Anshei Israel Synagogue, Jewish synagogue in Lisbon, Connecticut
Anshei Israel Synagogue is a synagogue in Lisbon, Connecticut, built in the Colonial Revival style with distinctive architectural details. The structure features a gable roof, wooden clapboard siding, and a central projecting tower crowned with a Magen David symbol.
The synagogue was founded in 1936 by fifteen founding families as a center for the local Jewish community. It closed in the early 1980s when membership declined and the congregation could no longer sustain operations.
The interior features a raised bimah and ark positioned at the front, with simple wooden benches arranged for worship. This modest setup reflects how a small Jewish community gathered and conducted their religious services in this space.
Visiting the building requires coordination with the Lisbon Historical Society, which maintains the property on behalf of the town. It is advisable to contact them beforehand to arrange access and learn more about the site's history.
Despite being classified as an Orthodox synagogue, the congregation allowed members to drive partway to services rather than observing strict restrictions. This unusual flexibility in religious practice showed how a small rural community adapted to its circumstances.
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