Connecticut Jews Ask National Aid to Rebuild Flood-hit Synagogue

Members of the Sons of Zion Synagogue took time off from their clean-up job this week-end to voice the hope that Jews throughout the country would come to their aid in rehabilitating and reconstructing the edifice that has been their spiritual headquarters for 35 years.

The synagogue–a century-old building occupied as a church before it was acquired by the congregation–was literally swamped in the flood waters caused by hurricane Diane The ground floor has now been shoveled clear of the muck and debris carried in by the flood but the mud in the basement is still three to five feet deep. Damage to the building is currently estimated at from $20,000 to $30,000 It will be beyond the means of the congregation itself to provide this sum.

The entire Jewish population of this town in the north-eastern corner of the state is 25 families–and not all of them attend Sons of Zion which is semi-Orthodox About half the town s Jewish families suffered heavy financial and property loss as a result of the floods through loss and damage to business property destruction or damage to their homes and some of the towns Jewish businessmen will have to start all over again almost from scratch. Some were completely wiped out.

Few of them are now or will soon be in a position to contribute to the reconstruction of their synagogue. The ministers of the three Protestant churches in the town are considering a campaign among their parishioners for funds with which to help rebuild the synagogue but this town has been so hard hit so many of its people have suffered heavy loss and so many are unemployed today as a result of the fires which swept the town s main industry after the floods that their contribution could be little more than a gesture of goodwill and amity.

The local Masonic lodge has offered the congregation the use of its half for the High Holy Day services and this offer has been gratefully accepted.