Hist
ric Hartfrd Synaggues
An active communal life has always sprung up wherever Jews have settled. Some organizations, such as Sisterhoods or Brotherhoods, are synagogue-based and provide social opportunities, while also supporting their individual congregations in various ways. Youth groups are also important and offer activities and programs designed to inspire a strong connection to the Jewish people. Moreover, synagogues historically have served as a central place for the celebration of High Holidays and life cycle events, such as weddings and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.
Sports
It was shortly after the turn of the century that young Jewish athletes began to exert an impressive impact on American sports. These were the children of immigrant parents who had never witnessed any games or sports in their native Poland or Russia, or even in this country, because they were too busy earning a living. These youngsters immediately took to competitive athletics; many excelled in high school sports and went on to play on college varsity teams.
While organized sports programs for the Jewish community were more likely to find sponsorship through other cultural or educational institutions, such as through the Jewish Community Center (JCC) or the local public schools, some synagogues did provide the opportunity for adult members and youths to participate competitively in recreational sports leagues.
Beth Sholom basketball team, c. 1960's
Agudas Achim basketball team, 1961
