Temple Beth David shines brightly in Amenia

AMENIA — Temple Beth David has a long and rich history in the town of Amenia. Founded in 1929, it has stood as a simple, beautiful synagogue just east of the business district. Some are surprised to learn that Amenia has a temple, even more are surprised to learn that it sprang up from a Jewish agricultural settlement in neighboring Ellsworth, Conn., from where many Jewish residents traveled to Amenia for schooling and religious services.“It was built by farmers; the cornerstone was laid on May 14, 1929, and there were a couple of hundred people present who raised $240 right then and there,” said temple Treasurer Sherry Frankel. “Those funds were to build the temple for local farmers, who, after having private services in each other’s homes, wanted to build a temple. There’s a full history.”That history, which includes families still connected to the area like the Paleys, the Sapersteins and the Shoifets, can be found on the temple’s website, www.CongBethDavid.org; it can also be learned by talking to many of the congregants who attend the temple today. That includes a lot of new members who, Frankel said, are stoking the flames of interest in Beth David.“There’s a new core group, a very exciting core group of members who have caught the spirit of rejuvenating, restoring and embellishing — so we have started on a campaign to do that,” Frankel said. “There are also some older members who feel very strongly about restoring the building.”The building was designated a historic landmark by New York state a number of years ago. Improvements are being made with those historical details in mind.“It’s a little jewel, with its stained-glass windows, it’s quite charming,” Frankel said. “There’s work to be done, and we’ve already started. It’s a very exciting time. Amenia is booming — there’s Silo Ridge and it’s a good time for us and it’s needed. Everybody is catching the spirit.”The temple, which is small but full of character, has already had a full inspection. The interior balcony, which at one time was used by Orthodox Jewish women who had to sit separately from the Orthodox men, is to be restored. Last year funds were raised for a new boiler and water heater. In the spring the front and hall access will be redone (and made handicap accessible) as will the rear entrance to the community room. Funding for renovations will come both from private donors and from grants.“We’re not looking to modernize it; we only want to restore it,” said Frankel of the work. “We want to keep what the founders built. It’s a jewel of a shul — small but precious.”This is the temple’s 85th anniversary, and in addition to improving the physical traits of the building, Beth David is also seeking to improve and expand its programming. Already there are services with meals and discussion to follow, adult bar and bat mitzvahs, high holiday services, a Hanukkah concert, lectures and movie nights.Currently there are about 50 members; the temple will accept up to 100.“It’s growing, and membership is on the upswing right now,” said Frankel, “so that’s nice.”During the winter the pace at Beth David slows down; services start regularly again in March. They’re led by Rabbi Jon Haddon, whom Frankel described as a “wonderful man” who welcomes people of all religions.“It’s so special the rabbi is extremely approachable and very warm and endearing and he makes you feel so comfortable that you always come away from his services with something,” she said. “I’ve been a member of other synagogues and never felt this way, in part because it’s such a small and intimate temple.”Frankel added that it’s critical to keep the temple active and its mission alive at this time, in today’s chaotic world.“I feel now more than ever we must keep the light burning in every synagogue worldwide,” she said with feeling. “It’s such a blessing. It’s brought something special to our lives and it’s beautiful.”For more information on Congregation Beth David, call 845-373-8264 or go to www.CongBethDavid.org.