The following was submitted from John Timm, 78 Orchard Street in Cos Cob
In the “Factual Allegations” section of the Greenwich Reform Synagogue (GRS) lawsuit against the Zoning Board of Appeals it states:
37. “As a result of the lack of a place of worship, members of the Congregation have left it and others will not join because there is no proper spiritual home. In the two years that the Congregation as been homeless, 37 families have left the congregation.”
38. “Most significantly, the lack of adequate facilities for educating the young and
celebrating important life events for children such as Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, baby-naming
ceremonies, weddings, and various consecrations has reduced membership.”
39. “In the absence of a synagogue, potential members are inhibited in contacting the Congregation and joining in the normal life of a Jewish congregation.”
Greenwich Reform Synagogue was founded in 1976 and held their religious services
and celebrations in various rented facilities until GRS purchased 257 Stanwich Rd on July 13, 1992 from the Bridgeport Dioceses for $2.5 Million Dollars and converted the
gymnasium into a 312 seat sanctuary. This was the only synagogue GRS has had.
“…others will not join because there is no proper spiritual home.”…”In the absence of a synagogue, potential members are inhibited in contacting the Congregation…” but didn’t
GRS build up their congregation over a 16 year period without a synagogue to the point where they were able to afford and purchase 257 Stanwich Rd.
…, 37 families have left the congregation.”… “…has reduced membership.” Could it be that those who left were against purchasing 92 Orchard St because possibly it was the wrong thing to do and could the subsequent litigation caused others to leave.
If you would like a copy of the GRS Lawsuit send an email to [email protected]. Request either a .pdf file or a word file and I will reply with a copy.
John Timm
78 Orchard St
Cos Cob, CT 06807