Synagogue Controversy

LITCHFIELD, Conn. -- Plans for a synagogue in Litchfield include a star of David -- the center of controversy in the town.

The building, which has been a sporting goods store and an antique shop, is close to the center of town and within the historic district.

When Chabad Lubavich presented plans to convert the building they bought on West Street, the historic commission told the rabbi that the star of David and other details might not fit the architectural character of the district.

"They felt the star of David, a steeple with a Hebrew alphabet clock, Jerusalem stone did not fall into the historic district," Chabad Lubavich Rabbi Joseph Eisenbach said.

He added, "We're not coming in and saying, 'Hey, we just want to set up a house of worship, and we're going to make it look like a modern day Fifth Avenue synagogue.' No, we spent a year and tens and tens of thousands of dollars to go ahead and make this building look such a beautiful mix into the town."

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Dan Kain reported religious symbols are not unfamiliar in the district. The Methodist Church two doors down the street is a case in point.

"Actually if you take a look at The Methodist Church, it has a stained glass star of David, it's just turned to the left a little," Eisenbach said. "So, if we just put it on our place and turn it to the right, we say we want the same thing as The Methodist Church."

Elizabeth Jones, the minister at The Methodist Church, made the same point, saying her congregation supports the rabbi in his efforts.

"It came up as a prayer concern on Sunday morning with our people saying, 'This doesn't sound right.' I had planned to write a letter to the rabbi and the historical society being supportive of their efforts," she said.

"For me, it was quite the shock, but like everything in life, I think with some more education and communication, it will be just a beautiful synagogue on Church Row," Eisenbach said.

The rabbi had nothing but good things to say about the welcome they have received from the town, and the work the commission does.

A public hearing on the plans for the synagogue will be held later this month.