Community has played an instrumental role in the history of Congregation Adath Israel of Newtown, and it continues to do so today.

In the early 1900s, neighbors on Huntingtown Road along with residents in the surrounding area aligned with each other to form Congregation Adath Israel. Years later, generations of many of the same founding families and newer members recognized that the original synagogue, which opened its doors at 111 Huntingtown Road in 1919, no longer met their needs. They worked together to support building a modern synagogue that served the emerging needs of the congregation and community.

That building, at 115 Huntingtown Road, formally opened in September 2007.

Most recently, people in the community along with neighbors and many others not affiliated with the synagogue, rallied around the congregation and donated money, time and resources to remove the original dilapidated building and clear the land.

This community drive was triggered by the eroding condition of the original building after sitting idle for so many years. It was in a state of disrepair and required abatement due to environmental factors. Although the synagogue was loved by the community, it couldn’t remain in its current condition.

Demolition was initially discussed in 2020 and Congregation Adath Israel applied for a grant to help with abatement and demolition in 2021-22 but did not receive the grant. Enough money was raised to remediate the building, but funds were still needed to demolish the building and clear the land.

In summer 2024, Adath Israel commissioned the abatement. Discussions about taking down the building with the area’s residents followed.

Work started in November and demolition of the original Adath Israel building was completed in February 2025. While it was a bittersweet ending, it was necessary for the community to move forward. This would not have been possible without the community rallying together.

The congregation of Adath Israel would like to recognize and thank the following individuals, companies and The Town of Newtown for working together to raze the original building and clear the land: The Salley Family, Keith Kling — Kling Brothers Builders LLC, The Newman Family, Timothy Currier, Richard DeJulio, The Williams Family, Ennio Dinino-All Services LLC, Tommy Paloian-Value Waste Services, Chris Giglio-Giglio Landscaping, TJ Sweeney-Advanced Tree Removal, Bradford G Deicke-Brad’s Odd Jobs, Ben Timme-BDL Environmental, Martino Services, and The Town of Newtown.

Community has been the underpinning of the birth and growth of Congregation Adath Israel, and community has made possible the safe removal of the building where the Jewish community had its start in Newtown.

The original building’s history will live on through photos and stories on the website and on display at the current Adath Israel location.

For additional information about the synagogue, membership or the history of Congregation Adath Israel, visit www.congadathisrael.org.