United Brothers Synagogue to celebrate two anniversaries

Gloria Brody and William Crausman

This spring marks two anniversaries in the history of United Brothers Synagogue. Not only will the Bristol landmark be celebrating the 115th anniversary of its original founding (1900), but it will mark the 40th anniversary of its “re-founding.” In the mid-1960s, the number of members had dwindled to the point that the location at 205 High St. was no longer used for religious services. The building, however, was not sold and, thanks to the care of the Leviten family, it was never allowed to fall into disrepair. In February of 1975, after a decade of inactivity, a determined group of nine Bristolians met to explore the possibility of revitalizing the synagogue. Present were Alton and Gloria Brody, Nancy Hillman, William Hillman, Eleanor Radin, Lena and David Leviten, Maynard Shusman and Steven Roth.

Alton Brody, Gloria Brody and Nancy Hillman spearheaded the campaign and one month later a larger organizational meeting was held which drew about 30 people from surrounding towns. In addition to the original planners, Mr. and Mrs. William Crausman,  Arline and Maynard Suzman, Dotty and James Awerman, Fran and Eugene Katzen, Marilyn and Ronald Hantoot, Mickey and Steve Roth and Lois and George Graboys spent hours getting the beautiful old building ready for its first service. St. Mary’s and St. Michael’s helped, donating paint and wood paneling for renovations. St. Matthew’s, an Episcopal church in Jamestown, donated a pipe organ.

On April 4, 1975, the first service in almost 10 years was held at 205 High St., led by Cantor Crausman. That first year the synagogue was host to guest speakers, starting in May 1975 with the new Attorney General of Rhode Island Julius Michaelson. Others who participated were Dr. Joshua Stein, Dan Asher, Adam Farkas, Norman Tilles and Robert Reisman. It was a busy year for UBS. In October 1975, the congregation held a celebrity auction with Providence Mayor Vincent Cianci as the guest auctioneer. November saw a joint interfaith service with St. Mary’s. Cantor Crausman led the service, and he was joined by the St. Mary’s Cathedral chorus with Father William O’Connell as guest speaker.

Now, 40 years later, United Brothers will hold a service on May 1, celebrating the wonderful people who worked so hard to bring the congregation back to life. The congregation is fortunate to have Gloria Brody in attendance for this special occasion, and hopes that the word will spread to others. Those who either remember that era or who are descended from those who made this possible are welcome to join the congregation at United Brothers Synagogue on May 1 at 7:30 p.m. for a memorable service and coffee hour to follow.