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Our History

We began in 1986 with a handful of families who had a hope and dream.  While there was some talk in the community of wanting to begin a Conservative shul, the real serious conversations began after many of these same families returned from an inspirational UJA mission to Israel.  With the help of Lewis and Isabel Sperber (Moskowitz), the dream became a reality shortly after the High Holidays.in the Fall 1986.

At that time, Leo Nevas, who was known for his strong commitment to Jewish life, generously gave the struggling congregation rent free office space for one year on Bay Street, above Baskin Robbins, across from the Post Office.

On March 6, 1987, the congregation held its first service.  Friday evening Kabbalat services were held twice a month for a while before moving to Saturday morning services as well.  As a gesture of good will and kinship, Rabbi Orkand of Temple Israel loaned its new neighbor a Torah scroll that would move back and forth between the two synagogues for years.

In a short time, the space on Bay Street (aka B’nei Baskin Robbins) was too small.  Despite some expansion within this office complex, the need for a more formal synagogue space became apparent.  In the early 1990’s, the need for a permanent home became even more pressing, as the congregation’s children moved closer to their B’nei Mitzvah.  After facing several disappointments and opposition with building sites in town, the congregation set out to find another site.   Within weeks, the property on Hillspoint Road was discovered.  By September 1995, the town approved the permit to build, and within months, the Synagogue and the Hillspoint Neighborhood Association signed an agreement.  The outcome was successful and plans to construct a 21,000 square foot building were in the works.

By our Bar Mitzvah year in 2000, the Conservative Synagogue had grown to more than 400 member families who shared a commitment to each other, our children, and the community at large.  Under the leadership of Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, Cantor Laura Berman, and a devoted Executive Board and Board of Directors, we continue to grow.  We boast an outstanding preschool and religious school, as well as vibrant USY and Kadima youth groups.  We have a dedicated office staff and a committed, enthusiastic group of congregant-volunteers who bring programs to life, keeping the synagogue alive with creativity and excitement.  We continue to build our synagogue’s leadership from a pool of talented and dedicated members.

We recognize all who have contributed so generously to build our beautiful building and those who continue to enhance our facility and diverse programs. As The Conservative Synagogue matures, we remain a congregation with hopes, dreams and plans for the future.  Visions for expansion to accommodate the synagogue’s growing activities – from generation to generation – are always on the minds of our lay leaders.