OUR HISTORY
A small number of families from Westport, Norwalk and Stamford joined together in 1948 to form Temple Israel of Fairfield County. These founders wanted to establish a contemporary congregation and religious school that reflected their tone of social involvement and intellectual pursuits.
Within one year the Temple membership numbered 30 families who held their High Holy Day services at the Elk's Lodge in Norwalk. An active sisterhood was also established during that time. In 1953 the first Confirmation class was confirmed. By 1954 there were 100 children in the religious school and a permanent building site was selected on Coleytown Road. In May of 1959 the new Temple building was dedicated with Abraham Ribicoff, the Governor of Connecticut, as the guest speaker. Temple membership had grown to approximately 250 families, and in the winter of that year, Rabbi Byron T. Rubenstein was installed. Rabbi Rubenstein embodied the philosophy and goals of the congregation while maintaining the deeply spiritual traits and demeanor of a wise and gentle leader.
Sylvia Pressman became our first administrator in 1958 and remained with us until she retired in 1992. Sylvia's contribution to Temple Israel over a 34-year period was invaluable.
During the 1960's, Temple Israel became a center of the social movements of the day. Author James Baldwin, South African Minister Gladstone Lhbati, sociologist Margaret Mead and the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. were all speakers at various Temple events. In 1964, the Temple marked its Fifth Anniversary with a rededication ceremony, a new classroom wing and the official name, Temple Israel of Westport.
Concerns about Israeli issues were magnified during the 1970's. A philosophical shift occurred, with the inclusion of more traditional melodies and prayers in religious services. In 1972, Harold Briences became the congregation's first Cantor, while shortly thereafter, Ruth Gruber became the first director of the religious school. The Temple continued to react to global issues and the Refugee Committee sponsored the arrival of the first of several Soviet Jewish families to our area.
1982 marked the retirement of Rabbi Rubenstein and his subsequent appointment as Rabbi Emeritus. Rabbi Robert J. Orkand arrived with his family from Rockford, Illinois to become Temple Israel's new dynamic spiritual leader. Then, in 1984, Cantor Vicki Axe became the congregation's first full-time, formally trained cantor. Membership grew to 700 families and in 1988 Temple Israel celebrated its Fortieth Anniversary. Cantor Axe left Westport and Richard Silverman became the new cantor. Diversity in membership continued and new programs were developed to meet the needs and interests of the growing congregation.
In 1990, a large renovation and expansion to the building was completed. The nursery school, established in 1987, was expanded and Temple Tots, a child/parent program for 12-30 month old youngsters was developed. Rabbi Kathy S. Cohen became the Temple's Rabbi-Educator in 1991.
As more congregants indicated a need for a closer relationship with the Temple, the Continuity Program was designed and established in 1992. Its goal was to bring people back to the Temple through innovative family/educational programming that emphasized the role of Judaism in all aspects of contemporary life. In 1995 the Nursery Summer School was formed under the leadership of Barbara Kermisch, Nursery School Director. Rabbi Cohen became a part-time Associate Rabbi and the Temple welcomed Steven Kandler as Temple Administrator, and Mark Casso as Temple Educator. In 1996 Rabbi Cohen left for her own pulpit in Virginia. The tremendous growth of the Congregation made the addition of another full-time rabbi necessary. And so, in July, 1997, Temple Israel welcomed its first Assistant Rabbi, Jonah Pesner.
As the Temple continued to grow to almost 1100 families, new staff members were engaged to meet growing demands. Rabbi Jonah Pesner moved on to a new position in Boston and was replaced by Rabbi Edythe Mencher. Cantor Donna Goldstein was hired as Assistant Cantor. Jason Nevarez became the Temple’s full-time Advisor and Marilyn Fidler filled the position of Program Coordinator.
Over the past ten years there have been a number of changes, both to the Temple’s physical plant and to the staff. In 2003 the congregation’s new Educational Center was dedicated, providing beautiful and functional educational space for learners of all ages. Joining our staff was Associate Rabbi Alysa Mendelson, Executive Director Sandy Silverstein, Assistant Cantor Scott Harris, Directors of Youth Programming Sarah Magida, Director of Education Karin Beitel and Assistant Director of Education Leah Schechter.
Temple Israel continues to be Fairfield County’s most dynamic Reform congregation. We invite the active participation of those interested in what we have to offer.
If you would like a more detailed history of our Temple, please request a copy of the article titled Temple Israel - 40 Years by Andree Aelion Brooks from the Temple office.
