About Beth Hillel

Synagogue History

Beth Hillel Synagogue (named after Hillel, a great sage and teacher of Judaism in the era 100 B.C.E.)

In 1952 a nucleus of seven Jewish families in Bloomfield decided to organize for their common social, educational, and religious needs. Advertisements were placed in newspapers seeking support for the establishment of a Jewish community center. The response was promising and the first organizational meeting was held on May 20, 1952 in the Federated Church Parish House in Bloomfield Center with about 50 people in attendance. The Bloomfield Jewish Community Center was thereafter incorporated.

In the same year, a Hebrew School had begun with five pupils which within two years numbered twelve. To further this development, Mr. and Mrs. Kalman Bercowetz offered the use for three years of the ground floor of a duplex residence on Granby Street. This four-room apartment was remodeled by the skills and labor of men of the organization. A full-fledged congregation was in the making.

As the membership grew, it was decided in February 1955 to launch a drive for funds to purchase a plot of ground for the erection of permanent housing. An eight-acre plot was purchased on Blue Hills Avenue, north of Park Avenue. Ground was broken and a building with seating capacity of 300 was erected, with most of the men donating their time and labor. In September of 1955 High Holiday Services were conducted in the new synagogue, now renamed Beth Hillel from Bloomfield Jewish Community Center. The next year Rabbi Louis Kaplan was selected as the first spiritual leader of the congregation.

Increase in Membership and Services

By 1964 the membership had increased to 250 and a new site was secured on the north side of Wintonbury Avenue. Ground was broken for a spacious new building in October 1964; High Holiday Services were held in September 1965; and the new home of the congregation was dedicated in November 1966, under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Irving Spielman.

In September, 1969, Temple Beth Sholom (House of Peace), formerly located on Granby Street, Hartford, merged with Beth Hillel. The considerably increased membership now numbers more than 450 families. Dr. Philip Lazowski, the former rabbi of Beth Sholom, became the spiritual leader of the new Beth Hillel.

The synagogue is, of course, more than just a place of worship. It is designed to serve the religious, cultural, and social needs of the Jewish community to the end that Jewish values and Judaism shall be preserved. Afternoon and Sunday school classes for children have been an important function of the Synagogue, as well as a full range of social and educational activities.

Rabbi Lazowski served as rabbi of this flourishing institution for nearly 40 years and has been intensively involved in promoting better relations and cooperation among all religious institutions of Bloomfield.

The physical plant has twice been expanded. In 1986 a large wing was added, increasing the capacity to expand the main sanctuary to over 1300 seats as needed at times and the size of the social hall to about 450 with tables for social functions. The addition also included a separate dairy kitchen. In 1989 another wing was dedicated, adding a new small chapel seating about 100 and a multipurpose room which is used for small social gatherings, meetings and classes.

The religious school also has continued as a strength. Beth Hillel maintains the traditional school for grades 3 through 7, focusing on developing functional Conservative Jewish adults who are able to practice Judaism. In addition, the religious school provides weekly Sunday school for kindergarten through grade 2 and a monthly Sunday preschool.

The synagogue continues to provide for its members’ religious, cultural and social needs. Minyanim continue to be held daily, mornings and evenings in addition, of course to the regular Shabbat and festival services. Active synagogue affiliates, USY and Kadima chapters, a Mr. & Mrs. Club, Sisterhood, Brotherhood, and the PTO provide many social, cultural and educational opportunities for members of all ages.

Beth Hillel has developed into one of the larger Conservative synagogues in the greater Hartford area. With a regional membership primarily serving the city of Hartford and the towns of Bloomfield, West Hartford, Windsor, Simsbury, South Windsor, Granby and East Granby, Beth Hillel also reaches out to families in Avon, Canton, Manchester, Glastonbury, Wethersfield, Suffield, Middletown, and beyond. Its members are prominent among the leaders in both the secular and Jewish communities, a matter of substantial pride to the congregation.

In the year 2000, Rabbi Lazowski retired and was honored as Rabbi Emeritus. He continues to be active and loved at Beth Hillel.  Rabbi Edward Friedman became our rabbi and served from 2000-2006.

Beth Hillel has maintained a traditional yet contemporary approach within the Conservative movement. It long has prided itself in being a truly egalitarian synagogue both as to religious practice and synagogue governance. From its beginnings, Beth Hillel has been an active member of the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, from which it and its affiliates have received numerous awards for excellence and to which it has furnished a stream of regional and national leaders.

The year 2001-2002 was a special one for Beth Hillel. It is during this year that we are celebrated our Jubilee Anniversary. Many special celebratory events were held.

Rabbi Gary Atkins became our Rabbi in 2006.  He and his wife, Iris, are bringing a new spirit of life and involvement to the congregation.

Visit us. Join us. Become part of the thriving Beth Hillel family.  

More About Beth Hillel

Y Mission Statement

Y History

Y Affiliates

Y Education

Y Leadership