One of the two oldest Jewish congregations in Connecticut.

In 2014 Congregation Beth Israel celebrated its 170th birthday. In an era when many synagogues are closing or merging, this milestone is quite an accomplishment. Congregation Beth Israel is one of the two oldest Jewish congregations in Connecticut and one of the largest Reform Jewish congregations in New England, with around 900 member families representing about 2,000 individuals.

Founded in 1843, when the Connecticut legislature first permitted Jews to worship in the state, the Congregation moved to its current location in 1936. In 1877 the Congregation joined with other American Reform Jewish congregations to form the Union of American Hebrew Congregations which is now the Union for Reform Judaism.

The inspiring neo-classic domed building was designed by architect Charles R. Greco. The building was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1995.