Jewish community covered almost 1/4 of the cost, an impressive act of good will! The mortgage was paid off by "selling" pews for an annual fee - a popular practice in Europe.

The synagogue building on Bridge Street was too deteriorated, so they sold the building to A&P. During this transition time they met in the Masonic Building and People's Institute. They raised $150,000 to acquire the 253 Prospect St. location and build a new synagogue building (see fundraising brochure).

The 253 Prospect Street building opened with great fanfare (see Gazette Article). The design of the new building recognized changing values with mixed seating (no divider between genders) and the large parking lot allowed those from farther away to drive to services. Signs of moving from Orthodox to Conservative practices.

CBI joined the Conservative Movement to hire the new Rabbi and worship changed under him. "We were really among the first ones that recognized women. When we had a minyan of seven men and three women, we would call it the "Langenaur Minyan," Gabbi Mel Prouser.

Jewish families moved to Northampton and surrounding areas and the views of women were continuing to evolve. By the end of the decade the synagogue had 170 member households and Congregation B'nai Israel celebrated its 75th Anniversary. In 1977, Rabbi Alan Morse was hired attracting many young families. The Board voted to allow female board members.

The Sisterhood began taking on more than the kitchen - teaching classes on prayer and participating in services. Rabbi Edward Freedman came to CBI in 1983 and supported interfaith families by encouraging children who were not halakhically Jewish to attend Hebrew school. Young families pushed for the founding of Gan Keshet Preschool and enrolled the first class in 1985. Bernice Alberts and Jill Lester served as the first female co-presidents of the Board in 1989-1990.

The religious school grew from 97 students in 1991 to 146 students in 1993, which drove an addition dedicated in 1993. The 3,000 sq ft addition included the sanctuary overflow room, preschool rooms, three classrooms, Rabbi's Office, and new entrance vestibule.

Changing values continued to shape the community, same-sex couples were welcomed into membership and the Rabbi performed commitment ceremonies.

CBI purchased a property to the East of the building. A group of families began gardening in this space.

2010s

Abundance Farm flourished...