Restorations
Restoring the Past, Celebrating the Future
You have to see it to believe it as the Orchard Street Shul continues to lovingly restore our early 20th Century Shul to add modern functionality to a traditional 1924 synagogue!
In 2012, we committed to restore our past and celebrate our future with a faithful restoration of the Shul that preserves the building’s spiritual and architectural heritage while meeting modern standards.
With generous gifts, we have recently restored finishes and chandeliers in the sanctuary. We have been working to identify priorities for preserving the Shul structure and maximizing its use. We appreciate the generous financial assistance of our congregation and other supporters both in the Jewish and larger community in this ongoing restoration process. We are also grateful for the generous work of volunteers who have offered their expert assistance without charge.
In July 2012 we commenced intensive work completed before Rosh Hashanah, including pointing of all the brick facades of the building and front steps, restoration to increase the weather-tightness of the building, window glazing restoration, improved life safety systems, and mechanical improvements designed to improve the functioning of the building and the comfort of congregants.
Check out our Photo Gallery for photos of the most recent restoration.
Previous Restorations
1935
The present Bima replaced a smaller, less-imposing one in 1935, the year when seating adjacent to that fixture was also rearranged to make room for the Bima. The Ladies Auxiliary extended a strong helping hand with fund-raising projects to help pay for this remodeling. The tall, artistically designed bronze lamps on either side of the Bima resulted from funds raised by the Chevra Thilim.
1961
In 1961, a major improvement program “dressed-up” the downstairs vestry to make it more fashionable for social gatherings – including new folding tables and chairs. Its $1,250 cost was shared by the Ladies Auxiliary, Chevra Mishnayes, Chevra Thilim and caterer, Abe Flax.
1982
Repair and reshaping of the outside towers, along with brick improvement and extensive roof repairs, took place in 1982; and in 1989 members Eli Shapiro, Harvey Schwartz and Edward Schwartz shared the $900 cost for installing new drapes in the sanctuary.
In between these key projects, there was a constant effort made to keep the Synagogue in good repair and its appearance appealing at all times.
Adapted from 80 Distinguished Years, by Arthur Slutsky
Research consultant: Herbert B. Croog
About Our Shul
Located in a New Haven Landmark building listed on the National Register of Historic Places and honored by the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, Orchard Street Shul was reborn in 2010 as a traditional yet “post label” synagogue after many years of disuse. We continue to build a dynamic community made up of Jewish people of all ages, from all backgrounds and levels of affiliation.
We seek to appeal to the Jewish self in us all, so we can join in a community in which every member of our family finds comfort, meaning, and spiritual connection. We celebrate our Jewishness, and yours. We invite you to join and experience our spiritual haven where you will be welcomed as family, find depth, meaning, and a new appreciation for Jewish life.
Orchard Street Shul
Our beautiful Eastern European Ashkenazi style synagogue was built in 1924 with a unique blend of Federal style and Eastern European architecture seen in our façade. The Shul stands proudly as a symbol of a once vibrant Jewish neighborhood, adjacent to Yale University and both campuses of Yale-New Haven Hospital. Today, the Shul is an anchor of New Haven’s emerging medical and biotech corridor. Jews of all backgrounds make our Shul happen, bringing Jewish life back to an historic neighborhood, in the only synagogue remaining of the dozen that once served our area. Now the only Shul servicing the downtown New Haven community, the sounds of Jewish life are once again regularly heard in this restored gem. You are invited to join your prayers with ours.
Read more About Our Shul, Shul History and Shul Restorations, and check out our Photo Gallery.
Connect With Us
We hold services every Shabbos at 9:30 AM, a Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat minyan on the First Friday of the secular month (see posted time depending on season).
We welcome your membership, and contributions, but most importantly we welcome you. There are no tickets to attend our services and, please, you should always feel welcome to be part of our family.