At a time of rising antisemitism worldwide, Temple Israel is growing.
The 1,100-family congregation — the largest Jewish one in the state — has grown more than 60% over the past 5 years. They’ve tripled their pre-school, and doubled the Hebrew school. Next month, they welcome their 6th clergy member.
Between youth and adult programs, rites like bar and bat mitzvahs and baby namings, and Shabbat and holiday services, the building teems with activities.
Now Temple Israel is growing in another way.
On Tuesday, they closed on the property next door. Purchasing 6 Coleytown Road — owned by the same family since the 1960s — adds 2 acres to the 6-acre 14 Coleytown Road campus.
It’s a perfect fit physically. The land will fill in the fourth quadrant, just west of the existing land (to the right, driving in).
Temple Israel’s existing property is outlined in blue. The new purchase is in red (lower left).
It’s also a perfect fit dynamically. Rabbi Michael Friedman and the board of directors do not yet know how they’ll utilize the land. But as Temple Israel grows in numbers and activities, there will be no shortage of ideas.
“When we had the opportunity to acquire this, right next door, we realized it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Rabbi Friedman says. “They’ve been great neighbors, and we hope we’ve been good to them.
“It’s exciting. We recognize the responsibility of planning thoughtfully for a vibrant future.”
Formed in 1949, but without a permanent home for the first 10 years, Temple Israel has over the past years attracted young families, empty nesters and others, beyond its original Westport and Weston base.
The congregation’s footprint has expanded into Wilton, New Canaan. Fairfield, and beyond, Rabbi Friedman notes.
Temple Israel
“Our building and campus gets a lot of use,” he adds. “That’s a feature, not a bug.”
In an email to congregants yesterday, temple officials said: “As we move into the next 75 years of our congregation’s story, we envision a campus that supports the vibrant 21st century Judaism we have created, providing spaces where we can safely and joyfully gather, learn, worship and celebrate.
“There is still important planning work ahead, and we look forward to keeping you informed as conversations continue and next steps unfold. At the same time, we have begun to dream about how this opportunity could take shape — imagining how this space might enhance connection, expand what we are able to offer, and support the evolving needs of our growing community. While it is still early in the process, these initial conversations have been both energizing and inspiring as we consider what is possible.”
As antisemitism rises in the US and around the world, Rabbi Friedman says, “it is particularly meaningful to have hopefulness.”
He sees that hope in the continued growth of Temple Israel — programmatically, spiritually, and now physically too.
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