Our History and Future

Beginning

Congregation Beth El was born in 1909, when the Hebrew Congregation of Bennington was founded to promote friendly relationships among the Jewish residents of the town, and eventually to erect a synagogue. It was chartered by the State of Vermont in accordance with State Law. The society became inactive after several years and was reorganized in September, 1917, with the purpose of using pledges and funds derived from memberships to build a synagogue, and meetings were held in a room in the Noveck Block on Main Street.

July 29, 1923 brought the culmination of a quarter century of concerted effort with the dedication of the new synagogue at the corner of North and Adams Streets. Widely covered by the press, the dedication not only marked the formal opening of a new house of worship, but demonstrated the community feeling of the town and state. Though space was limited, those officially attending included all the pastors of community churches. The village president attended, as did Lt. Governor Franklin S. Billings representing the State of Vermont. In an inspiring program of music and worship, the various clergy assisted in the dedication of the synagogue. One of the keynote speakers was internationally famous writer and lecturer, and director of the Bennington Museum, John Spargo. 

Rabbi Isadore Goodman delivered the invocation, and the synagogue was formally presented to the congregation by the chairman of the building committee, Max Fienberg. The speaker took the occasion to express appreciation for the assistance, financial and otherwise, that had come from outside the Jewish community. Samuel Margolin, the secretary of the congregation, accepted the building for the congregation, paying tribute to the long, continued  effort of the Jewish people of Bennington to establish their own house of worship.

Services were Orthodox until the late 1960's, during which time the community enjoyed a full-time rabbi. With the untimely death of Rabbi Chaim Gross in 1970, and a changing Jewish population, the religious focus of the congregation moved away from Orthodox tradition to encompass the broad spectrum of Jewish spiritual and cultural tradition. At the same time, the demographics within the town's Jewish community were changing, as older members of the congregation retired, and younger members went on to seek their fortunes elsewhere. During the late 1970's and 1980's, Congregation Beth El fell into disuse and disrepair.

Revival 

On Rosh Hashanah 5748/1988, there were no services at the synagogue. Two members of the congregation attempted to gain entry to the building for private prayer, but were unable to do so. One of them was Lilo Glick, who had fled Nazi Germany in the 1930's, and who became determined that the synagogue be revived. Then, on Yom Kippur, Pat Barr and Rolf Sternberg went to the synagogue and were appalled by the condition of the building. The determination of these three people sparked the re-activation and revival of Jewish life in the community. Meetings were called, the membership organized, work loads discussed, and more members sought.

Under the leadership of President Pat Barr and the able spiritual leadership of Professor Jerome Eckstein, along with the hard work and dedication of a few people, the little synagogue on North and Adams blossomed once again. The sanctuary was carefully returned to its original condition, the basement meeting and social room completely renovated, the building exterior carefully restored, and the synagogue doors were replaced with stained glass (above) and hand-sculpted oak panels created by Gary Sussman.

Flourishing

In the ensuing years, the 107 Adams Street facility was converted into office and classroom space to accommodate growth. The congregation affiliated with the Reconstructionist movement. Weekly Shabbat services were instituted. A vibrant religious education program was established for both youth and adults. Holidays were celebrated, and special events brought both the congregation and the greater public together. Buoyed by local artists, our Jewish art collection grew. CBE has continued to evolve under the guidance of a dedicated board, committed congregation and passionate rabbis, both full and part-time. As we move into our second century, CBE brings a new vision for a vibrant Jewish community to our rural area.

Forward

Through a new participatory partnership model that engages our community in new and innovative ways to build and sustain a vibrant and growing Jewish communal life, CBE is moving forward to further develop a full range of dynamic Shabbat and holiday services, education, programs, and activities for a wide range of congregants in our broad rural area, including:

• A diverse Spiritual Team of dynamic Rabbis, Lay-Leaders, Guests and Community Participants for Shabbat and Holiday Services
• Innovative educational programs  for families and children
• Expanded Adult Education programs, including guest speakers, participatory workshops, Havurot, and more
• Exciting events that mix Jewish learning with fun
• Collaborations with other local Jewish organizations and communities in a regional model
• Community-based approach to membership/partnership and fundraising for a sustainable financial future