October 15, 2012
Historic Connecticut synagogue damaged by fire
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A historic synagogue in Connecticut was seriously damaged by a fire.
Flames gutted the sanctuary at the Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont in Milford, Conn., on Sunday morning. Its two Torah scrolls were damaged, but Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm, spiritual leader of the congregation, told the Hartford Courant that he believes they are salvageable.
The cause of the fire is unknown, according to reports, but it is not believed to be arson. Fire officials believe it was an electrical problem.
Wilhelm said the congregation will rebuild, according to reports.
The synagogue, which was established in 1926, was popular with the Jewish vacationers who flocked to the Connecticut beachside town because anti-Semitism prevented them from heading to more popular sites.
The building appears on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 as one of the Historic Synagogues of Connecticut.
Some 30 worshipers attend weekly Shabbat services at the Hebrew Congregation, and about 100 attended its High Holidays services this year.
