Congregation Mishkan Israel

(Reform Judaism)

Hamden, Connecticut

Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, Connecticut, is the oldest synagogue in New England and supports a long tradition of social activism and community.

Congregation Mishkan Israel Photo by Leah Glaser

Congregation Mishkan Israel Photo by Leah Glaser

2024 Cohort

Congregation Mishkan Israel

(Reform Judaism)

Hamden, Connecticut

Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, Connecticut, is the oldest synagogue in New England and supports a long tradition of social activism and community.

Congregation Mishkan Israel traces its roots to 1840, when a group of German Jewish families began meeting in one another’s homes. At that time, Connecticut’s constitution effectively barred non-Christians from establishing congregations of their own. In 1843, thanks to advocacy by Jewish communities in New Haven and Hartford, the state legislature passed a law permitting Jews to establish synagogues. Congregation Mishkan Israel’s current Midcentury Modern building was designed in 1960 by German-born Jewish architect Fritz Nathan, who trained and worked in Germany with members of the Bauhaus movement. This building bore witness to a significant period in the congregation’s history, in which Rabbi Robert Goldberg became a prominent progressive leader at the national level, inviting guest speakers such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Stokely Carmichael, and Daniel Ellsberg and tackling subjects such as communism and the Vietnam War.

Congregation Mishkan Israel’s building was intentionally constructed to accommodate social activism, in support of their mission of tikkun olam: the repair and healing of the world. Membership is open to interfaith families of all races, background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability. Today, the congregation offers anti-racism programming via Confronting Racism; maintains a 15-plot community garden which donates food to local soup kitchens; prepares meals for area shelters; provides support to refugees and immigrants; and participates in interfaith efforts.

A National Fund grant of $200,000 plus $400,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation will support urgently needed repairs to the leaking roof and rotunda, as well as restoration of clerestory windows.

Congregation Mishkan Israel Photo by Leah Glaser

Spotlighting Women’s History at Historic Houses of Worship

Religious institutions have served both as a platform for the advancement of women’s rights and opportunities, and women have played critical roles in advancing religious traditions. The leadership and community building opportunities within these sacred sites have been critical to increasing female independence outside of the home and allowing women to develop institutions that strengthen their congregations and broader communities. The four historic houses of worship highlighted embody positive examples of how the histories of women and religion are inherently linked.

First Church in Oberlin

Stories and Media Coverage

Read more about how the National Fund for Sacred Places is helping congregations around the country rehabilitate their sacred places.

Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church by Luis P. Gutierrez