Our Story

The First 25 Years

During Temple Sinai’s first 25 years, the temple grew from a dream to a full-fledged reality. At first, the founding family’s met at each other’s homes. Before long, a group of some 100 individuals was meeting in Newington’s Congregational Church. In 1960, approximately 300 families moved into their own synagogue building. In 1965, they added an educational wing and a social hall and in 1979 dedicated Memorial Park, a cemetery right on the property. Temple Sinai included a thriving religious school, men’s club and sisterhood, youth groups, monthly bulletins and a full calendar of synagogue events were in place, led by a full-time rabbi, a cantor, musical director and Board of Trustees.

 A few highlights:

•  In the beginning, services were conducted first by guest rabbis from the area and then by student Rabbi Shai Shacknai, who also established the start of our religious school, and then by student Rabbi Seymour Prystowsky.
• At the annual meeting on June 14, 1958, members voted to purchase a parcel of land on West Hartford Road for the purpose of building a sanctuary. 
• In 1959 newly ordained Rabbi Marc Brownstein became the synagogue’s first full-time rabbi.
• Construction of the synagogue building was completed in time for a midnight S’lichot service held on September 17,1960.
• When the sanctuary was built, the shell of the school wing had been prepared at the same time but the actual construction of the school began in July 1965.  
• The first social event was held on February 12, 1966 and children entered their new school for the first time in March 1966. 
• The cemetery, Memorial Park was dedicated on Yom Kippur 1979.

As we look back on these years, we honor the dedication and hard work of our Temple Sinai Founders (listed below) and the congregants who came to join them. We also remember the generosity, encouragement and active participation of our Jewish and non-Jewish neighbors. We particularly recall the spiritual, practical and financial help given by Rabbi Abraham J. Feldman and the Board and members of Temple Beth Israel in West Hartford.

The Next 35 Years

In the years since 1981, the synagogue has continued to grow and mature. Rabbi Jeffrey Bennett became our spiritual leader on July 1, 1987 following a brief tenure by Rabbi Jon Hadden. Under the guidance of Rabbi Bennett and dedicated lay leaders, and with the continuing commitment of members, the 1980s and 1990s were busy years filled with religious, educational, charitable and social activities, as well as the practical tasks of fundraising, building repairs and renovations. 

A few highlights:

• In the early 1980s the idea of utilizing part of the educational wing as a daycare center came into being. Daycare facilities have continued to be a valuable asset for the synagogue and the community.
• The Temple Sinai Klezmer band was formed in 1990; an adult Choir in 1999; and 2000 a children’s choir was added.The Social Hall was redecorated in time for the 40th anniversary celebration of 1996.
• In 2000 the Strategic plan was initiated and completed, resulting in a decision to renovate the building and make it fully handicap accessible.
• In 2004 the building was renovated with additional office space, library, social facilities, youth lounge and was made mobility friendly and accessible. 

Interesting Facts

• The clear glass windows over the ark number 12. This is for the 12 tribes of Israel. And the ark has 12 lines running vertically down the front also symbolizing the 12 tribes.
• Our ark doors (post renovation) are from the original ark which has been used since the temple was founded.
• The ner tamid or eternal light over our ark was crafted by one of our congregants.